Hi, I’m Steve Kunze, a hospitality and coffee operations professional focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and scalable operations. I excel at cross-functional collaboration, training, and process optimization in fast-paced retail and nonprofit settings. I enjoy building brands, supporting B2B relationships, and leading teams to drive efficiency and growth while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Steve Kunze

Hi, I’m Steve Kunze, a hospitality and coffee operations professional focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and scalable operations. I excel at cross-functional collaboration, training, and process optimization in fast-paced retail and nonprofit settings. I enjoy building brands, supporting B2B relationships, and leading teams to drive efficiency and growth while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Steve Kunze, a hospitality and coffee operations professional focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and scalable operations. I excel at cross-functional collaboration, training, and process optimization in fast-paced retail and nonprofit settings. I enjoy building brands, supporting B2B relationships, and leading teams to drive efficiency and growth while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Assistant Manager at Ethan and the Bean (5013 Non-Profit)
January 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025
Managed day-to-day cafe operations, supervised barista team, oversaw events, and ensured high-quality coffee service and customer experience. Responsible for cash handling, event coordination (grand openings, running events up to 5K), and staff mentoring.
Wholesale Associate at Amalthea Coffee Roasters
January 1, 2019 - September 1, 2022
Provided B2B support to wholesale coffee clients, troubleshooting product and order issues, maintaining sales documentation, creating proposals, and collaborating with sales and operations teams. Assisted in branding and marketing initiatives and supported IKEA sustainability-related returns processing.
Lead Barista at DRIP Coffee & Culture
May 1, 2023 - August 1, 2025
Managed daily operations at a nonprofit cafe dedicated to creating employment opportunities for neurodivergent adults; implemented structured training programs, optimized workflows, coordinated schedules and payroll, and ensured compliance with organizational policies.
Lead Barista at Catalano Coffee Company
September 1, 2023 - Present
Mobile coffee truck operations; managed events at over 60 events, inventory and equipment management, and rapid problem solving to support events from weddings to corporate functions.
Recovery Associate at IKEA
October 1, 2025 - Present
Recovery and product return processing; managed daily operations, customer interactions, cash handling, and event support; led cold brew production at large scale and supported cross-store initiatives.
Customer Service / Teller at Glen Rock Savings Bank
October 1, 2012 - August 1, 2017
Provided customer service in a regulated financial environment, handling transactions with accuracy, resolving inquiries, and maintaining compliance with banking regulations and internal policies.
Customer Service at Ridgewood Coffee Company
April 1, 2017 - October 1, 2022
Delivered high-quality customer service and coffee service in a busy retail setting; supported transactions and customer inquiries to ensure a positive experience.
Barista / Customer Service at Ridgewood Coffee Company
April 1, 2017 - October 1, 2022
Provided high-quality customer service in a café setting, handling transactions with accuracy and resolving inquiries with a solution-oriented approach. Maintained compliance with relevant policies and standards, contributing to a positive customer experience.
Team Lead / Customer Service at Glen Rock Savings Bank
October 1, 2012 - August 1, 2017
Led and trained a high-performing team in a dynamic café setting, fostering a customer-first approach. Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency and customer satisfaction. Managed payroll, scheduling, and policy compliance. Contributed to recognition programs, including Best Local Coffee awards in Bergen region history.
Customer Service / Café Associate at Ridgewood Coffee Company
April 1, 2017 - October 1, 2022
Provided high-quality customer service in a busy café environment, handling transactions, addressing inquiries, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Built strong relationships with customers to ensure repeat business and satisfaction.
Customer Service & Operations at Glen Rock Savings Bank
October 1, 2012 - August 1, 2017
Provided customer-focused service in a regulated financial environment, handling transactions with accuracy and resolving inquiries to ensure client satisfaction. Maintained compliance with banking regulations and internal policies.
Customer Service Representative at Ridgewood Coffee Company
April 1, 2017 - October 1, 2022
Provided high-quality customer service in a retail environment, handling transactions with accuracy. Resolved customer inquiries with a solution-oriented approach, enhancing overall client satisfaction. Maintained compliance with internal policies.
Lead Barista at Glen Rock Savings Bank
October 1, 2012 - August 1, 2017
Led and trained a high-performing team in a dynamic café setting, fostering a customer-first approach. Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency and customer satisfaction. Managed payroll, scheduling, and compliance with company policies and standards. Achieved 201 Magazine’s Best of Bergen Award for Best Local Coffee (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022).
Sales / Customer Service at Ridgewood Coffee Company
April 1, 2017 - October 1, 2022
Provided high-quality customer service in a regulated financial environment, handling transactions with accuracy; resolved inquiries with a solution-oriented approach; maintained compliance with regulations and internal policies.
Staff / Operations at Glen Rock Savings Bank
October 1, 2012 - August 1, 2017
Led and trained a high-performing team in a regulated environment; implemented process improvements to boost workflow efficiency and customer satisfaction; managed payroll, scheduling, and policy compliance; recognition for Best Local Coffee awards (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022).

Education

Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, Computer Animation at Bergen Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2019
Associate’s Degree in Applied Science at Bergen Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2019
Associate’s Degree at Bergen Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2019
Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, Computer Animation at Bergen Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2019
Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, Computer Animation at Bergen Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2019
Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, Computer Animation at Bergen Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2019

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Professional Services, Wholesale & Distribution, Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Education