Karamy Ford
Denver,CO
Summary
Experienced professional with extensive expertise in business development and strategic planning, driving a renowned restaurant to remarkable sales growth and expansion. Demonstrates a visionary approach to positive team leadership, networking, and innovative development, fostering strong community engagement and guest relations. Committed to leveraging a rich background in the hospitality industry to inspire excellence and future success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Angelo's Taverna
03.2013 - 10.2024
- Modernized 50-year-old Denver staple, preserving a beloved reputation while introducing innovations to elevate customer experience and operational efficiency
- Drove consistent year-over-year sales growth, transforming the restaurant into a $5M/year business through strategic operational improvements and customer-centric initiatives
- Established a benchmark of success as the Flagship restaurant in the company, allowing for the creation of new 9 stores across Colorado
- Optimized financial performance achieving goals related to cash flow, revenue growth, cost of goods sold, labor costs and other operating expenses on a daily basis
- Hired, trained, managed and ensured professional development of 50+ employees
- Designed a menu balancing chef expertise with neighborhood favorites, optimizing open kitchen concept to create immersive dining experiences
- Implemented an Employee Enrichment Program, fostering an inclusive staff culture, reducing turnover, and ensuring an upbeat workplace
- Worked side-by-side with the Department of Public Health enforcing strict sanitation and safety regulations, ensuring a secure environment
- Spearheaded hands-on training seminars for all Front of House staff focusing on in-depth knowledge of wine, spirits and food
- Curated a dynamic beverage menu featuring innovative cocktails and a selection of both approachable and unique wines
Fine Wine Specialist/Manager
Aragon Wine Market
09.2011 - 02.2013
- Directed strategic inventory management
- Spearheaded engaging events and tastings, elevating customer experience
- Fostered strong partnerships with distributors, securing exclusive wine offerings and enhancing the shop's competitive edge
Co-Host
Seville Quarter Wine and Food Television Show
07.2009 - 02.2013
- Co-Produced and hosted a popular local television program overseeing content creation
- Engaged in insightful culinary discussions, enhancing viewer knowledge
- Answered live call-in food and wine queries
Senior Food and Wine Writer
Pensacola News Journal (Gannett Co, Inc.)
02.2010 - 01.2013
- Developed engaging and creative culinary content on a weekly basis
- Amplified visibility of local small businesses via feature articles
- Tracked and reported on national and local food and wine trends
- Introduced new restaurant openings, steering public taste preferences and stimulating patronage
- Instrumental in cultivating the city's burgeoning restaurant scene
Wine and Beer Sales Consultant
Pinnacle Imports
02.2011 - 10.2011
- Company Overview: North Florida division
- Utilized wine and beer expertise to drive sales
- Developed and maintained a self-directed schedule, managing a territory from Pensacola to Tallahassee
- Orchestrated public tastings, effectively boosting product placement in-store
- North Florida division
Fine Wine Sales Consultant
Fine Wine Sales Consultant
04.2010 - 11.2010
- Company Overview: Florida division
- Targeted premium cult wine sales to elite clientele
- Partnered with sommelier teams to enhance their product knowledge
- Florida division
Sales Representative
Premier Beverage
05.2008 - 05.2010
- Managed 100+ accounts and ensured relationship sustainability
- Established solid connections with local and national suppliers
- Designed and executed large-scale promotional events coordinating with Brand Ambassadors and local businesses to drive high attendance and engagement
- Increased territory revenue by 30% through sales strategies and market expansion initiatives
Education
WSET Level 1
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Denver, Colorado05-2016
Honors Graduate- Wine And Spirits Focus
Charmer Sunbelt's Apprentice Program
Pensacola, Florida 03-2009
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Customer Experience Optimization
- Team Motivation
- Operations Management
- Talent Acquisition
- Conflict Resolution
- Staff Training
- Cost Control
- Sales and Revenue Growth
- Community Engagement
- Innovation
- Ideation
- Team Oriented
- Collaboration
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCareer advancementCompany CulturePaid time offPersonal development programsTeam Building / Company RetreatsTimeline
Owner/Operator
Angelo's Taverna
03.2013 - 10.2024
Fine Wine Specialist/Manager
Aragon Wine Market
09.2011 - 02.2013
Wine and Beer Sales Consultant
Pinnacle Imports
02.2011 - 10.2011
Fine Wine Sales Consultant
Fine Wine Sales Consultant
04.2010 - 11.2010
Senior Food and Wine Writer
Pensacola News Journal (Gannett Co, Inc.)
02.2010 - 01.2013
Co-Host
Seville Quarter Wine and Food Television Show
07.2009 - 02.2013
Sales Representative
Premier Beverage
05.2008 - 05.2010
WSET Level 1
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Honors Graduate- Wine And Spirits Focus
Charmer Sunbelt's Apprentice Program
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