AJ Porter
Royal Oak,Michigan
Summary
Expert in venue management and team leadership, excelling in client satisfaction and event execution. Skilled in budgeting and finance, with a flair for creating memorable, high-quality occasions. Strong leadership abilities; capable of managing teams and liaising effectively with clients to meet event objectives. Skilled in strategic planning, process improvements, and risk management which contribute to successful event execution. Proven ability to make significant impacts on efficiency and customer satisfaction in previous roles.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Events Operations Manager
Method Co.
Detroit, USA
06.2023 - Current
- Opened a brand new Event program in a 26 story hotel & apartment building
- First Operations manager to join the Anthology Events Team which is the first of its kind for Method Co
- Staffed and led teams of over 40 members, as well created serve out plans, itinerary, and set-up list
- Handled all of the Events Accounting reports and reconciliation
- Responsible for all team hiring, scheduling, and payroll
- Recruited, interviewed, and trained
- Maintained alcoholic beverage inventory and ordering
- Coordinating closely with vendors, VIP clients, and corporate companies to execute events to their liking
- Executed events generating over $600,000 in revenue in my first 6-months with the company
PDR Lead/ Banquet Captain
NOHO Hospitality
Detroit, USA
08.2019 - 06.2023
- Company Overview: A New York Based team expanded throughout eastern U.S, run by award winning Chef Andrew Carmellini
- Working for NoHo Hospitality group
- Worked elite events at the Shinola Hotel performing an array of tasks, while upholding world class standards of service
- Vast knowledge of Southern Italian Cuisine as well as wine
- Worked high-end weddings and event for Shinola Hotel
- Lead events in the San Morello Private Dining Room
- A New York Based team expanded throughout eastern U.S, run by award winning Chef Andrew Carmellini
Restaurant & Property Manager
Pulpo Group
Ann Arbor, USA
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed a 5-acres, 3 concept restaurant in the heart of Dixboro Village
- Had the responsibility to increase sales across all 3 concepts including: 5-course; 18 dish tasting menu with wine pairings, fine-dining french, italian, and asian cuisine restaurant & bar, and a carry-out focused cafe & bakery with wood-fired pizza
- Regularly updated and created menus via Adobe Indesign
- Opened and closed the restaurant, and reported all cash deposits and transactions
- Created training modules, detail cleaning list, server duties, floor-plans, and booked events
- Motivated and trained staff before each shift on how to deliver authentic fine-dining service
- Coordinated and managed private events
Program Launch Specialist
Jackson Dawson
Dearborn, USA
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Ability to uphold a consistent polished and professional phone and in-person presence with the company
- High volume call/email communication
- Knowledge in Ford Broncos capability and features
- Possess exceptional data entry/excel experience for thousands of attendees
- Maintain a productive work environment through fluid direction, changes, and new ideas
- Experience with Project management
- Created UAT for new websites
- Responsible for new event planning/coordination for attendees
- Create Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint presentations to better assist the team and display new data
Customer Service Representative/Bank Teller
Comerica Bank
Canton, USA
01.2020 - 10.2020
- At Comerica I executed the proactive marketing activities for the attraction, retention and expansion of customers
- Provided for Customer Engagement by introducing customers to Comerica's product and services and addressing customer questions: how-to use products and services and follow-ups on a timely basis
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and Comerica's policies and procedures
Education
AAS Degree - Professional Culinary
Schoolcraft College
Livonia, Michigan01.2022
Diploma -
Plymouth High School
Canton, Michigan05.2017
Skills
- Venue Management
- Team Leadership
- Client meetings
- Professionalism
- Bar Management
- Large-scale catering
- Event/Sales Coordination
- Budgeting and finance
- Marketing and promotion
- Transportation and logistics coordination
- Food Show Experience
Awards/Skills
- 2017 Award of Academic Excellence in Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management
- The ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (COA)
- 2nd Place 2017 State Sanitation Quiz Bowl, 03/20/17
- 2nd Place Prostart 2017 Culinary Competition, 03/20/17
- Involved in my very own Catering / Event Business AP Quality Experience
- Professional DJ
Certification
- Serv Safe Certified 2020
- Alcohol Safety 2023
- National Restaurant Association Certificate Of Completion 2017
Timeline
Events Operations Manager
Method Co.
06.2023 - Current
Restaurant & Property Manager
Pulpo Group
10.2021 - 10.2022
Program Launch Specialist
Jackson Dawson
01.2021 - 06.2021
Customer Service Representative/Bank Teller
Comerica Bank
01.2020 - 10.2020
PDR Lead/ Banquet Captain
NOHO Hospitality
08.2019 - 06.2023
AAS Degree - Professional Culinary
Schoolcraft College
Diploma -
Plymouth High School
Similar Profiles
Martin LutherMartin Luther
Product Cost Analyst at Method Co.Product Cost Analyst at Method Co.
Nicole RobertsNicole Roberts
Accounts Payable Coordinator at Method Co.Accounts Payable Coordinator at Method Co.
Maya MosuliMaya Mosuli
Independent Driving Instructor at New Method Driving SchoolIndependent Driving Instructor at New Method Driving School
Liam ColoneLiam Colone
Inventory Specialist at Parts Place Inc.Inventory Specialist at Parts Place Inc.
Kaiona CorbinKaiona Corbin
Caregiver at Visting AngelsCaregiver at Visting Angels