Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tonja Ricks

Rocky Mount,NC

Summary

Dynamic small business owner with a proven track record at Ricks Faith Cleaning Services, excelling in relationship building and strategic planning. Successfully increased customer satisfaction through effective marketing and team oversight, fostering a collaborative environment. Skilled in relationships building and decision-making, driving growth and operational effectiveness in a competitive market. I have planned and led many youth events. Just to name a few Easter Egg Hunt, led weekly bible studies, youth church, training youth to lead Sunday youth services, youth trips, youth fundraisers such as cake sales and car wash. I’ve written monthly newsletters for the youth ministry. Back to school drive, Back to school

Bash, collect non perishables and take it to the homeless shelter around Thanksgiving, Fall festival, Trunk or treat, Angel Tree. I’ve also worked in church summer camp as Lead Assistant. I created and maintained Ebenezer Youth Ministry Facebook and Team Built Ebenezer Church website.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner

Ricks Faith Cleaning Services
04.2017 - Current

Ricks Faith Cleaning Services is a cleaning and janitorial services company. We clean residential and commercial properties. We are a faith based company as this vision was given and sustained by God in the time of struggle. Bringing love and light wherever we go with our quality services.

“CLEANING YOU CAN TRUST”


  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
  • Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Cook

Andy’s Cheesesteaks and Cheeseburgers
04.2005 - 08.2006
  • 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.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
  • Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
  • 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.
  • Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
  • Mentored junior cooks in refining culinary skills through hands-on guidance.

Youth Leader/Director

Ebenezer Baptist Church
02.2014 - 09.2023
  • Served as a positive role model for young individuals, demonstrating responsible decision-making skills and ethical behavior.
  • Collaborated with other Youth Leaders to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
  • Encouraged youth to explore talents and interests, and assisted in developing individualized plans to foster personal growth.
  • Developed rapport with young participants, providing support and guidance in their personal challenges.
  • Mentored young individuals, emphasizing the importance of goal-setting and selfimprovement.
  • Enhanced youth engagement by incorporating interactive games and team-building activities.
  • Facilitated discussions between youth and adults to bridge generational gaps and foster understanding.
  • Coached, instructed and supervised participating youths through collaborative efforts with like-minded, creative, and poised team members.
  • Maintained good relationships with parents through regular communication and active participation in planned activities.
  • Mentored and coached youth in developing communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Coordinated and led weekly youth meetings, facilitating conversations and activities to promote team building and leadership development.
  • Participated in regular meetings with leadership team to discuss strategies, challenges and successes.
  • Assisted youth in recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and guided development of personal and professional goals.
  • Empowered young people by offering them opportunities to lead group discussions or present on topics they were passionate about.
  • Facilitated open communication among group members, promoting healthy conflict resolution techniques when needed.
  • Organized group activities and outings for youth and led weekly Bible study meetings.
  • Organized successful fundraising events, securing resources for youth programs.
  • Delivered engaging presentations on topics relevant to adolescent development and leadership skills.
  • Provided guidance and support to youth in developing positive self-image and thriving personal relationships.
  • Organized and facilitated youth retreats and workshops to promote personal growth and self-awareness.
  • Engaged youth by following, implementing, and assisting in creating lesson plans.
  • Provided emotional support for struggling youths, including one-on-one mentoring sessions where appropriate.
  • Established strong relationships with community organizations to expand outreach efforts for program enrollment.
  • Recruited new members through targeted outreach efforts such as school visits or social media campaigns.
  • Coordinated volunteer opportunities for participating youths, fostering a sense of community involvement and responsibility.
  • Increased attendance at weekly meetings by implementing creative marketing strategies targeting local youths.
  • Collaborated with youth, parents, teachers and community members to promote youth leadership initiatives and enhance communication.
  • Managed event planning logistics, ensuring successful execution of various youth activities and outings.
  • Cultivated partnerships with other organizations for broader impact, sharing resources and best practices.
  • Fostered safe and inclusive environment, ensuring all participants felt valued and heard.
  • Enhanced team cohesion and morale with regular team-building activities.
  • Organized impactful community service projects, fostering sense of responsibility and contribution among youth.
  • Advocated for youth needs and interests in community forums, raising awareness and driving change.

