Thomas Pless
Richmond,TX
Summary
Adept at small business operations and customer relations, I significantly enhanced customer satisfaction through strategic planning and quality service delivery. My experience at El Paseo and Toys R Us showcases my proficiency in operations management and customer retention, achieving efficient workflow and positive outcomes in high-pressure environments. Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in both retail & restaurants with a talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Co Owner/Head Instructor
Self Employed
Richmond, TX & Santa Fe, NM
02.2007 - Current
- Managed day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Collaborated with co-owner on strategic planning initiatives for long-term business success.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality services.
- Oversaw financial management tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow optimization.
Security/Bar Back/Bartender
El Paseo
Santa Fe, NM
05.2003 - 04.2007
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Stock Room Associate, Sales Floor Assoc. , Cashier
Toys R Us
Santa Fe, NM
10.1996 - 04.1999
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changing store needs or priorities, willingly taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support overall operations.
- Operated efficiently under pressure during busy seasons, prioritizing tasks effectively while maintaining a strong commitment to detail-oriented work.
- Maintained accurate inventory records, ensuring timely replenishment of stock and preventing product shortages.
- Checked numbers manually and used hand-held equipment to locate products.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Assisted with inventory receiving process, inspecting incoming deliveries for accuracy, quality control issues, or signs of tampering before entering them into the system.
- Ensured smooth flow of operations with effective communication between the stock room and sales floor teams regarding item availability or potential delays.
- Promoted safe working environment in the stockroom through adherence to safety guidelines such as proper lifting techniques or pallet jack usage.
- Increased customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries regarding out-of-stock items or special orders.
Enlisted Soldier
United States Navy
San Diego, CA
04.1992 - 09.1996
- Collaborated with fellow service members from other branches during joint exercises,
- Secured and protected military property, assets, and personnel.
Cook & Cashier
McDonalds
Santa Fe, NM
07.1990 - 06.1991
- 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.
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe, NM2000
Skills
- Small business operations
- Customer Relations
- Policy and procedure implementation
- Sales Strategies
- Operations Management
- Customer Retention
Timeline
Co Owner/Head Instructor
Self Employed
02.2007 - Current
Security/Bar Back/Bartender
El Paseo
05.2003 - 04.2007
Stock Room Associate, Sales Floor Assoc. , Cashier
Toys R Us
10.1996 - 04.1999
Enlisted Soldier
United States Navy
04.1992 - 09.1996
Cook & Cashier
McDonalds
07.1990 - 06.1991
Santa Fe Community College