Michael Cruz
Norwalk,CA
Summary
Experienced worker prepared for role in paint preparation. Skilled in surface preparation, sanding, and masking with strong focus on quality and efficiency. Reliable team player adaptable to changing needs and committed to achieving results. Known for attention to detail, strong work ethic, and effective communication.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Main Grill Cook
Cava Grill
08.2025 - Current
- Operated grill station efficiently during peak hours to ensure timely meal preparation.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace to meet health standards.
- Learned various cooking techniques and recipes to enhance culinary skills and menu offerings.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes for improved kitchen workflow.
- Monitored food quality and presentation standards to ensure consistency with restaurant guidelines.
- Participated in daily inventory checks to track ingredient usage and minimize waste.
- Adapted quickly to changing orders and special requests, ensuring customer satisfaction at all times.
- Knowledgeable of budgeting, kitchen expenditures and food control practices to minimize daily overall food waste.
Assistant General Manager
Buffalo Wild Wings
10.2018 - 06.2025
- Led team in achieving operational excellence through effective staff training and development.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty programs.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving supply chain efficiency.
- Coordinated staff scheduling to optimize labor costs while maintaining service quality standards.
- Monitored financial performance, identifying trends and recommending actionable improvements.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, enhancing communication across departments for better service delivery.
- Analyzed sales data to drive promotional initiatives that boosted revenue growth during peak seasons.
- Oversaw compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe dining experience for customers and staff.
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Collaborated with the General Manager on marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain proper stock levels and minimize spoilage or waste.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for optimal profitability.
- Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee performance and retention.
- Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new employees to build a skilled workforce committed to excellence in service delivery.
Paint Prepper/Automotive Paint Technician
Beach Collision
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Prepared surfaces for painting by sanding, masking, and cleaning to ensure optimal paint adhesion.
- Operated various paint preparation tools including sprayers and sanders, maintaining equipment functionality.
- Collaborated with painters to understand project requirements and streamline workflow processes.
- Conducted quality checks on prepared surfaces, identifying defects before paint application commenced.
- Implemented safety protocols during preparation tasks to minimize hazards and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated with inventory management to maintain adequate levels of supplies necessary for paint preparation tasks.
- Contributed to team success by collaborating with painters and other preppers in the completion of projects.
- Removed grease, dirt and rust from surfaces of vehicles prior to painting.
- Backed up refinish technicians by applying paint and touching up errors.
- Helped painters blend paint to match specifications.
Paint Prepper
European Collision Center
2017 - 2018
- Prepared surfaces for painting by sanding, cleaning, and masking to ensure optimal adhesion.
- Operated spray equipment to apply primers and topcoats uniformly across diverse vehicle types.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow and improve paint preparation efficiency.
- Maintained a safe working environment by following all safety protocols and wearing appropriate protective gear.
- Maximized paint adhesion by properly sanding and smoothing surfaces before application.
- Demonstrated attention to detail while inspecting surfaces for flaws or defects prior to painting processes.
Education
Collision Repair
Lincoln College of Technology
Denver, CO01-2016
High School Diploma -
John Glenn HS
Norwalk, CA05-2014
Skills
- Grill station operation
- Meal preparation efficiency
- Kitchen cleanliness standards
- Culinary technique adaptation
- Inventory management
- Cost control practices
- Staff training and development
- Team collaboration skills
- Scheduling optimization
- Surface preparation techniques
- Paint application processes
- Safety protocol adherence
- Equipment maintenance skills
- Paint preparation
- Surface preparation
- Spray painting
- Quality control
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Safety awareness
- Paint mixing
- Respirator use
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Main Grill Cook
Cava Grill
08.2025 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Buffalo Wild Wings
10.2018 - 06.2025
Paint Prepper/Automotive Paint Technician
Beach Collision
05.2018 - 01.2019
Paint Prepper
European Collision Center
2017 - 2018
Collision Repair
Lincoln College of Technology
High School Diploma -
John Glenn HS