Results-driven management professional specializing in culinary operations and team leadership. Expertise in overseeing complex catering events, ensuring food safety compliance, and enhancing guest experiences through effective communication and innovative presentation. Focused on driving organizational growth by fostering team collaboration and maintaining high standards in service quality.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Chef
Oakland University
Rochester, MI
08.2018 - Current
Executed cold food preparation and plating for entire campus, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.
Review BEO’s (Banquet event orders) on an hourly and daily basis to create a plan to ensure on time delivery of cold and hot food.
Coordinated individual plating for lunch and dinner banquet events, managing 100-1500 plates per event while meeting critical timing for optimal food temperature and presentation.
Oversaw 3-5 employees to comply with all work and safety procedures.
Prepared a variety of cold dishes, including salads and appetizers.
Assisted in training new kitchen staff on pantry protocols.
Ensured proper food storage and safety practices were followed.
Created innovative garnishes and presentations for plated dishes, enhancing visual appeal and dining experience.
Worked closely with chefs during busy periods to ensure orders were fulfilled quickly.
Chef- part owner
Flight of Fancy Restaurant
Waterford , MI
07.2024 - 04.2025
Directed daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth service flow.
Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients consistently.
Trained and mentored kitchen staff in food preparation techniques.
Implemented food safety protocols to maintain a clean kitchen environment.
Managed inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure availability of supplies.
Oversaw staff scheduling to optimize kitchen productivity during peak hours.
Established relationships with local vendors for fresh produce and specialty items.
Developed menus and recipes for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and specialty items.
Manager
Shark Tank Restaurant (separate entity of club)
05.2019 - 06.2024
Managed operations and supervised employee performance, leading to improved team effectiveness
Managed inventory levels to ensure product availability
Oversaw daily activities of 6-8 employees, ensuring optimal operational efficiency
Coordinated club and catering events, enhancing guest experiences through meticulous planning
Collaborated with chefs to develop menu options
Implemented sanitation standards to comply with health regulations consistently.
Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service delivery during peak hours.
Monitored kitchen equipment for maintenance needs and arranged repairs promptly.
Oversaw daily kitchen operations, including meal preparation and cooking methods.
Cook
Birmingham Athletic Club
Bloomfield, MI
10.2018 - 06.2024
Ensured cleanliness and organization in kitchen and food preparation areas to support efficient operations.
Coordinated with team members to deliver timely meal service during peak hours, enhancing guest satisfaction.
Assisted with plating dishes for banquet events, contributing to presentation quality and overall dining experience.
Manage sauté and carving stations
Prepared diverse menu items for members and guests at the athletic club.
Catering position
Ideal Bites Catering
Farmington, MI
09.2015 - 08.2018
Prepared food across all kitchen areas, including salads, sauces, sautéing, baking, and special dishes from the catering manager.
Enhanced client experience by creatively plating dishes for special occasions.
Coordinated daily food deliveries to multiple clients, ensuring timely service and quality presentation.
Executed off-site catering services for special events, including bartending, food preparation, and setup at client locations.
Cafeteria Supervisor
Woodland Elementary
Troy, MI
09.2011 - 06.2014
Trained new employees and assisted in preparing breakfast and lunch for children K – 5.
Ran POS System
Followed strict OHSHA and FDA Guidelines for food preparation.
Mountain Construction
Troy, MI
03.2006 - 01.2010
Responsible for managing employees with regard to human resource and payroll.
Ensure all lines of customer communication are always open and positive.
Responsible for overseeing entire accounting cycle with regards to all business payables and receivable.
Quality Assurance Manager
MollerTech LLC
Shelby Twp, MI
02.1998 - 11.2001
Implementation of QS9000/ISO registration
Develop training procedures and programs for all departments of the organization using a top down approach.
Working closely to the human resource department to implement new and revised training programs.
Supervised 9 quality inspectors; three shifts.
Main customer contact for all aspects of quality.
Hiring and firing of all quality personnel.
Ensured adherence to OSHA regulations and MSDS standards.
Developed the safety and the MSDS procedures/manual and ensured they were implemented.
Quality Assurance Manager
SPI LLC
Shelby Twp, MI
01.1996 - 11.2001
Implemented QS9000/ISO standards across two facilities to enhance quality assurance processes.
Managed quality assurance functions to maintain compliance and uphold standards.
Leader for new and existing business.
Followed all OSHA guidelines and implemented safety procedures.
Served as primary contact for customer quality concerns, facilitating effective resolution and communication.
Oversaw a team of 10 quality inspectors to ensure standards were met.
Quality Assurance Manager
Advanced Auto Trends
Oxford, MI
04.1990 - 02.1996
Directed team of 9 quality inspectors to maintain consistent quality assurance.
Oversaw quality processes to ensure compliance with standards.
Acted as primary contact for customers, resolving inquiries and concerns effectively.
Education
Associates Degree - Applied Science of Culinary Arts
The Art Institute of Michigan
Novi, MI
01-2016
Bachelor of Science -
Baker College
Auburn Hills, MI
01-2001
Associates Degree - Computer Programming
Davenport University
Warren, MI
01-1999
Skills
Management experience
Inventory management
Menu development
Culinary operations
Adapts under pressure
Customer service
Multitasking
Time management
Program implementation
Staff training
Team leadership
Effective communication
Kitchen organization
Plating and presentation
Cooking methods
Allergy awareness
Safety regulations
ServSafe Certified
Professional Interest
To obtain a challenging and rewarding position in management and/or operations where I am able to utilize my skills, abilities and managerial experience to continually enhance the growth and future of an organization.
Timeline
Chef- part owner
Flight of Fancy Restaurant
07.2024 - 04.2025
Manager
Shark Tank Restaurant (separate entity of club)
05.2019 - 06.2024
Cook
Birmingham Athletic Club
10.2018 - 06.2024
Catering Chef
Oakland University
08.2018 - Current
Catering position
Ideal Bites Catering
09.2015 - 08.2018
Cafeteria Supervisor
Woodland Elementary
09.2011 - 06.2014
Mountain Construction
03.2006 - 01.2010
Quality Assurance Manager
MollerTech LLC
02.1998 - 11.2001
Quality Assurance Manager
SPI LLC
01.1996 - 11.2001
Quality Assurance Manager
Advanced Auto Trends
04.1990 - 02.1996
Associates Degree - Applied Science of Culinary Arts