Michelle Cook
LaFayette,GA
Summary
Operations and management leader with extensive experience directing personnel, inventory systems,
production logistics, and regulatory compliance in high-accountability environments. Proven ability to
lead multidisciplinary teams, manage resources efficiently, enforce standards, and execute
time-sensitive operations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Tasting Room Manager
The Georgia Winery
08.2023 - Current
- Optimized daily operations for a workforce of 20 in production and inventory.
- Mentored staff on effective service techniques to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed scheduling and financial oversight to improve operational efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with regulations on alcohol consumption and sales practices.
- Reduced waste through effective inventory control measures and accurate stock tracking.
- Coordinated tasting room operations with other departments to align business strategies.
Banquet Captain
Ruth's Chris
07.2023 - 08.2025
- Enhanced overall efficiency by streamlining interdepartmental communication for banquet operations.
- Fostered teamwork in groups of 5-10 among banquet staff through effective leadership and support practices.
- Trained staff on service efficiency and engaging guest interactions to improve performance.
- Reduced labor costs by managing staff scheduling and optimizing team efficiency.
Head Winemaker
CloudTree Vineyard
12.2022 - 05.2023
- Led production operations, harvest logistics, quality assurance, and staff supervision.
- Coordinated logistics for efficient transportation of harvested grapes from vineyards to production facilities while minimizing spoilage risk during transit.
- Supervised vineyard operations, ensuring optimal grape quality and harvest timing with properly manned workforce of 10-15 volunteers/employees
- Established relationships with suppliers for sustainable sourcing of vineyard resources.
Vintner & Orchard Manager
McCloudland Orchards
07.2018 - 01.2023
- Resolved conflicts by actively listening and finding common ground among staff of 3-5 employees while managing multiple language barriers
- Cultivated continuous improvement through performance evaluations and constructive feedback.
- Motivated employees to enhance productivity and engagement in daily tasks.
Assistant Winemaker
CloudTree Vineyard
04.2021 - 12.2022
- Enhanced vineyard sustainability through innovative practices and refined winemaking processes.
- Established compliance with regulations via diligent record-keeping and industry updates, reduced inconsistencies and "waste" by 25% in first year
- Boosted staff expertise in winemaking through regular training and development sessions.
Design and Sales Associate
USVINYL Manufacturing
10.2015 - 08.2017
- Mentored junior staff on product knowledge and effective sales techniques.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Led team meetings of 5-10 employees focused on sales techniques and product features, boosting overall team performance.
Education
Master of Professional Studies - Business Management
The Culinary Institute Of America
Hyde Park, NY08.2025
Winemaking Certificate - Viticulture And Enology
University of California Davis
Davis, CA12.2024
Bachelor of Business Management - Business Management, Sociology
University of British Columbia
Kelowna, British Columbia05.2017
Associate of Arts - Sociology And Anthropology
Chattanooga State Tech
Chattanooga, TN06.2013
Skills
- Leadership
- Logistics
- Inventory Management
- Compliance Oversight
- Workforce Management
- Operational Planning
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Tasting Room Manager
The Georgia Winery
08.2023 - Current
Banquet Captain
Ruth's Chris
07.2023 - 08.2025
Head Winemaker
CloudTree Vineyard
12.2022 - 05.2023
Assistant Winemaker
CloudTree Vineyard
04.2021 - 12.2022
Vintner & Orchard Manager
McCloudland Orchards
07.2018 - 01.2023
Design and Sales Associate
USVINYL Manufacturing
10.2015 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Business Management - Business Management, Sociology
University of British Columbia
Associate of Arts - Sociology And Anthropology
Chattanooga State Tech
Master of Professional Studies - Business Management
The Culinary Institute Of America
Winemaking Certificate - Viticulture And Enology
University of California Davis