Tara Givens
Conroe
Summary
I have a versatile professional background across various industries. Examples: Animal care/services, customer service, cleaning/janitorial, professional organization and food/beverage. I would like to stay in the animal service industry but open to most positions. My goal is to find a professional 'home' where my contributions have a lasting impact and where I can evolve with the team's needs over the coming years. I'm diligent, reliable, self-governing and team-oriented. I collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient clinic operations and superior animal care. I'm dedicated to providing exceptional client experiences by resolving issues with empathy and efficiency. I do what I need to, to keep clients happy and coming back.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Groomer's Assistant
Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center
Conroe
03.2018 - 01.2026
- Assisted veterinarians in preparing animals for grooming procedures.
- Bathed and dried pets using appropriate grooming tools and techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness of the grooming area and equipment to ensure hygiene standards.
- Performed routine technical hygiene procedures, including safe nail trimming, ear plucking, and anal gland expression.
- Monitored pets' behavior during grooming sessions for safety and comfort.
- Provided excellent customer service by communicating with pet owners about grooming needs.
- Supported senior groomers by learning advanced grooming styles and techniques.
- Fed and watered animals in care, following special diets and regular medication administration schedules.
- Cleaned and sanitized equipment and surfaces to protect animal and staff health.
- Organized appointment schedules for grooming services to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Maintained clean and orderly play yards, kennels and cages.
- Emptied litter boxes, refilled with fresh litter and cleaned animal bedding.
- Assessed animals for injury and illness.
- Delivered excellent service to pet owners to drive repeat business.
- Handled basic record-keeping for pet grooming services and client information management.
Bartender/Server
Sams Boat Lake Conroe
Montgomery
04.2011 - 02.2018
- Prepared and served a variety of cocktails and beverages to customers.
- Managed bar inventory and ensured stock levels met customer demand.
- Provided excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Trained new staff on bartending techniques and customer interaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar area at all times.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service for customers.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and efficiently during busy shifts.
- Engaged with guests to create a welcoming atmosphere at the bar.
- Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently with POS system.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Managed bar area, cocktail design and menu and handled inventory, regulation compliance, and customer relationships.
- Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
- Cleaned up spills and broken glassware and safely disposed of sharp pieces.
- Described drink flavors and taste profiles to customers to help with ordering decisions.
- Communicated with security staff to de-escalate customer conflicts and remove customers if necessary.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
Executive Housekeeper & Spatial Consultant
Helping Hands LLC
Montgomery
08.2005 - 04.2013
- Developed cleaning schedules based on facility requirements and guest needs.
- Inspected rooms and common areas for cleanliness and maintenance issues.
- Coordinated supply inventory and ordered cleaning products as needed.
- Assisted in budget management for housekeeping supplies and equipment.
- Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned areas.
- Employed deep-cleaning techniques for areas in need of additional sanitation.
- Washed and polished glass windows and doors to keep entryways clear and professional.
- Cleaned customer laundry according to care instructions for specific garments and articles of clothing.
- Cleaned rugs and upholstery using vacuums and fabric shampoo when necessary.
- Maintained clean floors throughout property by sweeping, scrubbing and waxing.
- Sanitized and cleaned sinks, mirrors, toilets and showers.
- Managed prop storage areas, including cleaning and organizing them regularly.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Bartender Shift Manager
Chofas Bar and Grill
Conroe
09.2007 - 01.2011
- Supervised bar staff to ensure efficient service and compliance with standards.
- Managed inventory levels and ordered supplies to maintain optimal stock.
- Developed drink recipes and trained staff on preparation techniques.
- Handled customer complaints promptly to enhance their experience.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of the bar area during shifts.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate food and beverage service.
- Implemented safety protocols to maintain a secure environment for patrons.
- Scheduled shifts for bar staff to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Monitored daily checklists and side worksheets to keep other bar staff members on task.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant laws regarding sale and serving of alcohol beverages.
- Monitored bar inventory levels, ordered supplies, and maintained cleanliness of all glassware.
- Supervised cleanliness of guest service areas before, during and after service.
- Encouraged team collaboration among staff members to maximize efficiency during peak periods.
- Assessed employee performance regularly through observation and feedback sessions.
- Enforced health codes and safety regulations in compliance with state laws.
- Resolved conflicts between employees in an efficient manner in order to maintain smooth operations at the bar.
- Applied creative strategies to drive up profits through increased sales volume or cost savings initiatives.
- Conducted weekly meetings with staff members in order to discuss upcoming events and promotions.
- Collected and organized daily till totals and tips.
- Checked identification of guests to verify age requirements for alcohol purchase.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Introduced bar staff to precision pouring and waste reduction tactics to lower liquor costs.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Assisted staff by serving food and beverages or bussing tables.
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
Skills
- Grooming techniques
- Pet behavior assessment
- Health monitoring
- Equipment sanitation
Timeline
Groomer's Assistant
Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center
03.2018 - 01.2026
Bartender/Server
Sams Boat Lake Conroe
04.2011 - 02.2018
Bartender Shift Manager
Chofas Bar and Grill
09.2007 - 01.2011
Executive Housekeeper & Spatial Consultant
Helping Hands LLC
08.2005 - 04.2013