Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Ryan Blazo

Massapequa,NY

Summary

Proven leader and dedicated professional, leveraging extensive experience from the US Army and culinary roles to excel in fast-paced environments. Skilled in team leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving, with a track record of enhancing team efficiency and achieving high standards of performance. Demonstrates a commitment to excellence, having trained multinational partners and improved kitchen productivity by streamlining processes. Experienced Sargeant Infantryman offering five+ years of experience with United States Army. Solid communication, planning, and problem-solving abilities. Outstanding team collaboration and leadership skills.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Infantryman

US Army
07.2019 - Current
  • Communicated effectively with superiors and subordinates alike, facilitating smooth execution of orders during high-stress situations.
  • Developed soldier skills by providing guidance on marksmanship, physical fitness, and tactical maneuvers.
  • Maintained strict discipline within the ranks enforcing adherence to military standards and regulations.
  • Performed as fire team member during situational training exercises and infantry dismounted battle drills.
  • Trained in use of tear gas, passive ordnance, and explosives.
  • Employed various weapons systems proficiently in both offensive and defensive engagements.
  • Trained over multinational partners, contractors and foreign nationals to develop warfighting and defense capabilities.
  • Participated in humanitarian aid missions, delivering essential supplies to affected populations.
  • Built strong relationships with local communities, fostering trust and cooperation for successful missions.
  • Established defensive positions to protect against enemy forces.
  • Enhanced team survival skills with comprehensive field training exercises.
  • Improved unit cohesion and readiness by conducting regular physical training sessions.
  • Maintained high standards of weapons handling, ensuring safety and preparedness.
  • Reduced risk of casualties by implementing strict adherence to safety protocols during live-fire exercises.
  • Fostered international relations by participating in joint exercises with allied forces.
  • Trained new infantry soldiers on standard operating procedures.
  • Instructed squad members on proper use of weapons and equipment.
  • Conducted safety briefings for squad members prior to missions.
  • Installed, operated and maintained field communications equipment.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by conducting regular training sessions and tactical drills.
  • Adapted quickly to changing conditions on the battlefield, enabling successful completion of assigned tasks under pressure.

Line Cook

Blackstone Steakhouse
09.2018 - 07.2019
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
  • Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
  • Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
  • Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
  • Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on-one sessions.
  • Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
  • Implemented effective waste reduction strategies, minimizing food costs and supporting sustainable practices.
  • Maintained high standards of food safety and hygiene, surpassing health inspection requirements.
  • Collaborated with chef to develop new menu items, leading to increased diner interest and sales.

Line Cook

Jewel Restaurant
09.2017 - 08.2018
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
  • Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
  • Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using various kitchen equipment safely for efficient food preparation.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
  • Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
  • Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
  • Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on-one sessions.
  • Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
  • Maintained high standards of food safety and hygiene, surpassing health inspection requirements.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining clean and organized workstation.
  • Managed kitchen equipment maintenance, preventing unexpected downtime and preserving workflow.
  • Increased repeat customer numbers with consistent high-quality meal preparation.
  • Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
  • Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
  • Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
  • Developed innovative, creative menu items and recipes.

Assistant Sous Chef

Opus Mediterranean Restaurant
10.2017 - 02.2018
  • Strengthened teamwork among kitchen staff by fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and supportiveness.
  • Collaborated with the culinary team on special events, providing exceptional dining experiences for guests.
  • Proactively identified potential bottlenecks in the cooking process, implementing solutions to maintain smooth workflow.
  • Provided outstanding customer service, addressing guest concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Increased efficiency by delegating tasks to appropriate staff members based on their skill sets and workload capacity.
  • Expedited orders efficiently during peak service hours, ensuring prompt delivery of meals to guests.
  • Supported Sous Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring timely meal preparation for guests.
  • Maintained high sanitation standards by regularly cleaning workspaces, equipment, and utensils.
  • Collaborated effectively with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless coordination between all aspects of restaurant operations.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.

Server

The Sterling Caterers
04.2017 - 09.2017
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
  • Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
  • Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
  • Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.

Cashier

Panera Bread
03.2016 - 07.2017
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
  • Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
  • Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
  • Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
  • Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
  • Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
  • Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.
  • Facilitated positive shopping experience, greeted customers warmly upon entry.
  • Managed cash drawer accurately, ensuring all transactions balanced at end of day.
  • Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
  • Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
  • Conducted inventory counts by adding each item in stock and documenting in computer system.

