Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Matthew Staples

Denver

Summary

Dynamic Lead Chef with a proven track record at the Harbor Light Center, excelling in recipe development and team supervision. Expert in inventory management and food safety, delivering high-quality meals for diverse dietary needs. Recognized for enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a collaborative kitchen environment. With an ability to adapt to changing needs in the kitchen daily, there have been opportunities for growth and creativity in how guests are served.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Chef

Salvation Army Harbor Light Center
Denver
11.2020 - Current
  • Maintained inventory of all ingredients and cooking supplies, and monitored the quality control of all dishes served.
  • Managed kitchen operations, including scheduling of staff, ordering supplies, and ensuring food safety standards were met.
  • Supervised a team of chefs to ensure efficient and effective preparation of meals.
  • Developed innovative and creative recipes for food services throughout shelters in the Denver-metro area.
  • Prepare breakfast and lunch for the residents of the Harbor Light shelter.
  • Learned and maintained the organization of walk-in coolers, freezers, and dry goods storage.
  • Took on cleaning necessities, including dishwashing, mopping, sweeping, and general sanitization of workspaces.
  • Cleaned bathrooms and common areas in the facility, as well as large kitchen equipment, including ovens, and stovetops.
  • Ability to work independently and with minimal support, while maintaining standards of cleanliness and quality.
  • Experienced in creating meals for various specialty diets, including vegetarian, diabetic, and food allergies.
  • Delivered meals to shelters across the city of Denver, learning to navigate routes and time management to ensure that meals were distributed on time.
  • Assisted in shopping for events, and daily meal preparation.
  • Adaptable to changes in resources and support, working well under pressure without diminishing the quality of work.

Lead Sales Associate

Shoepalace
Centennial
11.2021 - 11.2022
  • Monitored stock levels, identified discrepancies, and reported them to management.
  • Organized store displays for maximum visibility of products.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store policies regarding payments, returns, and exchanges.
  • Maintained neatness and cleanliness throughout the store environment.
  • Provided excellent customer service by addressing customer inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Developed strategies to increase sales and promote new products.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvement and recommended changes as needed.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining company standards of quality and service.
  • Supervised a team of sales associates on daily tasks and operations.
  • Recommended products based on customer needs and preferences.
  • Promoted positive culture of teamwork and inclusion, increasing employee morale.
  • Cross-trained on different positions to best support team during peak periods.

Education

Culinary - Cooking, Baking

Salvation Army Culinary Program
Denver
07-2023

High School Diploma -

Douglas County High School
Castle Rock, CO
05-2021

Skills

  • Inventory management
  • Food safety
  • Recipe development
  • Team supervision
  • Meal preparation
  • Time management
  • Quality control
  • Customer service
  • Effective communication
  • Problem solving
  • Sanitation practices
  • Waste reduction
  • Inventory rotation
  • Food preparing, plating, and presentation
  • Specialty diets

Certification

ServSafe Certified - July 2023

Timeline

Lead Sales Associate

Shoepalace
11.2021 - 11.2022

Lead Chef

Salvation Army Harbor Light Center
11.2020 - Current

Culinary - Cooking, Baking

Salvation Army Culinary Program

High School Diploma -

Douglas County High School
Matthew Staples