Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
KIMBERLY GOLONKA

KIMBERLY GOLONKA

Bonita Springs,FL

Summary

My recipe for success has been very simple: client focus, flawless execution, attention to detail and consistently delivering the unexpected. My entire career has been spent in the hospitality industry and I have developed a strong background in event planning and fine dining. Whether it is booking corporate guests, or assisting first time diners, my philosophy has always been the same; to create a unique and memorable experience with passion and professionalism while exceeding the guest’s expectations.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Events

STONEBURNER COMPANIES
Naples, FL
09.2021 - Current
  • Managed all aspects of events, marketing, and social media for (4) restaurant concepts
  • Increased sales and customer retention
  • Created new branding materials introducing the community to bayfront properties
  • Developed working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities for the property
  • Increased sales by 40% in the first 6 months
  • Created the annual operating budget
  • Focused on building the property’s top line revenue by supporting the execution of the annual Meetings & Special Events Marketing Plan and providing leadership to the team on post-contractual upselling efforts
  • Researched and analyzed new products, pricing, and services of competition
  • Worked with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges/conflicts
  • Ensured the property is apprised of all groups that will impact property operations
  • Ensured furniture and equipment is maintained and inventory levels are kept in accordance to corporate guidelines
  • Leaded the execution of brand service initiatives in event management areas
  • Developed an event management strategy that is aligned with the company’s business strategy and leads its execution
  • Conducted daily walk-through of banquet floor to ensure client satisfaction and quality standards
  • Created an atmosphere in all event management operations areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations
  • Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions
  • Reviewed customer feedback data to identify service failures and provide guidance on problem resolution
  • Replied to all restaurants opentable, google, trip advisor, yelp reviews

Director of Sales

DEROMO’S GOURMET MARKET & RESTAURANT
Bonita Springs, FL
02.2018 - 03.2020
  • Banquets & Off-Premise Catering
  • Direct and manage all aspects of the Food & Beverage Department events both on and off premise w/ emphasis on maintaining a service-based philosophy that serves as a guide to respective staff that ensures 100% guest satisfaction
  • Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies, service procedures and Company standards
  • Anticipate, acknowledge and respond promptly to all guests needs
  • Conducts weekly BEO/operational meetings
  • Ensure guest satisfaction with direct communication and contact
  • Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with the guidelines and labor forecast
  • Adjust schedules weekly to meet business demands
  • Prospect for new corporate/social clients
  • Increased sales in 2019 by 30%
  • Created Off-Premise Catering menu as well as Custom menu’s with Chef for high end events
  • Created “dinner and a show” offering a unique experience that allows for business exposure
  • Facilitated a “Preferred vendor contract” at several locations including Lover’s Key Beach, Naples Barn, Bonita Arts, Shangri-La
  • Hosted NAWP events, attended Bridal expo’s & networking events
  • Provided complimentary tastings to introduce DeRomo’s Catering to corporate clients
  • Created an “all-inclusive package” by partnering with hotels, rental companies and entertainment services in the area
  • Hosted invitation only CEO wine pairing events to generate new business
  • Converted temp staff to “on call” consistent team company staff saving hourly money

Dining Services Manager

THE TERRACES AT BONITA SPRINGS
Bonita Springs, FL
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Supervised all Dining Room activities at every level
  • Managed services within budgetary guidelines, while meeting or exceeding service standards
  • Responsible for all front-of-the-house activity, including catering and special events
  • Plan, staff, and coordinate all dining room activities while meeting/exceeding service standards
  • Accurately communicate daily, meal count and beverage sale reports and catering BEOs
  • Assist Food and Beverage Director in the development and execution of operating budget
  • Responsible for hiring and training all incoming dining room staff members
  • Increased catering sales by hosting outside vendors to utilize the special event space
  • Created “express seating” for residents in the fine dining room by creating reservations and table assignments

