Lai Arce
Queen Creek,Arizona
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and application of problem solving skills. Always willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals and maintain rapport with colleagues and customer base.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Auto Finance Specialist
Global Lending Services LLC
Tempe, AZ
01.2023 - Current
- Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets through proactive outreach to potential clients and strategic follow-ups with existing customers.
- Developed strong relationships with dealerships, resulting in increased business and improved customer experiences.
- Supported marketing initiatives targeting specific demographics within the auto finance sector, driving increased brand awareness and customer acquisition.
- Collaborated with sales team members to craft tailored financing solutions for clients, leading to higher conversion rates and overall revenue growth.
- Maintained compliance with state and federal regulations, conducting thorough due diligence before finalizing any financial transactions.
- Evaluated risks associated with prospective loans using analytical tools such as credit reports and debt-to-income ratios to make informed decisions on applicant eligibility.
- Mentored junior colleagues on best practices in auto finance, fostering a supportive team environment focused on continuous improvement and shared success.
- Reduced delinquency rates by closely monitoring client payment patterns and initiating prompt interventions as needed to resolve outstanding issues or renegotiate terms accordingly.
- Developed a comprehensive understanding of client needs and preferences, enabling the provision of personalized financing solutions tailored to individual requirements.
- Contributed to meetings about training, operations and sales.
- Assisted in training new hires on company policies and procedures, contributing to a well-informed workforce capable of delivering excellent results.
- Actively participated in industry conferences and networking events, staying abreast of emerging trends and developing valuable professional connections.
- Contributed to business development efforts by cultivating strong relationships with external partners such as dealerships, lenders, and other industry professionals, ultimately expanding the company''s reach within the auto finance market.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Bartender/Server
Bonfire
Tempe, AZ
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
Bartender/Bar Manager
Hilton Hotels Corporation
Phoenix, AZ
11.2018 - 01.2023
- COMPLETED REGULAR BAR INVENTORIES AND DAILY REQUISITION SHEETS
- GREETED CUSTOMERS, ANSWERED QUESTIONS AND RECOMMENDED SPECIALS TO INCREASE PROFITS
- MAINTAINED ACCURACY WHILE HANDLING PAYMENTS, GIVING CHANGE AND PRINTING RECEIPTS FOR CUSTOMERS
- RESOLVED CUSTOMER CONCERNS WITH FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE SERVICE.
Bartender/Supervisor
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
Gilbert, AZ
10.2020 - 11.2021
- Fostered strong relationships with regular patrons through personalized service that encouraged repeat business.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Oversaw and monitored cash drawers and reconciled drawers against cash register reports at close of business.
- Supervised and trained staff on preparing and delivering drinks, handling food, and money and setting up bar at beginning of shift and breaking down at end of shift to facilitate operations.
- Increased overall revenue with creative drink promotions and themed events.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and mixology techniques to continually improve overall operations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable pricing on beverage orders.
- Ensured accurate reporting of daily sales figures to upper management for informed decision-making processes related to budgeting and forecasting.
- Streamlined bar operations for increased efficiency by implementing new inventory management systems.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Addressed customer complaints with professional demeanor and used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
Sales Coordinator
Silverdale Beach Hotel
Seattle, WA
06.2016 - 10.2018
- Worked closely with the sales team to prioritize tasks, set goals, and allocate resources efficiently; resulting in increased productivity and revenue.
- Maintained accurate records of all sales activities, including contracts, proposals, quotes, follow-ups, and customer communications.
- Increased sales revenue by establishing strong relationships with clients and identifying new business opportunities.
- Supported sales team members in achieving individual goals and targets through coaching, mentoring, and guidance.
- Negotiated contracts on behalf of the organization while adhering to set guidelines; leading successful deals that resulted in increased profits.
- Served as a liaison between internal departments such as production, logistics, finance, ensuring seamless end-to-end management of client accounts.
- Developed comprehensive understanding of product offerings in order to effectively communicate benefits to prospective customers.
- Provided effective recommendations to increase customer satisfaction and marketing effectiveness to secure long-term accounts.
- Deployed and assessed strategies for retaining customers and maximizing account servicing opportunities to promote revenue consistency.
- Implemented effective cross-selling strategies, increasing overall sales volume and client retention rates.
- Employed closing sales techniques, upselling and customer loyalty incentives to boost sales.
- Assisted in the development of annual sales budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Evaluated industry trends and competitor strategies to identify new opportunities for growth and expansion within the market.
- Managed a portfolio of key accounts; consistently hitting quarterly targets whilst maintaining excellent levels of customer satisfaction.
Education
High School -
Hamilton High School
Chandler, AZ05.2014
Skills
- Professionalism and Integrity
- Goal-oriented mindset
- Compliance Awareness
- Strong analytical skills
- Credit analysis expertise
- Financial Acumen
- Sales negotiation techniques
- Understanding of lending regulations
- Relationship building and management
- Client Relations
- Consumer Lending
- Credit analysis
- Risk management assessments
- Financial Services
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Relationship Building
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Self Motivation
References
- Lauren Gutierrez, Director of Operations, Hilton Hotels, 480-324-6204
- Jill Evavold, Regional Sales Manager, Pineapple Boutique Hotels, 425-301-5025, jill.evavold@gmail.com
- Amber Sanchez, Restaurant Manager, Hilton Hotels, 623-231-1524, Amber.Troncoso@hilton.com
Timeline
Bartender/Server
Bonfire
08.2023 - 03.2024
Auto Finance Specialist
Global Lending Services LLC
01.2023 - Current
Bartender/Supervisor
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
10.2020 - 11.2021
Bartender/Bar Manager
Hilton Hotels Corporation
11.2018 - 01.2023
Sales Coordinator
Silverdale Beach Hotel
06.2016 - 10.2018
High School -
Hamilton High School