Melissa Ellene Sinclair
Iowa City,IA
Summary
Over 15 years of customer service experience with expertise in freelance gardening, trades, and art. Proven track record in recruitment, training, and staff development, enhancing productivity and revenue through effective sales team management. Served as General Manager of a successful restaurant, consistently exceeding performance goals and fostering client loyalty. Strong skills in problem-solving, leadership, and communication, complemented by certifications in food handling and dementia care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Supervisor/ Shift Leader
Grand Living
Coralville, USA
01.2024 - Current
- Responsible for enhancing the overall dining experience for residents, families & guests
- Certification in training for The Sterling Touch ; Grand Living’s standard of professional, friendly, courteous, helpful and timely manner, resulting in a high level of satisfaction
- Manage daily activities ensuring an efficient work environment
- Supervise staff and assist with management needs
- Certification for Alzheimers & Dementia care
- Trained and mentored culinary staff on food safety protocols.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations and food preparation processes.
Manager
Sutliff Cidery & Farm
Lisbon, USA
01.2021 - Current
- Administer daily operations to ensure staff adhere to and understand policies
- Schedule and promote live events
- Manage correspondence from guests through email & social media
- Cultivate strong business relationships with customers to drive business development
- Oversaw daily operations of cidery and farm activities.
- Developed training programs to enhance employee skills and performance.
- Coordinated marketing efforts to promote cider products and farm events.
- Led quality control initiatives to maintain product standards and compliance.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
Free Lance Gardner
Self-owned & Operated
01.2020 - Current
- 10 plus years of experience
- Garden design, planting, and maintenance of flower gardens
- Maintain routine schedules with base clients to improve garden health & aesthetics
- Cultivate strong business relationships with customers to drive business development through referrals and online platforms
- Active April-November based on availability (approximately 8-10 hours per week)
Manager
Maggie’s Farm Pizza
Iowa City, USA
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Established prevention measures & guidance for the safe return to indoor dining operations during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Designed a new cocktail program & trained staff on execution
- Developed new training procedures, cleaning procedures & employee guidance manuals
Front of House Manager, Bartender
Farina Alto
Albuquerque, USA
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Performed banking and administrative duties for all three restaurants owned by the Keene family, key holder
- Met with wine representatives weekly to develop wine list to complement seasonal menu items
- Assisted in developing prix-fixe menus for special wine pairing dinners
Lead Bartender & Waiter
Spoonriver
Minneapolis, USA
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Lead bartending executing cocktails during high volume sales centered around pre-show service for the Guthrie Theatre
- Shift manager & closer
- Key holder and a committed reliable employee
Personal Assistant
HPN Global
Iowa City, USA
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Scheduled and updated business meetings to enhance organizational efficiency.
- Organized corporate packages for clients, improving service delivery.
- Provided assistance at board meetings for Ronald McDonald House, contributing to strategic discussions.
General Manager
The Motley Cow Cafe
Iowa City, USA
01.2010 - 12.2016
- Responsible for staffing, scheduling, payroll, bookkeeping, cash drawer reconciliation
- Managed social media presence across multiple channels
- Designed seasonal updates for in-house menus in print and digital formats
- Managed correspondence with new and existing clientele for in-house events and catering
- Planned and executed special events with other local businesses
- Designed and produced signature cocktails, curated wine & beer selections, managed all ordering & inventory
- Met with food & beverages representatives to cultivate seasonal inspired menus
- Curation of exhibits & events by local artists
Front desk receptionist
Buzz Salon
Iowa City, USA
01.2010 - 12.2015
- Product knowledge & sales in luxury haircare products & cosmetics
- Personal assistant to salon owner & stylists
- Managed appointment schedules using salon software for efficient client flow.
- Greeted clients warmly, creating a welcoming environment at the salon.
Education
Associates degree - Business Management
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA01.2001
Graduated with honors -
George Washington High School
01.1998
Skills
- Food safety practices
- Staff training
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Creative thinking
- Time management abilities
- Menu planning
- Training and development
- Quality control processes
- Event organization
- Client relationship management
References
Available upon Request
Press And Recognition
- Featured in Little Village February 2014 edition for cocktail design
- Featured bartender in Bread & Butter, Iowa City Area Food & Beverage Guide 2016
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Culinary Supervisor/ Shift Leader
Grand Living
01.2024 - Current
Manager
Sutliff Cidery & Farm
01.2021 - Current
Free Lance Gardner
Self-owned & Operated
01.2020 - Current
Manager
Maggie’s Farm Pizza
01.2019 - 01.2020
Front of House Manager, Bartender
Farina Alto
01.2017 - 12.2017
Lead Bartender & Waiter
Spoonriver
01.2016 - 12.2016
Personal Assistant
HPN Global
01.2015 - 12.2016
General Manager
The Motley Cow Cafe
01.2010 - 12.2016
Front desk receptionist
Buzz Salon
01.2010 - 12.2015
Associates degree - Business Management
Kirkwood Community College
Graduated with honors -
George Washington High School
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