Joshua Gawel

I was promoted from instructor to Assistant Manager, being recognized for leadership and calm decision-making under pressure. I was also selected for specialized Emergency Rescue Training due to consistent performance in high-stress situations.

• Ensured the safety of guests and staff through regular inspections, course maintenance, and harness/equipment repairs
• Oversaw daily operations from opening to closing, including report management, task delegation, and ensuring a high level of customer and team satisfaction
• Managed a team of 50 employees, handling scheduling, hiring, training, and performance support
• Supported local marketing efforts and sales outreach to increase guest traffic and brand awareness
• Contributed to the development and refinement of a pilot Escape Room experience, which became a successful initiative for the company

I was honored to be part of the opening team at Gordon Ramsay’s newest restaurant in the heart of downtown Naperville.

• During my time there, I upheld the brand’s famously high standards and received direct training from industry leaders, including Christina Wilson and Michelle Tribble
• I quickly built a strong base of loyal guests who regularly requested my service by name
• Beyond providing a tailored fine dining experience, I guided guests through a culinary journey that showcased Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes and offered a unique connection to his world-renowned culinary legacy

I was responsible for overseeing all daily, weekly, and monthly operations of a franchised second-hand clothing store.

• During tenure, the store achieved a record-breaking $1 million in total sales for the first time and experienced an 11% increase in total merchandise sold
• I created, maintained, and led a team of approximately 15 staff members, ensuring clear communication between team members and our district leadership
• I also handled the majority of cash deposits and necessary withdrawals, maintaining financial accuracy and accountability

While serving at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, I quickly built a strong base of frequent regulars and created memorable dining experiences for my guests.

• I consistently managed a section of 15+ guests while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented approach to ensure everyone’s success
• I took pride in my ability to tailor each guest’s experience by reading the table and delivering the level of service they’re seeking
• I consistently met and exceeded sales goals, and my training period was cut in half due to my adaptability and quick learning

I consistently took initiative to improve my skills and expand my knowledge, which led to being offered management and/or visual lead training after just six months.

• During my time, the company launched a new loyalty program, and due to my top performance, I was selected to lead and mentor team members to help boost their results
• I was also responsible for rotating merchandise and maintaining visually appealing displays throughout the store