Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

KRISTEN BROWN

Birmingham,AL

Summary

Results-driven sales and events professional with extensive experience in catering sales, client relationship management, and accounts receivable. Seeking a role where I can apply my cross-functional expertise to drive revenue growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

CATERING & EVENT SALES DIRECTOR

Pihakis Restaurant Group
Birmingham, AL
11.2024 - 04.2026

• Promoted from Manager role; retained all prior responsibilities plus expanded oversight of the department.

• Oversaw catering and event sales for 8 brands across 27 locations in AL, TN, GA, and SC.

• Developed catering proposals, contracts, menus, and presentations across all PRG restaurant brands.

• Negotiated contracts with clients to enhance service offerings and drive profitability.

• Maintained a comprehensive CRM database for tracking client information and event details.

• Managed accounts receivable end-to-end: invoicing, collections, aging reports, reconciliation, and dispute resolution.

• Established ACH payment processing and Net30 agreements for eligible client accounts.

• Negotiated payment plans with past-due customers in compliance with company policy.

• Generated weekly and monthly financial statements and AR status reports.

• Collaborated with Executive Chef and Catering Director to design customized menus and detail elevated service for large-scale, multi-brand events.

Partnered with Marketing to develop and distribute promotional materials highlighting catering services.

CATERING & EVENT SALES MANAGER

Pihakis Restaurant Group
Birmingham, AL
08.2023 - 11.2024

• Managed all catering and event sales for a multi-unit restaurant group; later promoted to Director.

• Fielded all incoming catering leads via phone, email, and website inquiries.

• Developed tailored proposals for corporate and private events; negotiated pricing and service terms.

• Liaised between clients and internal departments to ensure quality standards throughout the planning process.

• Organized community fundraiser events, boosting restaurant sales while supporting local organizations.

• Implemented new AR procedures to improve invoicing efficiency and reduce payment delays.

• Trained and mentored junior sales staff on effective sales strategies.

LOCAL SALES MANAGER

HERO
Birmingham, AL
05.2023 - 08.2023

• Grew catering business across 4 HERO locations through outside sales, pop-up events, and targeted marketing campaigns.

• Developed corporate and private event proposals tailored to client preferences, dietary needs, and budgets.

• Created promotional materials and engaged community organizations through sponsorships and outreach.

• Provided competitive pricing feedback and contributed to sales representative training.

CATERING & EVENTS MANAGER

HERO
Birmingham, AL
06.2022 - 05.2023

• Coordinated all catering events — pickup, delivery, full-service, and vending — for 2 locations, from planning through execution.

• Managed vendor logistics, food preparation, equipment setup, and on-site staffing.

• Assessed event outcomes via client feedback and implemented improvements to future offerings.

• Trained and supervised junior event staff on service standards and processes.

HOSPITALITY SPECIALIST

HERO
Birmingham, AL
08.2021 - 06.2022
  • Delivered attentive, high-quality service in a fast-paced environment, managing orders, payments, and guest inquiries from open to close.
  • Trained new servers on restaurant protocols, menu knowledge, and service standards.
  • Drove sales through upselling specials and maintaining strong product knowledge.

SHIPPING & RECEIVING MANAGER

Chase Bays Inc.
Birmingham, AL
01.2020 - 06.2021

• Developed product-specific packaging systems that increased shipping efficiency and minimized material waste.

• Managed all packing, weighing, and shipment preparation with a focus on cargo protection.

• Maintained tracking for domestic and international orders and oversaw warehouse distribution.

BRAND AMBASSADOR

Too Faced Cosmetics
Birmingham, AL
09.2017 - 01.2020

• Partnered with Ulta and Sephora locations statewide to manage inventory, cultivate strong store relations, and ensure organized, current displays.

• Drove personal sales goals through personalized in-store experiences, product demos, and client/store staff education.

• Supported high-performing team in expanding the customer base through promotional events and visual merchandising.

LEAD SERVER/TRAINER

Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
Atlanta, GA
07.2014 - 08.2015

• Maintained guest satisfaction in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Trained new servers on restaurant protocols, menu knowledge, and service standards.

COCKTAIL SERVER

The Westin Peachtree Plaza
Atlanta, GA
07.2013 - 07.2014

• Delivered elevated dining experiences in an upscale revolving-floor restaurant; upsold premium products and managed cash accurately.

SERVER

The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center
07.2012 - 06.2013
  • Delivered attentive table service in an upscale hotel and conference setting, maintaining rapport with guests throughout their visit.
  • Upsold wines, beverages, and premium menu items using in-depth food and beverage knowledge.
  • Completed daily sidework including restaurant setup, polishing, and housekeeping duties.

BEAUTY ADVISOR

Belk/Lancôme
Auburn, AL
06.2011 - 05.2012

• Assisted customers with product selection via makeovers and demonstrations; built lasting client relationships through follow-up and personalized service.

Education

AVEDA INSTITUTE OF ATLANTA
ATLANTA, GA
01-2016

AUBURN UNIVERSITY
AUBURN, AL
01-2013

Skills

  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Sales Pipeline Management
  • Contract Negotiations
  • Invoice/Proposal Development
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Financial Reporting
  • Database Management
  • Event Planning
  • CRM software
  • Account Management
  • Microsoft Office
  • Call Center Administration
  • Team Management
  • Data Entry
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail

References

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Timeline

CATERING & EVENT SALES DIRECTOR

Pihakis Restaurant Group
11.2024 - 04.2026

CATERING & EVENT SALES MANAGER

Pihakis Restaurant Group
08.2023 - 11.2024

LOCAL SALES MANAGER

HERO
05.2023 - 08.2023

CATERING & EVENTS MANAGER

HERO
06.2022 - 05.2023

HOSPITALITY SPECIALIST

HERO
08.2021 - 06.2022

SHIPPING & RECEIVING MANAGER

Chase Bays Inc.
01.2020 - 06.2021

BRAND AMBASSADOR

Too Faced Cosmetics
09.2017 - 01.2020

LEAD SERVER/TRAINER

Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
07.2014 - 08.2015

COCKTAIL SERVER

The Westin Peachtree Plaza
07.2013 - 07.2014

SERVER

The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center
07.2012 - 06.2013

BEAUTY ADVISOR

Belk/Lancôme
06.2011 - 05.2012

AVEDA INSTITUTE OF ATLANTA

AUBURN UNIVERSITY
KRISTEN BROWN