Gene Valentin (he/him)
Portland,Maine
Summary
Professional with strong background in leadership and team management. Proven track record in driving results and ensuring team collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and adapting to dynamic environments. Known for reliability, effective communication, and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
FOH Floor Member/FOH Lead
Highroller Lobster Co.
04.2024 - Current
- Created and managed waitlists while hosting; executed general bar orders as well as monetary transactions for both food and merchandise in house; practiced bar and food safety; barbacked and ran food; oversaw service 5 days a week as lead to ensure smooth dining experience for customers and staff.
Beertender
Belleflower Brewing
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Supervised and ensured efficient taproom service and cleanliness; assisted in beer line cleaning; handled cash out at the end of the day; aided in special events hosted by brewery through social media; helped naming new beers created and poured for tastings.
FOH Floor Manager
Papi Portland
02.2023 - 03.2024
- Part of opening team for Portland's first Puerto Rican owned and operated craft cocktail bar/restaurant; assisted in hiring process; created schedules for staff for FOH; assisted in creating systems for effective waitlists, reservations, and private events; trained staff in Puerto Rican hospitality/hospitality industry; developed and oversaw DEI monthly training for staff as well as monthly check-ins to discuss performance; tracked inventory for FOH needs and merchandise; assisted in flow of the floor during service by serving/food running/hosting, etc.
Health Care Associate
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
02.2022 - 02.2023
- Assisted patients in checking in to appointments with PP/finding resources for care relating to sexual/reproductive health and education; data entry for medical records and general office duties such as faxing patient records and referrals, etc to other providers and directed incoming phone calls to ranging departments; created and provided DEI education and resources to other sites across NE.
Wine Salesperson/Bartender
Vessel & Vine
03.2021 - Current
- Heads to-go cocktail program, including keeping stock of bar and compiling orders; assists customers in wine selections; general kitchen help including but not limited to cleaning, running food, and assembling orders for events.
Front End Team Member
Portland Food Coop
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Enforce CDC guidelines for all in-store shoppers, including limiting number of shoppers, sanitization, and wearing of face coverings. Maintain sanitation and cleanliness throughout the store. Ring up purchases and handle cash and credit transactions.
Assistant Bar Manager
Maine Craft Distilling
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Assisted in general bar orders and maintaining inventory of stock (including beer, spirits, and mixers). Aided in delegating responsibilities for the serving and bar staff to maintain smooth day to day flow. Collaborated with other managers and created new public events to gain traction for the bar during off season and hours.
Bartender/Server
Maine Craft Distilling
05.2018 - 03.2020
- Worked with the bar team to create innovative cocktails for every season. Provided customer service and took food and drink orders. Dealt with monetary transactions and maintained a balanced cash drawer. Provided extensive knowledge about craft spirits, beers, and cocktails.
Adoption Counselor/Canine Animal Technician
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Facilitated canine adoption, including those with behavioral challenges. Assisted in vet rounds, including vaccinations and microchips. Established positive relationships with canines through training and socialization activities. Provided meet and greets with potential adoption families and administered Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming (SAFERs).
Education
B.A. - Interdisciplinary Studies- Sociology and Women's Studies
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, MA01.2017
Skills
- Cash handling proficiency
- Team collaboration
- Cross-selling expertise
- Upselling strategies
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Complex Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff management
- Staff training and development
Pronouns
he/him
Timeline
FOH Floor Member/FOH Lead
Highroller Lobster Co.
04.2024 - Current
Beertender
Belleflower Brewing
03.2024 - 03.2025
FOH Floor Manager
Papi Portland
02.2023 - 03.2024
Health Care Associate
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
02.2022 - 02.2023
Wine Salesperson/Bartender
Vessel & Vine
03.2021 - Current
Front End Team Member
Portland Food Coop
09.2020 - 03.2021
Assistant Bar Manager
Maine Craft Distilling
11.2019 - 03.2020
Bartender/Server
Maine Craft Distilling
05.2018 - 03.2020
Adoption Counselor/Canine Animal Technician
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
10.2017 - 05.2018
B.A. - Interdisciplinary Studies- Sociology and Women's Studies
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts