Michael Cole
Mesa,AZ
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience as an Executive Assistant at Creations and Cuisine, excelling in menu development and vendor relations. Proven ability to lead teams, enhance food safety protocols, and deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring client satisfaction while maintaining cost controls and high-quality standards. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant
Creations and cuisine
Phoenix, Arizona
11.2022 - 01.2023
- Delegated tasks and supervised kitchen staff to optimize food preparation, presentation and safety.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations while preparing meals for catered events.
- Adjusted recipes as necessary based on customer feedback from previous catering engagements.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Maintained accurate records related to food purchases and expenses associated with each catering event.
- Developed catering menus to exceed client expectations yet meet tight budgets.
Chef Owner.
Artistic Touch catering LLC
Mesa, Arizona
03.2014 - 09.2022
- Built and managed relationships with local vendors to obtain fresh, quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Scheduled staff shifts based on event needs and established cost controls for labor costs.
- Inspected kitchen equipment regularly for cleanliness and functionality.
- Adapted recipes to accommodate guests with allergies or dietary restrictions while still providing a delicious meal experience.
Production Chef
Special moments catering and events
Tempe, AZ
08.2009 - 12.2015
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Checked food portioning for optimal presentation and cost control.
- Determined schedules and staff requirements necessary to prepare and plate food.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations regarding food storage and handling practices.
- Utilized culinary techniques such as sautéing, grilling, roasting, baking, poaching, and blanching.
- Rotated food stock, using up older items first and rejecting expired goods.
- Created diverse cuisines for full restaurant, special event, catering and tasting menus.
- Adhered to food cost targets while maintaining consistent product quality.
- Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
Education
GED -
Penn Foster College
Scottsdale, AZ02-2023
Associate of Science - Vocational Education With A Focus On Culinary Arts
Springfield Technical High School.
Springfield, MA.04-1977
Participated in Courses in Electronics Academic Sk
Connecticut Community College Prep Program
Hartford Conn.03-1977
Skills
- Culinary techniques
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Customer service
- Menu development
- Vendor relations
- Conflict management
- Presentation development
- Resourceful
- Strategic planning
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Staff training
- Team leadership
- Quality control
Affiliations
- community volunteer senior veterans comma purple Heart thrift store period
Timeline
Executive Assistant
Creations and cuisine
11.2022 - 01.2023
Chef Owner.
Artistic Touch catering LLC
03.2014 - 09.2022
Production Chef
Special moments catering and events
08.2009 - 12.2015
GED -
Penn Foster College
Associate of Science - Vocational Education With A Focus On Culinary Arts
Springfield Technical High School.
Participated in Courses in Electronics Academic Sk
Connecticut Community College Prep Program