I love to be outdoors specifically hiking, camping, climbing, riding bikes and pretty much anything that is an excuse to be outside I play guitar religiously and have been since i was 14, I enjoy older music and artists ranging from all genres but my particular favorite is 70's psychedelic blues and 70's folk I enjoy working on cars and motorcycles when I can because i really enjoy the problem solving and the feeling after once you fixed the issue I really love doing anything where I'm working with my hands and fixing things I love cooking daily I really love to read, specifically history and sci-fi I absolutely love animals more than anything, I currently have a cat and a ball python and just recently my 11 year old bearded dragon passed away I also do enjoy boxing which i've done recreationally on and off since I was 5
Michael Bowen
Ojai
Summary
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with exceptional time management and problem-solving abilities. Recognized for reliability and adaptability in dynamic environments. Quick learner committed to fostering a positive atmosphere, regardless of challenges faced. Demonstrates resilience in overcoming obstacles while maintaining focus on achieving optimal results under pressure. Every task is approached with respect and a commitment to the highest standards of excellence.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Astrophotography Tech
Howlin Coyote Remote Observatories
Pie Town, NM
12.2024 - 12.2025
- At HCRO I learned a lot about high end Astrophotography and all the high end equipment that is used. I was in charge of keeping the observatories clean as can be, making sure all telescopes are working properly and assistant the individual customers by phone or in person when they needed it. I also assisted in building the observatories where I learned how to drive tractors and fork lifts as well as learning how to do basic electrical work and general construction. It was an extremely unique opportunity but it was so isolated out there so I decided to move back to CA. also the hours were way beyond normal 40-48 hour work weeks and some days id be working til 4 in the morning and coming back at 9 am. I was working closer to 60 hours weekly on average so I have no problem working any hours any day of the week.
Produce Assistant Manager
Gelson's Markets
Thousand Oaks, CA
11.2019 - 12.2024
- I was promoted to work the produce department when Covid first started, after about 1 year I was promoted to the Assistant Manager. I felt very comfortable in the role of a leader as well as the extra workload and was soon to be promoted to manager until I was offered a really unique opportunity at another job in New Mexico. I left Gelson's on really good terms. I would go back but i'm hoping to work closer to home as it was taking two hours out of my day just driving.
Gourmet Chef/Deli Clerk
Gelson's Markets
Thousand Oaks, CA
05.2018 - 06.2022
- I started working as a Deli Clerk and quickly worked my way up to Gourmet Chef. In my one year I’ve learned every aspect of that department, Wolfgang puck, Salad Bar, Hot Foods chef, dishwashing and currently Gourmet Chef. I had also been solely responsible for placing the supply orders for just over 8 months. I worked 6 days a week almost every single week.
Receiver/stocker
Lowe's
Ventura, CA
04.2017 - 05.2018
- I worked on the unload crew. My duties were to successfully unload trucks up to 2,000 pieces with a 4 man crew and then stock all of what came off the truck in the same night. My hours there were 6pm to 4am. I got my forklift certification and I’m also skilled on Order Pickers. I had good times doing this job but the hours were rough and conflicted with my playing live music so that's when I applied at Gelson's.
Meat Cutter/ Seafood Clerk
Westridge family markets
Ojai, CA
01.2015 - 03.2017
- I started out working in the deli and moved my way to meat cutter within 5 months. As a meat cutter I gained knowledge on almost all the most well known cuts of meat ranging from pork,chicken,beef, and seafood. I was also responsible for making sausage and preparing the seafood case at 4 am for my last 6 months there. I placed all orders for seafood. Customer service was also a huge part of my work.
Busser/Server
Sea fresh
Ojai, CA
05.2014 - 03.2015
- I was responsible for cleaning tables, making sure all customers needs were met, prepping food and keeping a clean work environment.
Boxing Instructor/ gym front desk
Put Em Up Boxing
Ojai, CA
01.2014 - 03.2015
- At PutEmUp Boxing I was responsible for opening that gym in the AM, running the front desk for 4 hours every morning, keep the gym sanitized, teaching the children's class, teaching the women’s class, and working 1 on 1 with individuals. I was only 15 years old and not a typical job but was my first step towards earning a little of my own income and learning the responsibilities that came along with working.
Education
General - High school or equivalent
Chapparal
Ojai, CASkills
- Food handling
- Sanitation
- Communication skills
- Record keeping
- Customer service
- Stocking
- Merchandising
- Meal preparation
- Time management
- Typing
- Kitchen experience
- Food Service
- Hospitality
- Assistant Manager Experience
- Food safety
- Produce Experience
- Heavy lifting
- Culinary experience
- Meat Cutting
- Power Tools and Equipment
- Multitasking and organization
- Works Well Under Pressure
- Electrical repair
- Critical thinking
- Computer proficiency
Interests
Certification
- Fork lift driver Present
- Food Handler Certification May 2019 to Present I don’t remember the exact month but I got it for when I was working as a Gourmet Chef at Gelsons.
- Driver's License
Languages
English
Timeline
Astrophotography Tech
Howlin Coyote Remote Observatories
12.2024 - 12.2025
Produce Assistant Manager
Gelson's Markets
11.2019 - 12.2024
Gourmet Chef/Deli Clerk
Gelson's Markets
05.2018 - 06.2022
Receiver/stocker
Lowe's
04.2017 - 05.2018
Meat Cutter/ Seafood Clerk
Westridge family markets
01.2015 - 03.2017
Busser/Server
Sea fresh
05.2014 - 03.2015
Boxing Instructor/ gym front desk
Put Em Up Boxing
01.2014 - 03.2015
General - High school or equivalent
Chapparal