Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Karen Siwik

Mays Lounge
The Villages,FL
39
years of professional experience

Dynamic hospitality professional with a proven track record in customer engagement and cash handling. Skilled in active listening and transforming guest interactions into memorable experiences, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Work History

Hospitality Host

6 Years 8 Months
Mays Lounge | 11.2019 - 07.2026
  • Greeted guests, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. Offered complimentary drinks and snacks.
  • Promoted guests to sign in on the customer kiosk to earn points and to enter into prize drawings.
  • Handled guest complaints professionally and efficiently, turning potentially negative situations into positive outcomes.
  • Increased repeat business by building rapport with guests and creating memorable experiences.
  • Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain a welcoming appearance.
  • Collected credit card and cash payments and dispensed change for cash transactions. Maintained balanced cash drawer with correct money values and accurate documentation.
  • Promoted business loyalty by fostering positive customer relationships.

Hospitality Host

2 Years 3 Months
Tracy’s Gaming Cafe | 07.2017 - 10.2019
  • Greeted and welcomed guests, ensuring a positive first impression of the venue. Offered complimentary beverages and informed them of drink specials.
  • Maintained a clean and inviting gaming area, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere for patrons.
  • Increased repeat business by building rapport with customers and addressing their needs in a timely manner.
  • Wiped front counter, gaming machines and glass doors to maintain cleanliness of public areas.
  • Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper payment processing and reconciliation at the end of each shift.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing warm greetings and thanking customers when leaving for coming in and playing at our establishment.

Front Counter Hostess and Beverage Cart

2 Years 1 Month
Villa Olivia Golf Course | 06.2015 - 07.2017
  • Welcomed guests and maintained pleasant, friendly, and professional demeanor.
  • Assisted with menu inquiries and provided detailed information on food and beverage options.
  • Proactively assisted in maintaining inventory levels, ensuring that the front counter area was well-stocked with necessary supplies for smooth operation.
  • Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations by adhering to proper food handling techniques and maintaining a sanitary work environment.
  • Received payment from guests, made change and issued receipts in accordance with cash handling policies and procedures.
  • Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
  • Assisted with group outings and raffles for prizes

Sales Associate

1 Year 6 Months
Lord & Taylor, Flagship | 11.2013 - 05.2015
  • Processed transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems, ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Assisted customers in product selection, enhancing overall shopping experience.
  • Maintained organized merchandise displays to promote sales and improve store aesthetics.
  • Executed daily inventory checks to ensure product availability and accuracy.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.

Senior U.S. Customs Bond Underwriter

4 Years 1 Month
Roanoke Insurance Group | 09.2009 - 10.2013
  • Analyzed financial documents for accuracy and compliance with underwriting guidelines.
  • Evaluated insurance applications to assess risk and determine coverage eligibility.
  • Collaborated with agents to gather necessary information for policy issuance.
  • Documented underwriting decisions and provided evidence of compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and offering comprehensive explanations of underwriting decisions.
  • Made approval and denial recommendations by determining accurate risk levels.
  • Developed strong relationships with brokers, leading to a higher volume of quality submissions and successful underwriting.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through diligent monitoring of industry changes and updating internal policies accordingly.
  • Achieved high levels of underwriter certification, demonstrating commitment to professionalism and continuous learning.

Owner/Office Manager

12 Years 4 Months
Overhead Experts | 04.1997 - 08.2009
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Developed and maintained filing systems for improved document retrieval and organization.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitioning and stocking and shipment receiving.

Assistant Customs Bond Manager

9 Years 7 Months
Trade Insurance Services | 09.1987 - 04.1997
  • Assisted manager in all aspects of business operations.
  • Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
  • Assisted managers in decision-making processes based on thorough research and analysis of available data.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional administrative support and resolving issues efficiently.
  • Enhanced office efficiency by organizing and maintaining digital and physical filing systems.
  • Followed detailed directions from management to complete daily paperwork and computer data entry.
  • Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
  • Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.
  • Opened and properly distributed incoming mail to promote quicker response to client inquiries.

Education

No Degree - Elementary School Teaching

William Rainey Harper College | Palatine, IL | 09-1986

Elementary School Teaching

Basset Seller/Server Certificate - Beverage Alcohol Seller And Server

360 Training Learn To Serve | Computer Course | 04-2025

Beverage Alcohol Seller and Server

High School Diploma

Hoffman Estates High School | Hoffman Estates, IL | 06-1984

Early Childhood Educational Courses

Skills

Customer engagement
Exceptional communication
Strong organizational skills
Active listening
Team player attitude
Personable and friendly
Cash handling
Customer-oriented

Timeline

Hospitality Host

Mays Lounge
11.2019 - 07.2026Read More

Hospitality Host

Tracy’s Gaming Cafe
07.2017 - 10.2019Read More

Front Counter Hostess and Beverage Cart

Villa Olivia Golf Course
06.2015 - 07.2017Read More

Sales Associate

Lord & Taylor, Flagship
11.2013 - 05.2015Read More

Senior U.S. Customs Bond Underwriter

Roanoke Insurance Group
09.2009 - 10.2013Read More

Owner/Office Manager

Overhead Experts
04.1997 - 08.2009Read More

Assistant Customs Bond Manager

Trade Insurance Services
09.1987 - 04.1997Read More

360 Training Learn To Serve

Basset Seller/Server Certificate from Beverage Alcohol Seller And Server
Read More

William Rainey Harper College

No Degree from Elementary School Teaching
Read More

Hoffman Estates High School

High School Diploma
Read More
Karen Siwik