Aaron Burlison
The Alamo
Kansas City
10
years of professional experience
Versatile and leadership-driven professional with over a decade of extensive experience managing high-volume hospitality, front-of-house (FOH), and safety-critical operations. Proven track record as an expert mixologist and strategic team leader, uniquely skilled in enhancing customer satisfaction through personalized service while optimizing complex inventory control systems and streamlining daily business operations. A strong, empathetic communicator dedicated to upholding the highest standards of hospitality excellence, safety compliance, and multi-disciplinary team collaboration. Expert at navigating fast-paced environments, managing diverse staff, and delivering memorable guest experiences in world-class vacation destinations.
Work History
Front of House (FOH) Manager
1 Year 1 Month- Direct and optimize all front-of-house operations for a high-traffic establishment, consistently ensuring exceptional service delivery, staff efficiency, and peak guest satisfaction ratings through proactive floor management.
- Supervise, train, and mentor a diverse team of floor and bar staff, implementing rigorous service standards and hospitality protocols that reduced staff turnover and improved overall safety compliance by 15%.
- Execute strategic daily floor scheduling and labor cost analysis to coordinate high-volume shifts, resolving complex customer service inquiries with a focus on brand loyalty and positive online review generation.
- Spearheaded an updated inventory management system for premium spirits and wine, resulting in a 10% reduction in waste and more accurate monthly financial reporting for ownership.
PADI Dive Instructor
3 Years 1 Month- Pioneered new internal communication channels between boat crews, retail staff, and instructors, which streamlined the equipment logistics process and increased daily excursion turnaround efficiency.
- Guided over 200+ students through diverse certification levels, utilizing specialized teaching techniques to help individuals overcome aquatic anxieties and master technical skills through patient, constructive feedback.
- Authored and implemented updated safety manuals for technical diving courses, expanding the facility's educational portfolio and increasing revenue from advanced certification enrollments by 20%.
- Exhibited elite time management while balancing a rigorous schedule of classroom instruction, open-water dives, and the maintenance of a $50k+ equipment inventory to ensure 100% gear reliability.
- Integrated coral reef conservation initiatives into standard tourist dive briefings, fostering environmental stewardship and enhancing the company's reputation as an eco-conscious dive operator.
- Conducted Emergency First Response courses for divers, increasing awareness of emergency protocols and procedures.
Head Bartender / Supervisor - Catering
5 Years 10 Months- Managed comprehensive FOH opening and closing procedures, including detailed sales reconciliation, cash drawer preparation for multiple stations, and nightly inventory audits for a high-grossing bar.
- Cultivated a loyal local and tourist clientele through expert beverage knowledge and personalized engagement, consistently driving repeat business and maintaining top-tier gratuity averages.
- Designed and led a comprehensive bartender training program focusing on speed-mixology, classic cocktail accuracy, and high-level guest relations, elevating the team's overall service speed during peak hours.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for the health and safety of customers.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Crafted and marketed successful seasonal cocktail menus and signature drinks, contributing to a measurable increase in bar-specific revenue and diversifying the establishment's brand identity.
- Ensured compliance with local alcohol regulations and company policies, maintaining a safe and responsible environment for all patrons.
- Led the catering bar team for high-profile special events, managing logistics for weddings and corporate galas of up to 300+ guests while maintaining flawless service and safety standards.
- Assisted in event planning and execution, delivering memorable experiences for private parties and corporate functions.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Computer and Information Sciences
GPA: 3.8
Skills
Guest relations
Conflict resolution
Staff management
Hiring
Training and mentoring
Timeline
Front of House (FOH) Manager
The Alamo
05.2025 - 06.2026Read More
PADI Dive Instructor
Southpoint Divers
03.2022 - 04.2025Read More
Head Bartender / Supervisor - Catering
Bagatelle Restaurant
05.2016 - 03.2022Read More
Maple Woods Community College
Associate of Applied Science from Computer and Information Sciences
Read More