Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Brandon Kalani Otsuka

North Hills,CA

Summary

My name is Brandon Otsuka. I have worked at Whole Foods Market for the last 13 years. Currently, I am the Meat Team Leader at the Thousand Oaks store. I desire to continue growing in the company and strive to better myself on a daily basis. My main objective is to provide our customers with exceptional service, offering them the highest quality products every day, while maintaining a functional, safe, and clean department with a strong emphasis of food safety. My other objective, which is equally important, is to be compliant with all of the metrics we are responsible for within our day to day operations. During my time at Whole Foods Market, I have been able to develop, motivate and mentor several Team Members in a manner that builds the business and sustains a high performing team with a high retention rate. My goal is to always uphold regional and store programs and standards. I have been a part of 4 New Store Openings, 2 of which I was selected as a part of the Leadership Group and 2 of which I was asked by Regional Leadership to help as support. As a Team Leader, I have a heightened focus on performance metrics, quality standards, margin/shrink, customer service, and team building. Operational excellence is always something that I strive for. I continue to encourage the team to grow on a daily basis. I believe my skills and experience will make me a viable candidate for the ASTL position.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Mentor

Whole Foods Market
Thousand Oaks, CA
10.2023 - Current
  • Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
  • Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
  • Served as role model for mentee by demonstrating strong values and ethical standards.
  • Guided mentee in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
  • Monitored mentee performance consistently, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting mentorship approaches accordingly.
  • Assisted mentee in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth.

Meat Team Leader

Whole Food Market
Thousand Oaks, CA
02.2022 - Current
  • References: Christian Gonzalez, STL, (818) 450-7956

Solomon Constanza, STL, (West LA), (818) 915-9179

Matthew Abraham, STL, (Malibu), (818) 264-8348

  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service
  • Implemented safety protocols to minimize workplace accidents and adhere to industry regulations.
  • Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks, ensuring efficient operation and avoiding costly repairs.
  • Maintained cleanliness standards within the meat department, adhering to health codes and sanitation guidelines.
  • Established a positive work environment by fostering open communication among team members and promoting teamwork.
  • Developed team members'' skills through hands-on training and constructive feedback, improving overall performance.
  • Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
  • Developed a culture of Food Safety to set as the expectation and the operational standard.

Meat Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
Porter Ranch, California
06.2021 - 01.2022
  • Reference: Kevin Helfend, STL, (310) 500-5582
  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service
  • Consistently met or exceeded department sales targets through strong merchandising efforts and exceptional customer service.
  • Contributed to positive customer experiences by promptly addressing inquiries or concerns regarding products or services.
  • Ensured freshness of products on display by regularly checking expiration dates and discarding expired items accordingly.
  • Set up visually appealing meat displays that showcased variety and enticed customers to make purchases.
  • Balanced operational demands with compliance requirements by maintaining Food Safety expectations.

Meat Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
Newport Beach, California
01.2021 - 06.2021
  • Reference: Ashley Kettle, STL, (818) 854-2592
  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service
  • Consistently met or exceeded department sales targets through strong merchandising efforts and exceptional customer service.
  • Ensured freshness of products on display by regularly checking expiration dates and discarding expired items accordingly.
  • Performed regular equipment maintenance checks to prevent malfunctions during peak business hours.
  • Maintained a clean and hygienic work environment, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines and procedures.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of daily tasks.

Meat & Seafood Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
Huntington Beach, California
08.2020 - 01.2021
  • New Store Opening
  • Reference: Jared Dabney, ASTL, (818) 445-4575
  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly through feedback sessions which led to improved job satisfaction and overall team success.
  • Implemented employee training programs that emphasized teamwork, product knowledge, sales techniques, and time management skills.
  • Promoted a positive work environment that encouraged staff to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and support one another in achieving individual and collective goals.
  • Addressed customer issues promptly to foster loyalty while upholding company reputation for excellent service.
  • Conducted regular inventory checks for accurate stock levels and timely replenishment of supplies.

Meat & Seafood Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
Palm Desert, California
06.2018 - 08.2020
  • Reference: Rich Kalafut, STL, (818)288-4294
  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly through feedback sessions which led to improved job satisfaction and overall team success.
  • Implemented employee training programs that emphasized teamwork, product knowledge, sales techniques, and time management skills.
  • Conducted regular inventory checks for accurate stock levels and timely replenishment of supplies.
  • Promoted a positive work environment that encouraged staff to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and support one another in achieving individual and collective goals.
  • Boosted sales revenue with creative merchandising strategies that highlighted seasonal offerings and promoted weekly specials.
  • Led a motivated team focused on delivering outstanding customer service in a fast-paced retail environment.

Seafood Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
Palm Desert, California
08.2014 - 06.2018
  • New Store Opening
  • Reference: Casey Coyle, Store Team Leader, (818)915-9066
  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service
  • Trained new employees in proper seafood handling techniques, safety procedures, and company policies, ensuring a consistent level of service across the team.
  • Addressed customer issues promptly to foster loyalty while upholding company reputation for excellent service.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflow processes and task delegation.
  • Boosted sales revenue with creative merchandising strategies that highlighted seasonal offerings and promoted weekly specials.
  • Streamlined communication between departments to facilitate smoother operations within the store overall.
  • Implemented employee training programs that emphasized teamwork, product knowledge, sales techniques, and time management skills.
  • Managed daily operations including opening/closing procedures, staff scheduling, order processing, merchandising updates as necessary.

Meat & Seafood Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
Westwood, California
08.2013 - 08.2014
  • Reference: Casey Coyle, Store Team Leader, (818)915-9066
  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service
  • Collaborated with other departments on cross-promotional efforts that showcased the versatility of seafood offerings in various meal options.
  • Ensured food safety by adhering to proper storage, handling, and preparation guidelines for all seafood items.
  • Enhanced teamwork and collaboration by participating in store-wide meetings, trainings, and initiatives focused on improving overall operations.

Seafood Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
Valencia, California
07.2012 - 08.2013
  • Reference: Chris Tasevski, STL
  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Performance Metrics / Food Safety / Team Member Development / Order Writing / Scheduling / Customer Service

Seafood Team Member

Whole Foods Market
Woodland Hills, California
10.2011 - 07.2012
  • References: Phil Cano, STL (Santa Moninca), (818) 335-0747

Matt Abraham, STL (Malibu), (818)264-8348

  • Maintaining the Highest Retail Standards / Food Safety / Customer Service

Education

Business / Communication

CSU Northridge
Northridge, California
01.2004

Architecture

Woodbury University
Burbank, California
01.2001

Skills

  • Operational Excellence
  • Metric Driven
  • Food Safety
  • Team Building
  • Customer Service
  • Scheduling
  • Task delegation
  • Team Member development
  • Effective leadership
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Organization
  • Culinary expertise

Accomplishments

  • Store Process Certification
  • Successful Mentor

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Mentor

Whole Foods Market
10.2023 - Current

Meat Team Leader

Whole Food Market
02.2022 - Current

Meat Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
06.2021 - 01.2022

Meat Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
01.2021 - 06.2021

Meat & Seafood Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
08.2020 - 01.2021

Meat & Seafood Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
06.2018 - 08.2020

Seafood Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
08.2014 - 06.2018

Meat & Seafood Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
08.2013 - 08.2014

Seafood Associate Team Leader

Whole Foods Market
07.2012 - 08.2013

Seafood Team Member

Whole Foods Market
10.2011 - 07.2012

Business / Communication

CSU Northridge

Architecture

Woodbury University
Brandon Kalani Otsuka