Michelle Neff
Davis
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record at California Student Aid Commission, excelling in customer service and team leadership. Skilled in problem resolution and kitchen organization, I significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Demonstrated ability to lead with a positive attitude, fostering team collaboration and achieving notable improvements in service delivery.
Customer service professional with proven ability to handle inquiries, resolve issues, and ensure positive client experiences. Skilled in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Strong team collaborator focused on achieving targets and maintaining high standards. Reliable and flexible, ready to meet changing needs and deliver results.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Service Associate
California Student Aid Comission
11.2022 - 09.2023
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resulting in satisfactory outcomes and positive feedback.
- Maintained a high level of product knowledge, providing accurate information to customers.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Managed high call volume with exceptional time management skills, minimizing wait times for customers.
Culinary Specialist
Red Lobster
06.2018 - 03.2020
- Increased overall efficiency by cross-training staff in various cooking techniques and station responsibilities.
- Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to promote meal consistency and quality.
- Reduced food waste through efficient inventory management and proper rotation of ingredients.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with health department regulations.
- Conducted inspections of food preparation and dining facilities to verify compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Inspected deliveries for accuracy and safety.
- Took inventory of supplies and maintained accurate stock records to minimize losses and support supply ordering.
Shift Manager
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Handled escalated customer issues effectively, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills while upholding company values and standards.
- Trained new employees on company policies, procedures, and job responsibilities, ensuring seamless integration into the team.
- Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance.
- Improved overall team performance by effectively delegating tasks and providing clear instructions.
- Excelled in every store position and regularly backed up front-line staff.
- Collaborated with other Shift Managers to maintain consistency in policies enforcement across all shifts, fostering a cohesive workplace culture.
- Coached crew members to optimize performance and motivate toward more efficient work.
- Worked closely with team members to schedule breaks and shifts to meet state regulations.
- Promoted a positive work environment through open communication and constructive feedback.
- Monitored inventory levels closely, maintaining optimal stock availability while minimizing waste and costs.
- Handled emergency situations with a calm demeanor, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees during critical incidents.
- Managed employee schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours, resulting in a smoother workflow.
- Ensured strict adherence to safety guidelines, reducing workplace accidents and incidents significantly over time.
- Scheduled staff to establish adequate coverage during peak business hours.
- Played an essential role in achieving store goals through strategic planning alongside upper management during regular meetings.
- Led by example, demonstrating strong work ethic and commitment to excellence, inspiring staff to achieve their best.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring safe working environment for all employees.
- Enhanced team performance with motivational strategies, leading to more cohesive and productive workforce.
Assistant Cafe Manager
Barnes And Nobles Cafe
04.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed daily cafe operations for smooth workflow and increased productivity.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures to maintain a high level of performance.
- Performed routine equipment maintenance checks to minimize downtime due to malfunctions or repairs needed.
- Scheduled employee shifts efficiently, balancing workload while minimizing labor costs.
- Monitored food safety standards, ensuring compliance with local health regulations for a sanitary environment.
- Developed strong relationships with regular customers, contributing to a loyal clientele base that ensured consistent business growth.
- Contributed creative ideas for themed promotions or seasonal specials that kept our offerings fresh while appealing to diverse consumer tastespreferences.
- Led team meetings to foster open communication among staff members, improving morale and teamwork.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, ensuring repeat business and upholding the cafe''s reputation.
- Improved customer satisfaction by consistently providing friendly and efficient service.
- Supported Cafe Manager in setting and achieving sales targets, monitoring progress regularly to ensure continued success in meeting revenue goals.
- Filled in for absent employees in any position in cafe, keeping operations efficient even when short-handed.
- Minimized risks of cross-contamination and infection by directing team members to regularly clean and sanitize surfaces.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintaining proper accounting records for financial stability.
- Grew cafe sales by effectively marketing business and improving customer relations strategies.
- Trained cafe employees to consistently exceed customers' expectations and provide superior service.
Prep Line Cook
Olive Garden
10.2015 - 02.2017
- Worked closely with other line cooks to ensure consistency across all stations, delivering a cohesive dining experience for guests.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to effectively manage multiple orders at once while ensuring high-quality output and timely service.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in food preparation and presentation.
- Assisted in training new team members on cooking techniques, kitchen equipment usage, and company policies.
- Provided excellent customer service by swiftly addressing any concerns or special requests from guests regarding dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Demonstrated adaptability during peak hours by efficiently handling high-volume orders without compromising quality or speed of service.
