Tamika Pollard
Waynesville,MO
Summary
Adept at kitchen management and customer service, I leveraged advanced cooking techniques and sanitation standards at Blackstone Consulting Inc to enhance team efficiency and ensure 100% compliance with health regulations. My ability to mentor and streamline operations showcases my leadership and ingredient knowledge, significantly improving service delivery and operational effectiveness.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead First Cook
Blackstone Consulting Inc
08.2022 - Current
- Optimized work schedules for kitchen staff to ensure adequate coverage during busy service periods.
- Handles paperwork for food items and headcount
- Provided excellent training opportunities for new hires, fostering a positive learning environment that encouraged growth within the team.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.
- Improved overall kitchen efficiency by streamlining workflow and implementing effective time management strategies.
- Demonstrated strong leadership qualities by effectively delegating tasks to maintain a smooth workflow in the kitchen.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety standards, successfully passing health inspections at all times.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Mentored junior cooks, providing guidance on proper cooking techniques and kitchen safety protocols.
- Maintained an impeccably clean workstation at all times, adhering strictly to sanitation guidelines set forth by state regulations and restaurant policies.
Custodial Worker
Fort Sill Lodging
09.1998 - 12.2025
- Kept building spaces premises clean inside and outside.
- Maintained clean and comfortable environments in commercial buildings by vacuuming, cleaning windows, and dusting.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through consistent punctuality, reliability, and professionalism.
- Improved facility cleanliness by performing daily custodial tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
- Reduced cross-contamination risks by adhering to strict sanitization protocols while cleaning restrooms and common areas.
- Assisted in training new hires, sharing knowledge and expertise to help them become effective custodial workers.
- Followed safety protocols and safe use of protective gear to prevent injury to self and others.
Second Cook
E.D.P Enterprises
01.2014 - 08.2022
- Contributed to positive team dynamics by effectively communicating with coworkers and supporting their needs during busy shifts.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, providing guidance on proper cooking techniques and workplace safety protocols.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Assisted in training cooks on how to properly serve food and salads.
- Assisted in training cooks how to gather, wash, cut, season, cook and store food items.
- Assisted in meal planning and supervising cooking to ensure correct methods are applied.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
Cook Helper
E.D.P. Enterprises
01.2006 - 01.2014
- Assisted cook in preparation of food by cutting, chopping and marinating meats, vegetables and garnishes.
- Maintained high standards of sanitation throughout the kitchen area through proper cleaning practices and routine inspections.
- Washed, peeled, cut and seeded fruits and vegetables to prepare for consumption.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
- Assisted in serving food items
Tax Preparer
H&r Block
12.1997 - 02.1998
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive client information, fostering trust and loyalty among clients.
- Analyzed financial records to verify accuracy of tax returns.
- Provided exceptional customer service during peak tax season by remaining calm under pressure and addressing client concerns promptly and professionally.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing accurate and timely tax preparation services.
- Assessed client tax situations to determine best filing options.
- Prepared paperwork for tax departments at local, state, and federal levels.
- Maintained complete records of client tax returns and supporting documentation in secured areas.
- Researched complex tax issues utilizing online resources and professional tax software.
Sales Store Checker
Military Commissary
02.1993 - 02.1997
- Facilitated smooth transactions by handling cash registers efficiently and accurately processing payments.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through prompt assistance and addressing their inquiries.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- 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.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Bagged store items promptly and smoothly
Store Sales Associate
Military Commissary
06.1991 - 03.1993
- 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.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
- Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Responsible for bagging items promptly
- Operation of a forklift
Education
High School Diploma -
Osterholz American High School
Osterholz, Germany05-1992
Skills
- Business Management
- Accounting
- Economics
- Advanced Cooking
- Phlebotomy
- Ingredient Knowledge
- Sanitation Standards
- Kitchen Management
- Portion Control
- Customer Service
- Cleaning and organization
Accomplishments
- Employee of the Month for outstanding job performance in May 2024
- Certificate of Achievement for exceptional support and execution of duties as the 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment Dining Facility operator
- Certificate of Appreciation for exceptional service while supporting trainees in the 2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment Dining Hall
Timeline
Lead First Cook
Blackstone Consulting Inc
08.2022 - Current
Second Cook
E.D.P Enterprises
01.2014 - 08.2022
Cook Helper
E.D.P. Enterprises
01.2006 - 01.2014
Custodial Worker
Fort Sill Lodging
09.1998 - 12.2025
Tax Preparer
H&r Block
12.1997 - 02.1998
Sales Store Checker
Military Commissary
02.1993 - 02.1997
Store Sales Associate
Military Commissary
06.1991 - 03.1993
High School Diploma -
Osterholz American High School
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