Deli Clerk

Harris Teeter
01.2017 - 03.2017

Ensured efficient preparation of food items in a busy setting.

  • 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.
  • Improved workflow efficiency by effectively multitasking, prioritizing tasks, and communicating with team members.
  • 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.
  • Responded to telephone inquiries regarding available products and services and helped customers make appropriate choices.
  • 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.
  • Contributed to positive team dynamics through effective communication skills and a collaborative problem-solving approach.
  • Took special orders for event catering and party trays, assisting customers by recommending additional items, condiments, and garnishes.

Janitor

Southeast Service Solutions
08.2016 - 12.2016

Performed janitorial tasks including sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. Cleaning classrooms, restrooms and hallways maintaining a clean environment.

  • Maintained clean and comfortable environments in commercial buildings by vacuuming, cleaning windows, and dusting.
  • Reduced the spread of germs by sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handrails.
  • Kept building spaces premises clean inside and outside.
  • Maintained a positive and professional demeanor while interacting with building occupants, promoting a respectful work environment.
  • Supported waste management efforts by collecting trash, recycling materials, and disposing of them properly.
  • Contributed to a welcoming environment by maintaining clean and organized common areas such as lobbies and conference rooms.
  • Collaborated with other janitorial staff to complete large-scale cleaning projects efficiently.
  • Maintained floor cleaning and waxing equipment.
  • Followed procedures for use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors.
  • Mixed, used, and properly stored hazardous chemical cleaners to reduce risk of injury or illness.
  • Facilitated smooth communication between janitorial staff and other departments, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.

Server

Waffle House
08.2014 - 11.2016
  • Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote customer health and safety.
  • Maintained cleanliness of working areas to create pleasant and inviting atmospheres for guests.
  • Efficiently balanced multiple tasks, prioritizing responsibilities for optimal performance during busy shifts.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly food service.
  • Maintained clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
  • Managed cash register accurately, ensuring proper handling of transactions and tips.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Restocked supplies during downtime to continue meeting customer demand for products and services.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing several tables at once while maintaining high standards of service quality.
  • Pitched in with cleaning and closing tasks to keep restaurants running smoothly.
  • Communicated with kitchen staff clearly and accurately to deliver meals within desired timeframes.
  • Practiced good time management to deliver customers' prepared orders quickly and accurately.
  • Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
  • Mastered menu knowledge to provide accurate information and helpful suggestions to guests.
  • Contributed positively to team morale through effective communication and cooperation with coworkers.
  • Supported management by completing daily side work tasks such as restocking supplies and cleaning duties.
  • Handled difficult customer situations professionally, resolving issues promptly and ensuring repeat business.
  • Handled special requests from guests to build positive relationships by meeting off-menu customer needs.
  • Successfully maintained an orderly workspace under pressure by clearing tables promptly after diners'' departures.

Cashier/Prep

CiCis Pizza
03.2005 - 04.2005
  • Elevated customer satisfaction through followup and enthusiastic customer service.
  • Addressed dietary restrictions or allergies with care, communicating clearly with kitchen staff to avoid errors in meal preparation.
  • Participated in training and development to stay updated with company policies and procedures and improve customer service skills.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, ensuring welcoming environment for guests.
  • 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.
  • Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
  • Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
  • Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.

Education

Associate Of Arts - Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
06.2024

Skills

  • Event planning
  • Small business operations
  • Relationship building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Strategic planning
  • Marketing
  • Team oversight
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Decision-making
  • Attention to detail
  • Goal setting
  • Purchasing and planning
  • Growth
  • Effectiveness

Certification

Certificate in Theology

Timeline

Owner

Ricks Faith Cleaning Services
04.2017 - Current

Deli Clerk

Harris Teeter
01.2017 - 03.2017

Janitor

Southeast Service Solutions
08.2016 - 12.2016

Server

Waffle House
08.2014 - 11.2016

Youth Leader/Director

Ebenezer Baptist Church
02.2014 - 09.2023

Cook

Andy’s Cheesesteaks and Cheeseburgers
04.2005 - 08.2006

Cashier/Prep

CiCis Pizza
03.2005 - 04.2005

Associate Of Arts - Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix
Tonja Ricks