Valerie Kennedy **** Hollins Road Richmond, VA ***29 *****************@*****.*** Ph. 804-***-****
Customer service professional, looking for a company to utilize strengths in problem solving, organizing, and compassion. Ready for new challenges and the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skill set.
Education & Licenses
Health, Life & Annuity Licensed Insurance Agent 2021
Studied liberal arts at both University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University 2001-2005.
Experience
SelectQuote September 2021
Sales agent with a focus on Medicare Supplement and Advantage Plans
Freelance Wedding Planner Richmond, VA September 2012 – Present
Coordinate all aspects of planning weddings for up to 150 guests
Assist in developing a wedding aesthetic and vision for their special day
Keep on a timeline, work with all vendors involved to ensure the wedding runs smoothly
Publix Richmond, VA September 2017 – August 2021
Event Planner (Since 2017)
Highly organized, coordinate daily between multiple events, keep detailed notes and customer information
Assist customers with selecting optimal choices for their special occasion from intimate weddings to corporate luncheons for up to 100 people
Ability to coordinate with different departments to facilitate successful events
Westhampton Pastry Shop Richmond, VA July 2016 – March 2017
General Manager (Since 2016)
Control the day to day running of all facets of the bakery
Reconcile all monies associated with the business, daily bookkeeping, and payroll
Guide couples in wedding cake tastings, placing orderings and assisting with execution and delivery
Rancho T Richmond, VA March 2015 – July 2016
General Manager (Since 2015)
Responsible for training up to 20 staff
Prepare payroll for FOH and BOH weekly
Manage events and day to day reservations, plan, assist and execute restaurant events
Control the day to day running of all facets of the restaurant
The Jefferson Hotel Richmond, VA September 2003 – February 2006, November 2007 – March 2015
Purchasing Agent (since 2012)
Handle purchasing of food, beverage and operational needs for a five-star, five-diamond hotel with a monthly sales volume of $2,000,000
Daily communication with vendors to ensure best products at best pricing; negotiate contracts when needed
Work with chefs and department managers to keep down costs and operate within budget
Meticulously record all purchase orders, requisitions, invoices and transfers to each department for proper billing
Conduct monthly inventories to track and control product movement and determine each department’s performance
Restaurant Server/Trainer/Expeditor (2003-2006, 2007-2012)
Executed service in a high-energy, farm-to-table restaurant featuring the culinary vision of Chef Walter Bundy
Act as kitchen expeditor, working closely with the chef on ticket timing and quality control
Train new restaurant staff on standards of service, menu knowledge and the point of sale system
Act as a bartender, host and closing shift supervisor as needed
Part of the hotel’s famous Sunday Brunch, named best brunch in Richmond by Style Weekly
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC March 2006 – November 2007
Server (2006-2007)
Worked to ensure 5-star service standards at the lobby bar in the hotel
Gained extensive knowledge of cocktails, wine and craft beers
Honed ability to up-sell food and beverage to guests while also enhancing their experience
Skills & Abilities
Personal: highly organized, self starter, independent, work well alone or in conjunction with others, analyzer, problem solver, detail oriented, dependable
Technical: computer skills include Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Foodtrak, Datapro, Micros