Catering Manager

SODEXO, Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
03.2016 - 01.2017
  • Provided supervision for catering services at the account/unit to ensure client satisfaction and retention specifically to main campus and Ambler catering clients
  • Plan, advise and assist with menu options and selections, provided job quotes
  • Ensure the quality of catering operations, including dishware, linens, food, beverage and proper staffing within allocated labor budget targets
  • Assess catering deliveries and upcoming events throughout campus sites to ensure proper event execution and presentation
  • Conduct Root-Cause Analysis and develop Corrective Action Plans in response to egregious events and participant grievances in order to prevent re-occurrence and to satisfy inquiries from regulatory bodies
  • Develop a Strong Sales Portfolio
  • Contribute to account revenue and operating profit through implementation of services and quality
  • Create sales opportunities for growth by selling, seasonal specials and LTO’s
  • Ensure proper billing and event quotes and confirms payments are generated within guidelines
  • Properly Conduct Quality Management
  • Direct catering operations including table service, bars, continuous break stations and buffet lines
  • Build relationships with campus clients in order to provide support while seeking out catering opportunities
  • Implement business practices in order to properly execute the function of planning, delivery, set ups, pick-ups of daily catering events
  • Direct daily operations of catering services to ensure employees have appropriate equipment, inventory and resources to perform their job and meet goals and deadlines
  • Manage daily task list for staff, training and cross-training, cleaning, schedules, opening and closing checklists

Corporate Catering Manager & Sales Specialist

FOODWERX
Philadelphia, PA
01.2009 - 02.2015
  • Oversaw and executed marketing and social relations for the company
  • Created the Corporate/Social Relations Sales Specialist position which lead to the development of over 62 corporate accounts (Including: Lockheed Martin, Bayada Nurses, Archer & Creiner Law, Sun National Bank, Direct Buy, Keller Williams Realty, Wells Fargo Mortgage, American Water South Jersey Magazine)
  • Established an extensive networking schedule and cold calling system for new business
  • Developed new corporate tri-fold marketing materials and photo portfolio of past events
  • Secured “preferred catering” status with several large venues which lead to repeat business
  • Directly managed the coordination of catered and social events
  • Responsible for supervising large attendance events including weddings, bar mitzvahs, sweet 16, and anniversaries
  • Created “Flair” division involving major focus on presentation, back drop and décor specifically tailored for each event
  • Managed and trained all incoming sales and serving personal

Education

High School Diploma -

Catholic Central High School
Troy, NY

Skills

  • Agenda Setting and Control
  • Conference and Convention Planning
  • Meeting Trends Analysis
  • Committee Organization
  • Vendor Coordination
  • Recruiting and on Boarding
  • Exemplary Communication Skills
  • Community Events
  • Catering Oversight
  • Service Coordination
  • PR Events
  • Event Billing
  • Locating Venues
  • Problem Anticipation and Resolution
  • Signage and Display Preparation
  • Event Execution
  • Staff Leadership
  • Venue Coordination
  • Agenda Setting
  • Client Meetings
  • Venue Accommodations
  • Customer Rapport
  • Vendor Negotiations
  • Providing Feedback
  • Workflow Processes
  • Venue Selection
  • Proposal Development
  • Managing Reception
  • Customer Needs Assessments
  • Event Staffing
  • Team Leadership and Motivation
  • Event Registration Management
  • Event Planning and Logistics
  • Service-Orientation
  • Independent Thinking

Timeline

Director of Events

STONEBURNER COMPANIES
09.2021 - Current

Director of Sales

DEROMO’S GOURMET MARKET & RESTAURANT
02.2018 - 03.2020

Dining Services Manager

THE TERRACES AT BONITA SPRINGS
01.2017 - 01.2018

Catering Manager

SODEXO, Temple University
03.2016 - 01.2017

Corporate Catering Manager & Sales Specialist

FOODWERX
01.2009 - 02.2015

High School Diploma -

Catholic Central High School
KIMBERLY GOLONKA