Insurance Broker/Agent
Matthew Suess
Suess Insurance Agency, Inc.
Santa Cruz
25
years of professional experience
I have been an Insurance Broker for over 20 years working at our family agency in Capitola. Working for a family-owned business has taught me the value of customer relationships and the belief that insurance is so much more than a commodity. It is a vital part of protecting one's business and family, and I stress this to my clients and those prospective ones. You can't base your insurance decisions based on price alone. You need to trust the agent to be honest and knowledgeable, and I know my clients count on me to guide them in making their insurance decisions. I am in constant contact with my clients to make sure their insurance keeps up with their needs. I also do enrollment meetings, send out monthly emails, send out renewals to clients with time for us to review all of their options.
Work History
Insurance Broker/Agent
24 Years 10 Months- Advised clients on coverage options for auto, home, life, and commercial insurance policies.
- Evaluated client risks and recommended coverage adjustments to address changing needs.
- Prepared policy applications, renewals, and documentation with accuracy and compliance.
- Resolved claims questions and service issues by coordinating with underwriters and adjusters.
- Developed long-term client relationships through responsive account management and trusted guidance.
- Reviewed policy details to identify gaps, exclusions, and opportunities for improved protection.
- Retained client accounts by delivering consistent follow-up and clear insurance solutions.
- Provided exceptional customer service by responding quickly to inquiries, resolving issues, and anticipating client needs.
- Educated clients on various insurance products, enabling informed decisions regarding their coverage options.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of insurance regulations, staying up-to-date on changes that could impact clients or business operations.
- Developed strong relationships with insurance carriers, allowing for more efficient claim resolution processes.
- Generated referral business from satisfied customers who shared positive experiences with friends and colleagues.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized insurance solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Calculated quotes and educated potential clients on insurance options.
- Participated in ongoing professional development, staying current with insurance best practices and emerging industry trends.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by delivering timely and accurate policy updates and renewal information.
- Organized regular check-ins with clients to review coverage limits and ensure adequate protection as their life circumstances changed.
- Expanded the company's client base through effective networking and relationship-building strategies.
Lead Line Cook
1 Year 3 Months- Assisted with catering events, showcasing the restaurant's culinary expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction.
- Handled portion control activities according to specified instructions provided by chef.
- Mentored new hires on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure seamless integration into the team.
- Participated in weekly meetings with kitchen staff to discuss operational improvements, menu changes, and employee performance evaluations.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
- Communicated with management on food inventory stock to request order placement.
- Monitored food temperatures to meet quality and safety standards.
- Operated grills, fryers and ovens to cook food items.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, utensils and equipment.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Followed company recipes and production standards to satisfy customers.
- Packaged, arranged and labeled ingredient stock, storing at established temperatures.
- Used kitchen equipment safely and reduced risk of injuries and burns.
- Trained kitchen staff on station setup, prep standards, and safe knife handling.
Lead Line Cook
1 Year 7 Months- Upheld strict adherence to food safety regulations by regularly sanitizing workstations and monitoring cooking temperatures for optimal results.
- Enhanced menu offerings by creating innovative, seasonal dishes that attracted new customers and increased overall satisfaction.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Received and stored food supplies, raw materials and other ingredients.
Lead Line Cook
3 Years 3 Months- Supervised line execution, maintaining consistent timing and quality across high-volume service.
- Monitored ingredient levels, rotating stock and reducing waste through accurate prep planning.
- Enforced food safety and sanitation standards throughout cooking and storage areas.
- Prepared proteins, sauces, and accompaniments to match house recipes and plating standards.
- Coordinated expediting to keep communication clear between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
- Reviewed prep lists and production needs to support efficient daily kitchen operations.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Cultivated a positive working atmosphere among kitchen staff, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of teamwork.
- Trained junior cooks on proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and kitchen etiquette, promoting a positive work environment.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Maintained high-quality food standards by ensuring consistent execution of recipes and presentation techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Developed strong teamwork skills by collaborating with other line cooks to maintain a smooth workflow during busy shifts.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Unloaded food supplies from distributor trucks to efficiently organize inventory.
- Ensured timely delivery of meals by managing line cook schedules and delegating tasks effectively during peak service hours.
- Assisted executive chef in menu planning by researching current culinary trends and suggesting unique flavor combinations.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Collaborated with servers to collect information about specific customer desires and dietary needs.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Education
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Skills
Life and health insurance
Commercial insurance
Policy coverage expert
Quotes and sales
Client retention
Account management
Customer service
Client relations
Cold calling
Relationship development skills
Talented salesperson
Driven
Health insurance
Timeline
Lead Line Cook
Solaire Restaurant + Bar
10.2012 - 01.2014Read More
Lead Line Cook
Stonehouse Bar and Grille
02.2011 - 09.2012Read More
Lead Line Cook
Tanglewood & LB Steak
09.2008 - 12.2011Read More
Insurance Broker/Agent
Suess Insurance Agency, Inc.
01.2002 - CurrentRead More
Cabrillo College
Associate of Arts from Liberal Arts And Sciences
Read More