Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Hill City tourism and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Black Hills Bistro/Black Hills Coffee Cabin
11.2021 - Current
Founded and successfully managed a downtown bistro, overseeing all aspects of operations and customer service.
Adapted to market demands by transitioning to a drive-thru coffee shop, expanding the business to a more strategic location outside of town.
Managed day-to-day operations including food preparation, inventory management, menu creation, pricing, and cost analysis to ensure profitability.
Oversaw all financial responsibilities, including bookkeeping, billing, payroll, and vendor negotiations.
Delivered exceptional customer service while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and quality control.
Established vendor relationships to secure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Led marketing strategies that increased brand visibility within the community.
Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
Realtor
Coldwell Banker Black Hills Legacy
03.2021 - 03.2024
Conducted comprehensive market analyses to provide insights for pricing strategies and investment opportunities.
Guided clients through property transactions, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
Coordinated various aspects of real estate transactions such as inspections, appraisals, and financing arrangements, minimizing delays and challenges for clients.
Sous Chef/Head Chef
Prairie Berry LLC
11.2015 - 01.2021
Developed event and wedding menus, coordinated supplier orders, and scheduled kitchen staff.
Created new menu items, including Baked Pretzel Bites for Miner Brewery, utilizing the spent brewing grains.
Managed production of Prairie Berry Made product line, overseeing supply coordination, schedules, and seasonal product creation.
Promoted to Head Chef in 2017, overseeing three culinary departments, hiring and scheduling staff for year-round and seasonal positions.
Curated seasonal Winery menus paired with wines and Miner Brewery beers.
Led pre-release wine tastings, collaborating on food pairings and wine notes for new wine and vintage releases.
Organized and executed Wine and Beer Feature/Tasting events, including large-ticketed dinners and intimate Wine Club parties.
Managed monthly inventory, tracked expenses, and reported all financial metrics to accounting on schedule.
Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising quality, driving profitability for the establishment.
Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
Fostered culture of excellence within culinary team, leading by example in maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene.
Owner/Office Manager/Head Bookkeeper
Hunter, Inc. Welding & Fabrication
11.2005 - 11.2015
Ordered and designed all marketing and advertising materials.
Posted job advertisements and performed interviews with potential employees and subcontractors.
Dispatched welders to jobs, gathered and invoiced materials.
Reconciled bank accounts, made collection calls, and created all invoices, receipts, and deposits.
Handled monthly and quarterly taxes, payroll, and end of the year taxes and employment tax forms.
Maintained accurate documentation of all welding activities, ensuring proper recordkeeping for future reference.
Established strong relationships with clients by providing clear communication regarding project progress, addressing concerns promptly.
Implemented policies and standard operating procedures for continuous improvement and compliance for Government and customer requirements.
Program Coordinator/Bookkeeper
Colorado Mesa University Foundation
02.2009 - 12.2013
Coordinated fundraising events, including Entrepreneurship Day, Casino Night, and Maverick Classic Downtown Cycling Event.
Assisted coaches and department heads with fundraising strategies and raffles.
Managed event logistics using Raiser’s Edge, including budgeting, silent auction coordination, and volunteer organization.
Processed financial contributions for scholarships and department accounts, updating donor information in the database.
Handled bank deposits, cash receipts, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll.
Reconciled bank statements and generated monthly/quarterly reports for state and federal compliance.
Increased efficiency by tracking donations and pledges, and drafting tax acknowledgment letters for donors.
Assisted in monthly Foundation Board meetings. Prepared board packets, set up meeting space, took notes, then would email notes to board members in timely manner.
Education
AAS - Business Management and Marketing
Western Dakota Technical Institute
Rapid City, SD
12.2001
Skills
Small business management
Effective verbal and written communication
Strong relationship management
Strategic planning
Collaborative decision-making
Project management
Results-driven
Budget and Operations management
Accurate financial reporting
Accomplishments
Hill City Chamber of Commerce Board Secretary – 2022 to 2025
Hill City Summer Concert Series Founder, Coordinator, and Bookkeeper – 2022 to Current
Hill City Restaurant Week Co-Founder and Coordinator - 2024
Hill City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year - 2023