Kristina Drake
Downers Grove,IL
Summary
Experienced, high-energy hospitality and cannabis professional with over 15 years of service, sales, and guest engagement expertise. Holds comprehensive knowledge of Illinois cannabis brands and expert familiarity with more than 110 products on the market. Skilled in delivering white-glove service, educating guests, and creating memorable, personalized experiences in fast-paced, high-volume environments. Proficient in multiple POS platforms—including Dutchie, Trees, and I Heart Jane—and comfortable maintaining accurate inventory controls of $500+ at any given time. Highly experienced in planning and executing events, managing pop-ups, coordinating third-party vendors, and supporting special promotions. Backed by 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, bringing mindfulness, calm leadership, and elevated customer care to every interaction. Known for strong communication, dependable performance, and consistently hitting sales and service targets.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Agent in Charge
Goodies Dispensary
06.2023 - Current
- Focus on top-tier guest relations in the cannabis space, specializing in high-end and craft cannabis sales, with a 100% guest satisfaction rate.
- Directed front-of-house operations, delivering elevated hospitality and personalized cannabis education.
- Mentored budtenders on product knowledge, service etiquette, and guest engagement.
- Ensured seamless customer flow, problem resolution, and a welcoming, high-end retail atmosphere.
- Acted as the accountable on-site leader for compliance, safety protocols, and accurate product handling.
Server
Prime & Provisions
06.2020 - 09.2025
- Provided white-glove service in an upscale steakhouse environment, specializing in high-end wine pairings, reserve lists, and curated dining experiences.
- Elevated guest satisfaction and sales through confident recommendations of premium bottles, unique vintages, and chef-driven features.
- Created memorable experiences for celebrations and special occasions, resulting in repeat clientele who consistently requested my section.
- Delivered flawless multi-course service with impeccable timing, menu mastery, and polished presentation.
Budtender
High Haven Cannabis
09.2023 - 06.2025
- Provided elevated, concierge-level cannabis service backed by expert knowledge of premium strains, terpenes, and consumption methods.
- Drove strong sales performance by consistently meeting weekly targets and contributing to $600,000+ in monthly store revenue.
- Oversaw and executed brand popups, ensuring smooth operations, effective guest engagement, and successful product promotions.
Server
Steak 48
09.2018 - 04.2020
- Specializing in high-end wine sales and premium pairing recommendations in a luxury steakhouse setting.
- Built repeat guest relationships, often requested for anniversaries, birthdays, and special-occasion dining.
- Executed precise, detail-driven multi-course service with refined hospitality standards.
Server
Chicago Chop House
11.2011 - 11.2018
- Delivered elevated fine dining service with a strong focus on wine education, pairing recommendations, and guiding guests through premium steak and cellar selections.
- Consistently drove high wine sales by presenting reserve bottles, offering thoughtful pairings, and upselling specialty lists.
- Built lasting guest relationships, regularly receiving repeat reservations, and special-occasion requests for personalized service.
- Orchestrated multi-course dining with precision timing, attention to detail, and a refined hospitality approach.
Bartender
The Redhead Piano Bar
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Crafted premium cocktails with precision, speed, and consistency in a high-volume, upscale bar environment.
- Delivered elevated guest service while managing heavy ticket counts, multiple service wells, and a fast-paced bar top.
- Maintained expert knowledge of spirits, craft cocktails, wine, and seasonal menus to provide tailored recommendations.
- Balanced efficiency with hospitality, ensuring quick execution without sacrificing quality or guest experience.
Bartender
Sullivan's SteakHouse
08.2010 - 08.2011
- Delivered fast, efficient, and high-quality cocktail service in a fast-paced, high-volume bar environment.
- Expert in premium spirits and crafted specialty cocktails with consistency under pressure.
- Provided elevated guest service while managing heavy drink production during peak hours.
Skills
- Expert Product Knowledge of 110 Illinois cannabis products, including strains, terpenes, effects, dosing, and consumption methods
- White-Glove Guest Service and luxury-level hospitality
- Personalized Cannabis Consultations & tailored product recommendations
- Sales Performance Excellence with a strong record of hitting and exceeding weekly sales targets
- High-Volume Retail Experience in fast-paced, compliance-driven environments
- Upselling & Cross-Selling Expertise for premium and craft cannabis brands
- Customer Relationship Building and developing repeat client loyalty
- Strong Communication & Education Skills for explaining products clearly and professionally
- IDFPR & METRC Compliance Awareness (POS accuracy, tracking, scanning, limits)
- Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution with a calm, professional approach
- Team Collaboration & FOH Support across sales floor, inventory, and management
- Cash Handling & POS Mastery with accuracy and speed
- Popup & Vendor Event Management (guest engagement, product demos, sales support)
- Clean, Organized & Detail-Driven Work Habits
- Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Affiliations
MCBA- Minorities in Cannabis Business Association
IWC- Illinois Women in Cannabis
IRA- Illinois Restaurant Association
CMS- Court of Master Sommelier Candidate
Certification
- BASSET (Illinois)
- ServSafe Food Handler
- Responsible Vendor Training (Illinois Cannabis)
- WSET Level 1 (or Candidate)
- Introductory Sommelier (CMS) – optional/future/ Level 1
- TIPS Certified
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- RYT 200 (Yoga Alliance)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Budtender
High Haven Cannabis
09.2023 - 06.2025
Agent in Charge
Goodies Dispensary
06.2023 - Current
Server
Prime & Provisions
06.2020 - 09.2025
Server
Steak 48
09.2018 - 04.2020
Bartender
The Redhead Piano Bar
08.2014 - 08.2016
Server
Chicago Chop House
11.2011 - 11.2018
Bartender
Sullivan's SteakHouse
08.2010 - 08.2011
Section name
- Cannabis Advocate, Licensed AIC, Hospitality Industry Professional
- Dynamic, Result Oriented, and Team-Spirited, Self Starter and Motivator