Brendan Benson
563-***-**** **************@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmbenson
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Interactive Digital Studies/Digital Communications Anticipated Completion: Fall 2024, University of Northern Iowa Relevant Experience
Freelance Bartender 10/2021-Current
Phoenix, AZ
● Expertly mix and serve a variety of beverages, providing exceptional customer service.
● Maintain bar cleanliness, organization, and inventory levels to ensure smooth operations.
● Handle cash transactions, operate POS systems, and adhere to safety and compliance standards.
● Provide bartending services for private events, parties, and weddings, including setup and cleanup.
● Collaborate effectively with team members, prioritize tasks, and professionally handle customer inquiries and issues.
● Stay updated on industry trends and continually enhance mixology skills. Bartender/Server, Bliss Rebar 10/2021-06/2022
Phoenix, AZ
● Delivered exceptional customer service by prioritizing guest satisfaction, addressing inquiries, and ensuring a positive overall experience.
● Demonstrated proficiency in upselling premium menu options, contributing to increased sales revenue, and promoting a high-quality dining experience.
● Managed high transaction volumes, focusing on accuracy and efficiency. Handled multiple tasks simultaneously to ensure smooth and timely service.
● Provided leadership in training incoming bartenders/servers, following management guidelines to cultivate a cohesive and skilled team. Fostered an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
● Successfully adapted to dynamic work environments, handling fast-paced situations with composure and maintaining a positive and engaging atmosphere.
● Effectively addressed and resolved customer concerns or issues, ensuring a swift and satisfactory resolution to maintain guest satisfaction. Server/Bartender, Sakura 02/2019-02/2020
Cedar Falls, IA
● Assisted a diverse range of customers with menu inquiries, demonstrating excellent product knowledge and offering personalized recommendations. This approach resulted in increased customer satisfaction and higher transaction volumes.
● Successfully influenced customer choices through practical recommendations, contributing to enhanced menu exploration and increased transactions.
● Under management guidance, I provided comprehensive training to incoming servers. I played a crucial role in developing a knowledgeable and efficient staff, ensuring a consistent and high-quality service standard.
● Fostered a collaborative and supportive team environment, promoting open communication and cooperation among staff members.
● Adapted to varying customer preferences and needs, ensuring a flexible and accommodating approach to deliver exceptional service.
● Demonstrated practical problem-solving skills by addressing challenges in real-time, contributing to a seamless and positive dining experience for customers. Bartender, Social House 02/2016-02/2019
Cedar Falls, IA
● Established positive connections with many customers by creating unique and memorable experiences. Cultivated lasting relationships that contributed to increased customer loyalty and overall revenue.
● Successfully promoted events through strategic and targeted use of social media platforms. Consistently surpassed sales goals by leveraging online platforms to drive customer engagement and attendance.
● I demonstrated strong communication skills with both management and staff. I addressed issues promptly and contributed to a collaborative work environment, fostering a positive and efficient team dynamic.
● Actively engaging customers, upselling premium options, and promoting unique offerings contributed to increased overall revenue, enhancing the establishment's profitability.
● Adapted to industry trends and changes, embracing innovative customer engagement and event promotion approaches to stay competitive in the dynamic hospitality landscape.
● Collaborated with management and staff to maintain high standards, contribute to a positive workplace culture, and ensure a seamless operation. Continued Professional Experience
Event Coordinator, Lena’s Flowers and Gifts 02/2016-02/2019 Gilbert, AZ
● Proficient in liaising with various vendors, including catering, bartending, floral arrangements, rentals, DJs, and more, to guarantee seamless execution on the event day.
● Exceptional track record of fostering positive client relationships by meticulously fulfilling all event requirements and specifications.
● Demonstrates adeptness in overseeing all facets of event logistics, from setup to breakdown, and efficiently addressing any post-event requests.
● Skilled in financial management, adeptly navigating budgets to ensure alignment with client's financial parameters.