Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Amy Tornquist

Durham,NC

Summary

A seasoned entrepreneur, spearheaded Watts Grocery and Sage and Swift Catering, elevating business performance through strategic planning and robust operations management. Demonstrating exceptional team leadership and vendor relations, Achieved significant growth, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Proactive approach and keen analytical skills drove success and operational excellence.

Experienced with small business management, focusing on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and team leadership. Utilizes strategic planning and resource management to ensure business growth and sustainability. Track record of fostering collaborative environments and delivering consistent results. Restaurant professional prepared for leadership roles in food and beverage industry. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through strategic planning and team collaboration. Valued for adaptability and consistent delivery of results. Skilled in financial oversight, menu development, and employee engagement.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Small Business Owner

Self
03.1993 - Current
  • Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
  • Designed business plan to define concept, short-term and long-term goals and strategies.
  • Reduced overhead costs by renegotiating contracts with vendors or suppliers while maintaining product quality standards.
  • Fostered a positive work environment that motivated employees towards achieving their potential while contributing significantly towards overall company success.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Advertised products and services online, social media and through traditional campaigns to target ideal consumers.
  • Achieved consistent growth with careful planning and execution of business development initiatives.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
  • Provided elite customer service by resolving escalated problems and calmly responding to shifting priorities.
  • Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
  • Evaluated sales reports and financial statements to manage cash flow and develop techniques to improve business.
  • Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers.
  • Participated actively in local community events or organizations as a way to give back while expanding brand visibility and credibility.
  • Created financial plans and budgets to optimize resources, track expenses, and ensure profitability.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Hired trained, and supervised staff to maintain high levels of productivity and customer satisfaction.
  • Evaluated competitors'' offerings to identify gaps in the market for unique selling propositions that attracted new clients.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Fostered innovation by encouraging team feedback and implementing new ideas for product improvement.
  • Boosted annual sales with launch of e-commerce website, expanding market reach.
  • Negotiated favorable lease terms for business expansion, securing prime location at reduced cost.
  • Elevated customer satisfaction, responding promptly to feedback and implementing loyalty program.
  • Diversified product offerings to meet changing customer needs and tap into new markets.
  • Fostered positive work environment, leading to decrease in employee turnover.
  • Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to employees.
  • Set strategic goals and monitored progress, adjusting tactics to meet changing market conditions.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Restaurant Owner

Watts Grocery
09.2007 - 06.2019
  • Set employee schedules, delegated work, and monitored food quality and service performance.
  • Managed payroll, daily deposits, and cost controls.
  • Sourced vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed efficient deliveries of high-quality supplies.
  • Developed comprehensive employee manuals outlining operational procedures, company policies, and expectations for enhanced staff performance.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations, maintaining a safe environment for both employees and patrons alike.
  • Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
  • Developed and executed marketing strategies to attract new patrons, resulting in higher foot traffic and improved revenue.
  • Coordinated catering events that showcased the restaurant''s culinary talents while generating additional revenue streams through off-site services.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Supervised daily activities of restaurant and more than 20 employees.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Russian And East Europe Studies

University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Skills

  • Small business operations
  • Planning and execution
  • Vendor Relations
  • Business marketing
  • Operations Management
  • Project Management
  • Cost control and analysis
  • Strategic Planning
  • Human Resources Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Customer Relations
  • Administrative Management

Timeline

Restaurant Owner

Watts Grocery
09.2007 - 06.2019

Small Business Owner

Self
03.1993 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Russian And East Europe Studies

University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Amy Tornquist