- Consistently met strict deadlines for meal preparation during busy shifts, contributing to timely service delivery.
- Contributed to a positive working atmosphere, fostering teamwork among kitchen staff for seamless service delivery.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department regulations and ensuring safety for all staff members.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper storage techniques and monitoring expiration dates.
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Operated dishwasher and manually washed dishes to clean all chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
Kitchen Manager in Training
Chipotle
12.2012 - 10.2015
- Performed quality checks on ingredients, ensuring freshness and reducing instances of spoilage or contamination.
- Implemented inventory management systems for better stock control and reduced waste.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks so as not only prolong their lifespan but also maintain consistent performance levels throughout daily use.
- Contributed to business growth by participating in promotional events such as tastings or cooking demonstrations showcasing restaurant offerings outside of normal operations hours.
- Resolved conflicts among kitchen staff promptly, fostering a positive work atmosphere conducive to productivity and growth opportunities for all team members.
- Maintained high sanitation standards through regular cleaning schedules and strict adherence to food safety regulations.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff for seamless communication between kitchen and dining area, resulting in enhanced teamwork and overall guest experience.
- Trained junior staff members, resulting in a more skilled and cohesive team environment.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
Kitchen Manager in Training
Chipotle
07.2010 - 03.2012
- Performed quality checks on ingredients, ensuring freshness and reducing instances of spoilage or contamination.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks so as not only prolong their lifespan but also maintain consistent performance levels throughout daily use.
- Contributed to business growth by participating in promotional events such as tastings or cooking demonstrations showcasing restaurant offerings outside of normal operations hours.
- Resolved conflicts among kitchen staff promptly, fostering a positive work atmosphere conducive to productivity and growth opportunities for all team members.
- Maintained high sanitation standards through regular cleaning schedules and strict adherence to food safety regulations.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining workflows and optimizing food preparation processes.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff for seamless communication between kitchen and dining area, resulting in enhanced teamwork and overall guest experience.
- Trained junior staff members, resulting in a more skilled and cohesive team environment.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Shift Manager in Training
Fatburger
08.2008 - 05.2010
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing safety protocols and conducting regular inspections.
- Streamlined inventory management by conducting regular audits and maintaining accurate records.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising service quality or employee satisfaction levels.
- Excelled in every store position and regularly backed up front-line staff.
- Coached crew members to optimize performance and motivate toward more efficient work.
- Supervised employees and oversaw quality compliance with company standards for food and services.
- Tracked receipts, employee hours, and inventory movements.
- Adhered to company standards and compliance requirements for operations and cleanliness of areas.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere for customers by maintaining clean facilities, professional service, and a focus on delivering an exceptional experience.
- Increased employee retention through consistent training, development opportunities, and career advancement support.
- Resolved personnel issues diplomatically, balancing the needs of both employees and the organization while adhering to company policies.
- Collaborated closely with other Shift Managers in Training to share best practices that led to overall operational improvements across multiple locations.
- Fostered a positive work culture by modeling exemplary behavior and providing ongoing support to team members.
- Ensured smooth shift transitions with thorough communication during shift handovers.
Education
Associates Degree - Psychology
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA01-2025
No Degree - General Studies
College of The Desert
Palm Desert, CA05-2011
High School Diploma -
Palm Springs High School
Palm Springs, CA06-2007
Skills
- Customer service
- Customer support
- Problem resolution
- Team collaboration
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Guest interaction
- Food and beverage operations
- Knife skills
- Preparing food
- Food preparation
- Estimating and ordering inventory
- Cooking methods
- Kitchen organization
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Reliability
- Team leadership
- Active listening
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
French
Elementary
Timeline
Customer Service Associate
California Student Aid Comission
11.2022 - 09.2023
Culinary Specialist
Red Lobster
06.2018 - 03.2020
Shift Manager
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
01.2018 - 01.2020
Assistant Cafe Manager
Barnes And Nobles Cafe
04.2016 - 06.2018
Prep Line Cook
Olive Garden
10.2015 - 02.2017
Kitchen Manager in Training
Chipotle
12.2012 - 10.2015
Kitchen Manager in Training
Chipotle
07.2010 - 03.2012
Shift Manager in Training
Fatburger
08.2008 - 05.2010
Associates Degree - Psychology
Sacramento City College
No Degree - General Studies
College of The Desert
High School Diploma -
Palm Springs High School
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