Description
Areas of Expertise: Customer Service Expectations Strategic Sales Prospecting Staff Development and Training Attention to Detail and Ability to Multi-task Extensive Food & Wine Knowledge Clear and Effective Communication Financial Management Problem Solving/Decision Making Hospitality, Sales and Event Experience General Manager of Catering, Duquesne University - Parkhurst Dining, Pittsburgh, PA - 10/2013 to 6/2017 Planned, organized and oversaw sales of $2.5 million in all levels of catering from basic daily deliveries to VIP Presidential level events Hired, directed and motivated management team of 6 and 30+ hourly associates to maintain highest standards Improved services and increased efficiency to increase monthly email favorability report to consistent 98% Pioneered company's wedding program to execute an average of 30 weddings a year Special Events Sales Manager - Parkhurst Event Catering, Pittsburgh, PA - 3/2011 to 10/2013 Built strategic relationships to improve and grow events in Special Venues division by over $1 million Launched and maintained PEC's website, facebook page and all on-line profiles Developed marketing efforts within budget to engage both potential and current clients Worked with senior executives in fast-paced environment to refine, meet and exceed goals Management Instructor - Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts, Pittsburgh, PA - 12/2007 to 8/2010 Designed engaging curriculum and materials within budget for the "Wine and Beverages", "Advanced Wines" and "Tourism Management" classes as Lead Instructor Additionally instructed students of diverse backgrounds in "Supervision" and "Cost Control" classes Kept abreast of current and emerging trends to ensure up-to-date instruction Proven experience interacting effectively with all levels of students, peers, and management personnel Sales Director - Allegheny Harvard Yale Princeton Club, Pittsburgh, PA - 6/2006 to 11/2006 Marketed club facilities for private banquets, business and social functions Created new programs, projects and activities that increased membership by 12.5% Oversaw all administrative and operational aspects of events Expanded list of Reciprocal Clubs for member access by 29% Director of Event Sales - The Circuit Center (operated by The Fluted Mushroom), Pittsburgh, PA - 6/2005 to 6/2006 Developed catering department from the ground up for a full-service, 8000 sq. ft event center, including computer system, sales, menus, pricing, policies and procedures to meet our high standards of operation Devised and implemented marketing strategies to improve sales by 55% over previous caterer Functional knowledge of Caterease, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint Events & Marketing Manager - The Fluted Mushroom, Pittsburgh, PA - 1/2004 to 6/2005 Guided high-end clients in all aspects of off-premise event planning Directed staff in pre/post site responsibilities in a fast paced environment Developed sales and promotional materials within approved budget requirements Promoted from part-time Event Supervisor since August 1998 Michaelle Buskey - Hospitality and Event Experience continued: Event Manager - Lidia's, Pittsburgh, PA - 6/2003 to 1/2004 Overhauled entire banquet program and exceeded prior year's sales by over $40,000 Coordinated and assisted Lidia Bastianich with all public appearances Worked with Pittsburgh Visitors & Convention Bureau to market to outside groups Simultaneously executed floor management responsibilities in main dining room Other Hospitality, Sales and Event Experience Account Executive - The Wine Merchant, Pittsburgh, PA - 8/2001 to 3/2002 Utilized market penetration strategies including cold calling and lead generation Worked with core suppliers within key accounts Demonstrated professional selling techniques to build market position Assistant Editor/Account Executive - The Server Foodservice News, Pittsburgh, PA - 8/2000 to 8/2001 Covered foodservice news and sold advertising in eight Mid-Atlantic States Exhibited at and attended trade shows and media events Wrote monthly wine column Western PA Sales Manager - Vintage Imports, Philadelphia, PA - 3/1997 to 8/2000 Increased sales by 40% in the first year of a high-end wine portfolio Created consistent referral business by building strong rapport with both potential and existing clients Coordinated wine lists, seminars and staff trainings for accounts Event Supervisor - The Fluted Mushroom, Pittsburgh, PA - 8/1998 to 1/2004 Worked on a part-time/on-call basis for a high-end catering company Supervised staff with all event activities including the organizing and controlling of events Coordinated details of events with the Events Manager to insure successful execution Sales Representative - Southern Wines & Spirits, Pittsburgh, PA - 3/1994 to 3/1997 Drove profit growth in retail stores within assigned territory using merchandising techniques like packing out shelves, building and refreshing displays, and placing POS Conducted wine dinners, tastings, charity and fund raising events Built customer base to over 100 by maintaining professional attitude, providing highest level of customer service and ability to influence key clients
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