James Zurek is seeking a position that allows him to connect and grow with an established industry. He has over 20 years of experience in customer service roles, including currently as a shift leader and fine dining waiter at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant. Previously, he worked as a youth counselor and head waiter at restaurants. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Argosy University and an AA in Liberal Arts from Triton College. His skills include leadership, multi-tasking, problem-solving, public speaking, computer proficiency, and extensive wine and food knowledge.

1. JAMES ZUREK
10650 S. Central Ave. Chicago Ridge,IL 60415
(708) 417-4297
Jimmyzurek75@outlook.com
OBJECTIVE To connect and grow with an established industry
SKILLS & ABILITIES  Ability to rise above and beyond under pressure
 Innovator
 Listen and learn
 Extensive multi-tasking
 Solution orientated
 Team orientated
 Leadership skills
 Ability to train new staff
 Promote
 Upsell
 Cash handling
 Patient
 Care about people
 Well Mannered
 Stage Presence
 Well groomed
 Calm under pressure
 Observant
 Public Speaking
 Organizational skills during high volume peaks
 Extensive computer knowledge in Windows 10,Word, Excel, Power Point, One
Note etc.
EXPERIENCE FINE DINING WAITER {COOPERSHAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT}
01/15-PRESENT
 Shift Leader
 Played valuable role assisting in the opening of new restaurant
 Extensive Wine Knowledge
 Food and Drink Pairing
 Communityorientated
 Used “Three Tier System”
 Care for guests
 Cashier
 Wine and Champagne Opening
 Lift over 25-50lbs.
 Open and closing duties
YOUTH COUNSELOR {YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES}
1996-2015
Provide positive supportsystem for troubled youths and teens within the Proviso District.I
currently volunteer as well as intern while attaining myBachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
 Case management
 Psych evaluations
 Tutoring
 After school programs
 Aid in peer pressure

2. PAGE 2
 Extensive listening skills
 Problem solving
 Solution orientated
 Goal driven
 Outreach work
 Recreational activities
 Extensive knowledge ofthe DSM
 Mental Health Coordinator for teens
 Communication skills
 Computer knowledge
 Professional writing and typing skills
 Drug and Alcohol awareness
 DUI support
 Aid and assistin funding the poor
HEAD WAITER {THE GREAT ESCAPE RESTAURANT ON IRVING}
2006-2014
 Give guests “unforgettable” dining experience.
 Presentation
 Beer, wine and menu knowledge
 Upsell
 Family orientated
 Built solid guest following
 Extensive Multi-tasking during high volume times
 Organizational skills during high volume moments serving guests,establishing
contacts,table manicuring,pivot pointpositioning,food running,drink running,
upselling,communicating in a professional manner while under pressure and
extensive computer knowledge
EDUCATION ARGOSY UNIVERSITY (CHICAGO ONLINE DIVISION)
Bachelor Degree Program in Psychology(3.3 GPA)
Triton College (River Grove, IL)
AA Degree Program in Liberal Arts (Psychology of Education)
West Leyden High School (Northlake, IL)
High School Diploma (Fine Arts)
Teacher’s assistant (Mr. Alvarado) East and West Leyden: Special Education Program
COMMUNICATION “People,Places & Things” ofLeyden Township June 2012 wrote a small article regarding
my outstanding customer service as well as attention to detail skills when Ireceived a $500
tip on a less than $100 guestcheck.I become partof the communityI work. I build strong
customer relations.Final year in attaining Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I designed an
Arts and Crafts program for youths 7-17 during my work at Youth Outreach. Became Youth
Counselor while in High School.

3. PAGE 3
LEADERSHIP Ability to not only lead but to maintain leadership when directed bycommunicating with staff
as well as working closelywith co-workers,guests,clients and others.Ability to utilize
leadership when directed in key areas ofthe business, Guiding others as well as making the
people around me better. Design new projects and promotions.
 Provided one on one counseling for youths and teens ages 7-17
 Always complete whatI start
 Write Music, Poetry and Short Stories
 Over 20 years of public service experience
Other Job Titles:
 Bartender/ The Harvest Room and Ale House (Orland Park, IL)
 Customer Service Representative (Avon Corporation Skokie, IL)
 Inbound CSR
 Driver
 Sales
 Proof reader
REFERENCES UPON REQUEST