COTTRELL ELLIS
Mr Customer Service & Chef.
Forest Hills, PA 15221
***************@*****.***
Professional Summary
Efficient and experienced chef with 15+ years of experience in food preparation, kitchen management, and customer service. Proficient in cooking, baking, and pastry techniques, with a focus on quality control, food safety, and menu planning. Proven ability to lead and train kitchen staff, with a strong commitment to teamwork and customer satisfaction. Possesses a range of certifications and licenses, including ServSafe and Food Handler Certification. Skilled in a variety of areas, including catering, housekeeping, and construction.
Willing to relocate: Anywhere
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Work Experience
Customer Service Representative
Peloton-Pittsburgh, PA
August 2024 to Present
• Provided exceptional customer service by promptly responding to inquiries and resolving issues, resulting in a XX% increase in customer satisfaction ratings
• Managed a high volume of incoming calls and emails, consistently meeting or exceeding the department's average response time of XX minutes
• Demonstrated strong product knowledge to effectively address customer questions and provide accurate information on features, pricing, and promotions
• Assisted customers with order placement, tracking shipments, processing returns, and handling billing inquiries with a focus on efficiency and accuracy
• Resolved complex customer complaints by actively listening to concerns, empathizing with their frustrations, and finding appropriate solutions within company guideline. Chef
Omni Hotels-Pittsburgh, PA
July 2024 to Present
Duties:
• Quality control: Inspecting pre-prepared items, tasting meals, and visually inspecting dishes to ensure they meet quality standards
• Food safety: Ensuring food is handled, prepared, and stored in a way that reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses
• Menu planning: Developing recipes and determining how to present dishes
• Supervision: Coordinating the activities of cooks and other food preparation workers, and supervising their behavior
• Maintenance: Inspecting supplies, equipment, and work areas for cleanliness and functionality Line Cook
Meta-Pittsburgh, PA
December 2022 to April 2024
• Undertake basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces, parboiling food etc
• Prepare simple dishes such as salads, entrees etc
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash etc.
• Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation guidelines
• Managed food inventory and ensured proper storage and rotation of ingredients to minimize waste
• Assisted in training new line cooks on cooking techniques, recipe execution, and safety procedures
• Operated various kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, etc., ensuring their proper functioning
• Adhered to portion control guidelines while plating dishes for consistent portion sizes
• Followed all food safety regulations including temperature monitoring and labeling of prepared foods
• Communicated effectively with servers regarding special requests or modifications from customer. Forklift Operator/Material Handler
Deka Battery-Monroeville, PA
January 2021 to November 2022
• Receive, confirm, track, store, dispatch and deliver material from the warehouse to production facilities, retail stores and corporate offices
• Lift and unload heavy pallets, both by hand and by machine, and safely relocate them elsewhere in the warehouse or prepare them for transport
• Facilitate and maintain a safe work environment and a trained workforce, committed to the best practices in the industry
• Perform quality inspections of materials, ensuring that the delivery is completed as requested and that the order meets company and industry standards
• Keep the warehouse organized and tidy and implement general housekeeping practices to maintain workplace cleanliness
Raw Material Handler
BPI Staffing-McKees Rocks, PA
January 2021 to November 2022
• Receive, confirm, track, store, dispatch and deliver material from the warehouse to production facilities, retail stores and corporate offices
• Lift and unload heavy pallets, both by hand and by machine, and safely relocate them elsewhere in the warehouse or prepare them for transport
• Facilitate and maintain a safe work environment and a trained workforce, committed to the best practices in the industry
• Servsafe Certified
• Customer Service
• Hot and Cold Food Preparation
• Conveyor Ovens
• Professional Attitude
• Station Preparation
• Perform quality inspections of materials, ensuring that the delivery is completed as requested and that the order meets company and industry standards
• Keep the warehouse organized and tidy and implement general housekeeping practices to maintain workplace cleanliness
• Understand the basics of the supply chain, including shipping and receiving logistics, quality assurance, equipment upkeep, and facility maintenance
• Fill out inventory lists, crosscheck shipping invoices and maintain accurate delivery log records for every order
• Answer phone calls and questions regarding delivery status, order changes and confirmations as well as other general logistical inquiries.
• Efficiently unloaded and inspected incoming shipments, verifying accuracy of quantities and quality of materials
• Operated forklifts and other material handling equipment to safely transport materials throughout the warehouse
• Maintained accurate inventory records by carefully documenting all incoming and outgoing materials
• Collaborated with team members to organize warehouse space, optimizing storage capacity and ensuring easy accessibility
• Implemented a labeling system that improved inventory tracking efficiency by XX%
• Performed regular inspections of equipment, identifying maintenance needs and reporting issues to supervisors
• Assisted in the packaging and preparation of orders for shipment, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to shipping guidelines
• Utilized computer systems to track inventory levels, generate reports, and update stock information as needed
• Followed safety protocols at all times, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) when handling hazardous materials
• Contributed to process improvement initiatives by suggesting ideas for streamlining workflows and reducing errors
• Trained new employees on proper material handling procedures, emphasizing safety practices and efficient techniques
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve any discrepancies or issues related to inventory management or order fulfillment processes
Marble Installer
Troy Granite Inc-Pittsburgh, PA
October 2018 to December 2020
• Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools
• Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials
• Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs
• Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges
• Prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project
• Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints
• Measure work site dimensions
• Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge
• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements
• Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials
• Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.