Deli Clerk

Best Market
05.2015 - 03.2016
  • Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
  • Precisely measured, weighed, sliced, and packaged deli products according to customer requests while minimizing waste.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to food safety guidelines and promptly addressing any hazards.
  • Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
  • Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
  • Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
  • Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
  • Provided an enjoyable shopping experience for customers by engaging in friendly conversations while efficiently preparing their orders.
  • Developed strong rapport with customers by offering personalized service, answering questions, and making recommendations based on preferences.
  • Assisted in training new employees on proper deli procedures, ensuring consistent quality across the team.
  • Took special orders for event catering and party trays, assisting customers by recommending additional items, condiments, and garnishes.
  • Delivered exemplary customer service to guests, even in peak business periods to promote retention.
  • Exceeded customer expectations by going above and beyond to accommodate unique requests or last-minute changes to orders.
  • Learned other teammates' work tasks to train as backup.
  • Kept up-to-date with latest food safety regulations, applying new standards to daily operations.
  • Offered samples of new products to customers, directly contributing to higher product visibility and sales.
  • Properly labeled and stored food and fresh ingredients in cooler or freezer to optimize freshness.
  • Prepared salads, soups and sandwiches for customers.

Cook

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
08.2014 - 05.2015
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
  • Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
  • Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure timely meal preparation, even during peak hours.

Pantry Cook

Ruby Tuesday
03.2014 - 08.2014
  • Ensured timely preparation of all pantry items, allowing for efficient plating during peak service hours.
  • Sustained a well-organized workspace enabling efficient multitasking while maintaining high quality standards.
  • Prepared a variety of cold appetizers, salads, and desserts according to established recipes and guest preferences.
  • Supported kitchen staff during high-volume service periods, contributing to team success and customer satisfaction.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, adhering to strict food safety guidelines.
  • Cleaned and sanitized pantry station at end of shift.
  • Worked closely with other members of the kitchen team on cross-functional tasks such as sauce making and garnishing.
  • Adhered to state and local health and safety regulations for food handling and sanitation.
  • Prepared salads, appetizers, and desserts for restaurant guests.
  • Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.

Grill Cook

Chipolte
12.2013 - 03.2014
  • Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
  • Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
  • Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
  • Stored and handled goods correctly to maintain freshness and condition.
  • Maintained grill equipment, resulting in fewer operational disruptions.
  • Enhanced dining experience by maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in grill area.

Crew

Burger King
08.2012 - 11.2013
  • Worked front counter, drive-thru and other areas.
  • Took orders, prepared meals, and collected payments.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, handling multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or efficiency.
  • Worked well with teammates and accepted coaching from management team.

Education

No Degree - Culinary Arts Restaurant Management

Suffolk County Community College
Riverhead, NY

Skills

    Team Leadership

    Assessing risks

    Teamwork and Loyalty

    First Aid Proficiency

    Maintaining equipment

    Briefing leadership

    Training expertise

    Identifying hazards

    Squad Movement

    Troop Development

    Fireteam Coordination

    Radio Communications

    Physical Fitness

    Automatic Weapons

    Report Writing

    Vehicle Maintenance

    Small Arms Weaponry

    Marksmanship Expertise

    Training leadership

    Anti-armor Weaponry

    Warrior Ethos

    Reconnaissance

    Chemical Defense

    Decision-Making

    Soldier training

    Problem-Solving

    Time Management

    Attention to Detail

    Problem-solving abilities

    Multitasking

    Reliability

    Organizational Skills

    Active Listening

    Effective Communication

    Relationship Building

    Firearm Safety

    Team building

    Goal Setting

    Risk Assessment

    Professionalism

    Written Communication

Certification

  • Combat Life Saver Course Training - January 2024
  • Basic Leadership Course Training - August 2023

Timeline

Infantryman

US Army
07.2019 - Current

Line Cook

Blackstone Steakhouse
09.2018 - 07.2019

Assistant Sous Chef

Opus Mediterranean Restaurant
10.2017 - 02.2018

Line Cook

Jewel Restaurant
09.2017 - 08.2018

Server

The Sterling Caterers
04.2017 - 09.2017

Cashier

Panera Bread
03.2016 - 07.2017

Deli Clerk

Best Market
05.2015 - 03.2016

Cook

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
08.2014 - 05.2015

Pantry Cook

Ruby Tuesday
03.2014 - 08.2014

Grill Cook

Chipolte
12.2013 - 03.2014

Crew

Burger King
08.2012 - 11.2013

No Degree - Culinary Arts Restaurant Management

Suffolk County Community College
Ryan Blazo