Branden Azucena
Valley Village
Summary
Dynamic self-starter and quick learner with a versatile skill set honed in high-traffic environments, delivering exceptional customer service and strong written and verbal communication abilities. Recognized as an innovative problem solver, consistently finding effective solutions to challenges. Proven ability to work efficiently and collaboratively within a team, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high standards of quality. Committed to driving results and enhancing team performance through proactive engagement and adaptability.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Barista Lead
Porto’s Bakery
01.2024 - Current
- Barista Lead is arguably the most demanding job at Porto’s Bakery as it requires excellent customer service combined with being able to work in a high paced environment. Making an assortment of drinks ranging from Lattes, Cappuccinos, hot chocolate, matcha, brewed coffee, smoothies, and specialty homemade drinks such as lemonades iced teas and many others being added requires a lot of adaptability to learn recipes and make drinks correctly. All of Porto’s drinks are homemade with ingredients provided so it’s key to have attention to detail when curating drinks from scratch to ensure excellent customer service. With the high volume of Portos Bakery making drinks in a timely manner is crucial so the ability to focus within a chaotic environment is necessary. As a lead it requires leadership to make sure all tasks get done throughout the day and that your team is on task to make the shift as smooth as possible. Tasks like restocking the bar with all supplies necessary, washing and sanitizing fruits used for drinks, refilling washing and sanitizing dirty pitchers to refill with specified drinks. Making bar cleanliness a strict task. Depending on schedule it's a must to always be ready to close or open. This entails knowing how to deep clean the bar after a closing shift. For opening it requires knowing how to make sure everything is in place and refilled ready to open for the new day.
Senior Sales Associate
Porto’s Bakery
01.2023
- Consistently following the established 'Five Steps to Excellent Service' (Look at me, Smile at me, Talk to me, Listen to me, Thank me). Requires in-depth product and price knowledge and must be able to answer all guest questions with accuracy. Collect product items that customers request. This may be from the showcase or from the back area. Properly box and bag purchased items. Ability to work in a fast paced environment, completing customer orders in an accurate and timely fashion. Have excellent communication and active listening skills. Giving full attention to what the customer is saying, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Consistently meeting all established time goals. Providing excellent customer service. Be self motivated and demonstrate initiative. Be a team-player, assisting coworkers whenever needed.
Cashier/Door Greeter
Porto’s Bakery
01.2021 - 01.2022
- As a greeter and cashier customer service plays an important role in providing a memorable guest experience. This means continuously interacting with guests and co-workers with a positive and upbeat attitude as they enter the company building. Answering guest questions accurately and directing them to the correct department. Creating a memorable guest experience by ensuring packaging, food presentation, and quality are of the highest standards. Able to handle cash and card transactions efficiently and quickly using the Poynt System at the register.Report to work on time and as scheduled. Ability to work in a fast-paced,high-volume environment, meeting guest needs in a safe, accurate, and timely manner. Ability to multitask and provide excellent guest service at all times. Have in-depth menu knowledge and answer all guest questions with accuracy and tact. Have strong communication and attention to detail. Be self-motivated and have a willingness to learn and grow.
Steward
Porto's Bakery And Cafe
12.2021 - 02.2022
- The Dishwasher and Maintenance team is responsible for washing and sanitizing all food service equipment along with maintaining the cleanliness of the bakery. Experience in properly washing, cleaning, and sanitizing food service. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, and ability to multitask. Experience working GRAVEYARD SHIFTS and flexibility to work additional hours to meet company needs.
Education
High School Diploma - Honors
North Hollywood Senior High
North Hollywood, CASkills
- Great Communicator
- Good Leadership
- Hands-On
- Quick-Learner
- Product knowledge
- Management
Timeline
Barista Lead
Porto’s Bakery
01.2024 - Current
Senior Sales Associate
Porto’s Bakery
01.2023
Steward
Porto's Bakery And Cafe
12.2021 - 02.2022
Cashier/Door Greeter
Porto’s Bakery
01.2021 - 01.2022
High School Diploma - Honors
North Hollywood Senior High