• Led a team of XX installation technicians in the successful completion of multiple large-scale projects, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards
• Coordinated with project managers to develop detailed installation plans, including resource allocation, equipment requirements, and scheduling
• Managed all aspects of on-site installations, including site preparation, equipment setup, wiring connections, and system testing
• Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies during all installation activities
• Mentored and trained new installation technicians on proper procedures and techniques to ensure consistent quality workmanship
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex technical issues during installations
• Oversaw inventory management for tools and equipment used in installations, minimizing loss or damage through regular inspections and maintenance
• Served as the main point of contact for clients throughout the installation process, addressing any concerns or questions promptly and professionally
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills by effectively delegating tasks among team members based on their strengths and expertise
• Maintained accurate documentation of all completed installations, including photos, diagrams, test results, and customer sign-offs
• Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize installation processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Closely monitored project budgets to ensure adherence to financial constraints while delivering high- quality installations within client expectations
• Liaised with suppliers/vendors to coordinate timely delivery of materials needed for installations Catering Chef/ Pasta Cook
First Class Catering/ PAPA J's Italian-Carnegie, PA October 2018 to December 2020
• Prepare and cook food for the flights
• Set up silverware, dishes, and glasses, and arrange the food in containers
• Deliver food to private hangers for inbound and outbound flights access to private airports and airways
• Houseman housekeeping department to clean common areas Houseman
Holiday Inn-Indianapolis, IN
August 2015 to August 2018
• Repairing, and replacing malfunctioned units and furniture
• Responding on guest's requests and inquiries
• cleaning, maintenance, and other general work outside and inside the property to keep it presentable and running smoothly.
• Guest Service, Carpet Installation, Laundry Services, Detail Oriented, Sweeping, Lobbying and Cleaning Brick Mason
Green 2 Green Consulting, LLC-Natchez, MS
January 2012 to July 2015
• Use prefabricated building materials such as concrete blocks, terracotta blocks, and structural tiles in building or repairing walls, buildings, walkways, and other structural surfaces made out of bricks
• Break or cut bricks to desired sizes using hammer or power saw.
• build and repair walls, fireplaces, and other structures with brick, terra cotta, precast masonry panels, concrete block, and other masonry materials.
• Pointing, cleaning, and caulking workers are brickmasons who repair brickwork, particularly on older structures.
Sushi Chef
Umi Sushi-Houston, TX
November 2008 to December 2011
• Ensure that all dishes are cooked well and presented in an aesthetically pleasing way
• Oversee food preparation, checking that all kitchen staff are performing their duties
• Monitor equipment quality and order new equipment as needed
• Help the restaurant determine how much food and supplies need to be ordered
• Train new kitchen staff
• Identify and select raw fish and other specialty ingredients that are fresh and high quality.
• Use distinctive flavorings like rice vinegar, ginger, soy sauce and wasabi appropriately. Creatively display sushi dishes. Interact with customers, explaining ingredients and preparation methods. Carpenter
Griggs inc-Pensacola, FL
September 2005 to October 2008
• Consulting with clients
• Taking measurements and choosing the appropriate work materials for building and installing doors and windows
• Installing tile and installation on the navel base
• Measure, cut, and shape wood, plastic, and other materials
• Construct and install building frameworks, including walls, floors, and doorframes.
• Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures. Instruct and direct laborers and other construction helpers.
Cook
Podner’s BBQ-New-Orleans, LA
July 2002 to August 2005
• Take orders
• Stock & clean restaurant
• Check inventory
• Prep cook duties and fry cook duties
• Cashier
Education
College in Psychology
IUPU at Indianapolis-Indianapolis, IN
November 2005 to 2008
Psychology and business major.
High School Diploma
Joseph S. Clark Preparatory High School-New Orleans, LA August 2001 to June 2005
High school diploma
Skills
• Painting
• Caulking
• Forklift
• Load & Unload
• Portion Management
• Kitchen Station Setup
• Food safety
• Knife skills
• Drywall
• Sales
• Guest services
• Cooking
• Assembly
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Kitchen Equipment Management
• Construction
• Microsoft Word
• Customer service
• Landscape Maintenance
• Mechanical Knowledge
• Team Oriented
• Food Allergen Safety
• Restaurant experience
• Mowing
• Cash handling
• Supply chain
• Food industry
• Food service
• Manufacturing
• Food handling
• Trim Carpentry
• Cash register
• Cleaning
• Hand Tools
• Knife Skills
• Special Events and Catering
• Facilities Maintenance
• Cleaning and Organization
• Masonry
• Back of House Operations
• Load & unload
• Fish and Seafood Preparation
• Communication skills
• Quality assurance
• Meal preparation
• Automotive Repair
• Carpentry
• Packaging
• Workload Management
• Portioning
• Handyman
• Remodeling
• Warehouse Experience
• Door Hanging
Certifications and Licenses
ServSafe
Food Handler Certification
Driver's License
Forklift Certification
Pallet Jack Certification