Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Clay Kirk

Columbia

Summary

Culinary professional with nearing a decade of experience of kitchen leadership, operational efficiency, and maintaining health and safety standards. Entrepreneur of Captain Kirk's Cutlery, advancing skills from behind kitchen doors to excelling in customer satisfaction and quality control; while mastering the craft of blacksmithing. This carries on from a life long passion of mindful outdoorsmanship, and Agricultural Farming. Securing Wildlife Preservation, and managing Natural Resources.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Farmer

Black Dog Farm
07.2021 - Current
  • Implemented pest control strategies that minimized damage to crops without harming the environment or wildlife.
  • Utilized organic pest control methods, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
  • Implemented sustainable farming practices to improve resource management and reduce waste.
  • Conducted regular equipment maintenance to ensure operational reliability and safety compliance.
  • Led community outreach programs to educate local farmers on innovative agricultural techniques.
  • Maintained and repaired various farming equipment.
  • Selected and purchased supplies and equipment such as seed, farm machinery, and livestock.
  • Identified, isolated and treated diverse pests and diseases in crops and livestock.
  • Monitored weather conditions and adjusted irrigation and crop schedules accordingly.

Sue Chef

Dover Hall Estate
08.2021 - 06.2025
  • Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
  • Developed seasonal menus, incorporating local ingredients to enhance guest experience.
  • Implemented new cooking techniques, enhancing dish presentation and flavor profiles.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
  • Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure cohesive dining experience, addressing any customer concerns with prompt and effective solutions.
  • Elevated dining experience by innovating seasonal menu items tailored to local tastes.
  • Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering skill development and teamwork.

Blacksmith

Captain Kirk's Cutlery
04.2019 - 08.2021
  • Crafted custom metalwork using forge tools and welding equipment.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive business strategies to drive revenue and market share.
  • Operated various machinery including anvils, hammers, and grinders to produce high-quality products.
  • Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
  • Ensured compliance with safety protocols during metal fabrication processes.
  • Collaborated with clients to interpret design specifications and deliver tailored solutions.
  • Delivered educational presentations at industry conferences, sharing knowledge with peers and contributing to the growth of the blacksmithing community as a whole.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality, custom-made metalwork products on time and within budget constraints.

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Cheesecake Factory Inc
10.2018 - 04.2019
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes, improving overall kitchen efficiency and service speed.
  • Assisted in inventory management, reducing waste through effective stock rotation practices.
  • Trained new employees on kitchen protocols and best practices for food handling.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures by optimizing ingredient usage without compromising quality.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing feedback promptly and implementing necessary adjustments to kitchen procedures.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when faced with unexpected challenges or emergencies within the kitchen environment.

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Bonefish Grill Restaurants
03.2018 - 10.2018
  • Monitored quality control standards, ensuring all dishes met established presentation criteria.
  • Managed daily kitchen operations, delegating tasks among staff members to optimize workflow and maintain high-quality standards.
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Assisted in hiring and training new kitchen staff, fostering a positive team atmosphere for efficient productivity.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Sous Chef

Grandstaff & Stien
07.2016 - 12.2017
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to safety and sanitation protocols.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house team to align menu offerings with customer preferences.
  • Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
  • Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.

Education

Goochland High School
Goochland, VA
06-2014

Skills

  • Knife skills
  • Animal Records Maintenance
  • Team leadership
  • Safety Standards
  • Customer focus
  • Operational efficiency
  • First Aid Advisory
  • New business development
  • Heavy equipment operations
  • Organic farming
  • Crop cultivation

Timeline

Sue Chef

Dover Hall Estate
08.2021 - 06.2025

Farmer

Black Dog Farm
07.2021 - Current

Blacksmith

Captain Kirk's Cutlery
04.2019 - 08.2021

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Cheesecake Factory Inc
10.2018 - 04.2019

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Bonefish Grill Restaurants
03.2018 - 10.2018

Sous Chef

Grandstaff & Stien
07.2016 - 12.2017

Goochland High School

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