Mari Bolster
Stanwood,WA
Summary
Experienced customer service professional with 20+ years working with the public. Exceptional at multitasking in fast paced, multi-cultural environments. Dedicated and loyal job seeker looking to apply their skills into a new industry.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Owner/Operator
PapaTots
06.2015 - 08.2023
- Ensured compliance with all Mexican regulatory requirements regarding employment practices, and business operations, while implementing US standards of food safety.
- Searched for the right commercial space based on location and price for opening a restaurant.
- Negotiated down the annual increase in rent from 10% to 4% in the leasing contract.
- Sourced venders and distributors to get the highest quality products at a fair price.
- Created the logo, image, and interior design of PapaTots.
- Collaborated with designers to create an appealing website and social media presence.
- Recruited and trained employees in food preparation, timing, and customer service.
- Identified team strengths and weak points and gave incentives or implemented corrective actions when necessary.
- Optimized menu offerings based on research and personal experience leading to increased popularity among tourists and locals alike.
- Cultivated a loyal customer base by consistently delivering a quality product with exceptional customer service.
- Incorporated sustainable practices into daily operations starting with the vegetarian menu.
- Increased restaurant exposure through targeted social media campaigns, special event sponsorships, and promotions.
- Made employee schedules, assigned tasks, and monitored food quality and customer service.
- Managed payroll, daily deposits, inventory, and cost controls.
- Supervised daily restaurant operations, ensuring a smooth dining experience for customers and addressing any issues as they arose.
Front Desk Supervisor
American Hotel
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Greeted customers upon arrival, checked them in, answered any questions, and/or gave recommendations on the Seattle area.
- Entered and updated sensitive customer information during check-ins, room changes, and bookings.
- Utilized reservation software programs proficiently.
- Addressed and resolved guest issues and complaints.
- Fostered healthy communication channels between different departments within the hotel.
- Contacted housekeeping staff and/or maintenance when necessary to solve issues with guest rooms.
- Trained new staff on front desk procedures.
- Maintained a high level of professionalism and exceptional customer service.
- Enforced security measures.
- Oversaw daily cash and credit card transactions, maintaining accurate financial records for the night auditor.
- Attended all staff meetings and brought up any issues with management.
- Created and ran events for guests including pub crawls and holiday parties.
English Teacher
Yeon-il Middle School
02.2010 - 02.2012
- Prepared and implemented comprehensive lesson plans for 6th to 8th graders.
- Assessed student's English level through written and oral exams.
- Learned classroom management and organization.
- Created learning activities that encouraged collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Organized and ran after school English classes and summer/winter English camps.
- Answered questions regarding English grammar and/or US culture from both students and other teachers.
- Researched English grammar and topics.
- Ordered books and movies for the school's English Library.
Server
Santa Fe Café
08.2005 - 01.2010
- Explained menu items and made recommendations based on preferences, allergies, or dietary restrictions.
- Developed strong customer service skills.
- Supported and communicated with other staff members, both in front and back of house, to create an efficient workflow.
- Developed strong multitasking skills.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines set forth by the Washington State Department of Health.
- Resolved customer complaints or concerns professionally.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to improve delivery time.
- Handled cash and credit card transactions accurately.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & International Studies; Europe
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06.2006
Running Start -
Whatcom Community College
Bellingham, WA06.2002
High School Diploma -
Sehome High School
Bellingham, WA06.2002
Skills
- Restaurant Operations
- Schedule Management
- Inventory
- Staff Supervision
- Time Management and Multitasking
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Restaurant Policies and Procedures
- Research and Investigation
- Lesson Planning
- Typing
- Strong Interpersonal Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Recruitment and Training
- Written and Spoken Spanish 70% Fluency
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Restaurant Owner/Operator
PapaTots
06.2015 - 08.2023
Front Desk Supervisor
American Hotel
07.2012 - 07.2014
English Teacher
Yeon-il Middle School
02.2010 - 02.2012
Server
Santa Fe Café
08.2005 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & International Studies; Europe
University of Washington
Running Start -
Whatcom Community College
High School Diploma -
Sehome High School