Karen Little
Rotterdam
Summary
Highly motivated professional with 30+ years of entrepreneurial and management experience. Skillfully creates and maintains professional and loyal relationships with co-workers, staff and clients while managing administrative and sales employees. Comfortable working independently as manager and leader and as collaborative team member. Applies business acumen and experience and exercises decisive judgment to meet and exceed organizational goals.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Russell Interiors
Schenectady
01.2013 - Current
- Managed multiple projects from conception through completion ensuring deadlines are met on time and within budget.
- Coordinated with contractors, vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Prepared presentations with sketches, renderings and material boards for clients.
- Created custom furniture pieces and finishes for clients.
- Recommended cost effective solutions while still achieving high quality results.
- Conducted post-occupancy evaluations to assess user satisfaction levels with completed projects.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of building codes and regulations relevant to interior design projects.
- Identified potential problems early in the design process and developed solutions as needed.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Conducted site visits to assess existing conditions prior to beginning a project.
- Advised client on space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment.
Service/Director of Catering Sales
Blue Ribbon
Schenectady
01.1993 - Current
- Established relationships with clients by providing superior customer service.
- Identified new sources of revenue through cross-selling other hotel amenities such as audio and visual equipment rentals or meeting room reservations.
- Provided training and support to junior staff members in order to ensure successful execution of catered events.
- Prepared detailed proposals outlining menu options, costs, delivery times, payment terms.
- Assisted in developing standard operating procedures for catering operations.
- Coached team members on effective communication techniques when dealing with clients during pre-event meetings or post-event follow ups.
- Resolved any customer complaints quickly and professionally in order to maintain positive relationships with clients.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations regarding food preparation, storage, handling and presentation at all catered events.
- Established details of sold catering events with clients and followed up personally, resulting in satisfied clients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interior Architecture
Westwood
Denver, CO05-2013
Skills
- Customer relations
- Verbal and written communication
- Service quality assurance
- Relationship building
- Design coordination
- Strategic project planning
- Client service
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Owner
Russell Interiors
01.2013 - Current
Service/Director of Catering Sales
Blue Ribbon
01.1993 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Interior Architecture
Westwood
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