Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Kendall Gankema

Kendall Gankema

Lake Forest

Summary

Resourceful Executive Assistant with a strong background in supporting C-suite leaders, streamlining operations, and ensuring seamless daily workflows. Skilled in managing complex calendars, coordinating with investors, organizing high-level events, and handling confidential communications. Adept at problem-solving, multitasking, and anticipating needs to provide proactive support. Recognized for professionalism, discretion, and the ability to balance competing priorities with efficiency and attention to detail.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Front of House Manager

Scratch Bakery and Cafe
08.2023 - 09.2025
  • Delivered excellent customer service; managed staff schedules, RTO/PTO, training, performance reviews, hiring, and firing.
  • Collaborated with the catering manager and the general manager.
  • Directed front of house operations to deliver positive guest experiences through friendly service and attention to guest needs.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
  • Supervise customer-facing and back-of-house cleanliness standards, handle inventory, and manage all ordering for back-of-house, front-of-house, and deli. Both perishables and non-perishables.
  • Promote sales with a thorough knowledge of the menu and services. Key role in customer retention and the overall reputation of the bakery, while creating a positive environment.
  • Ensured compliance with health department regulations regarding sanitation and safety standards.

Executive Assistant

Teen Challenge
01.2018 - 10.2020
  • High-level administrative, organizational, logistical support. Including directly supporting the Director, orchestrating all types of communication, managing calendars, coordinating meetings, preparing reports, and correspondence.
  • Acted as the primary contact for visitors, as well as employees, with any and all administrative support.
  • Served as the point person for all corporate events, supported fundraising and donor relations, and managed all communications regarding upcoming conferences and social gatherings. Worked directly with board members and benefactors.
  • Maintained confidential records and files related to executive operations.

Sales Team Lead

GCI Solar
02.2017 - 11.2017
  • Company Overview: (Out of Business)
  • Promoted to Sales and Service Department after 3 months in Customer Service
  • Managed a Sales Representative Team of 9, communicating and closing sales across Southern California
  • (Out of Business)

Executive Assistant

B3 Fit Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2017
  • Supported the owners by managing administrative tasks, served as the dedicated resource for the owners, providing day-to-day assistance, including booking appointments, communicating with Countrywide Trainers and staff, ensuring payments and deposits were completed, handling all client communication, coordinating with investors, and managing and prioritizing emails and inquiries.
  • Managed complex calendars for internal and external team members. Oversaw a team of over 12 'master trainers' nationwide.
  • Served as the point person for organizing all events, communicating upcoming conferences and social gatherings with all trainers and clients. Coordinate all aspects of events, including negotiating payment. Assisted in event budget planning, working to stay in line with spending expectations.
  • Compile and proofread materials, agendas, reports, and documents for the owners.
  • Managed and executed various projects concurrently, within budget and the allocated time frame.
  • Conducted research as necessary and worked closely with our social media strategist to ensure the owners' decisions were properly integrated.

Sales Manager

Staples
02.2008 - 12.2014
  • Build, manage, and develop an outstanding sales and service team comprised of 35-40 personnel, provide coaching and mentorship, conduct performance evaluations, and establish inclusive work cultures.
  • Spearheaded new initiatives to exceed the 2% goal to increase ROV, which resulted in an increase of 12% ROV over 2 years.
  • Communicate with diverse customers and businesses, build rapport and long-term relationships, and achieve success in test programs targeting small businesses.
  • Improved Customer Satisfaction Survey from, average 92%, to repeated 100% CSAT
  • Managed, oversaw dynamic project teams and Associates to Test and Launch new Company Roll Outs
  • Delegated and Managed Time while overseeing Day to Day Store Activities; Opening, Closing, Scheduling, Managed Budget while balancing the Profit and Loss Margins

Education

Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T) - Business Administration

Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
06.2008

Skills

  • Detail orientation
  • Organizational skills
  • Communication proficiency
  • Delegation
  • Team collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Decision making
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Project management
  • Multi-tasking
  • Sales strategy
  • Perceptive thinking
  • Intuitive reasoning
  • Professionalism
  • Schedule management
  • Microsoft Office suite
  • Customer relationship management

Affiliations

  • Volunteer at the Ashland Home for Women on a weekly basis. Contribute to Special Events and Fundraising coordination Annually

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Front of House Manager

Scratch Bakery and Cafe
08.2023 - 09.2025

Executive Assistant

Teen Challenge
01.2018 - 10.2020

Sales Team Lead

GCI Solar
02.2017 - 11.2017

Executive Assistant

B3 Fit Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2017

Sales Manager

Staples
02.2008 - 12.2014

Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T) - Business Administration

Orange Coast College

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Kendall Gankema