Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Lara Kennedy

Wilmington,NC

Summary

Experienced professional focused on meeting or exceeding objectives seeking Assistant Stage Manager position. Offers advanced training and knowledge of industry best practices. Recognized for leadership, planning abilities and clear, direct communication style. Offers skills in developing new routines, working in groups and creating performances. Looking to put knowledge and abilities to good use in new position focused on entertaining audiences, experienced in performing and thriving under pressure.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sales Associate

Orangetheory Fitness
Wilmington, NC
02.2022 - Current
  • Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new and potential customers.
  • Implemented up-selling strategies such as recommending accessories and complementary purchases to boost revenue.
  • Answered customer questions regarding sizing, accessories and proper care for merchandise.
  • Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
  • Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
  • Trained and developed new hires in company processes, product knowledge, customer service and selling techniques.
  • Boosted sales by conferring with customers to evaluate purchase requirements and recommend best-fit company offerings.

Instructor/Dance Choreographer/Assistant Stage Manager

The Dance Element
Wilmington, NC
09.2021 - Current
  • Teach and Substitute Modern Technique, Ballet, Pointe and Variations classes.
  • Assisted studio owner with opening and finale rehearsals as well as during dress rehearsals in studio and on stage.
  • Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.
  • Helped dancers and crew remain focused and attentive during shows, and call cues during performance.
  • Documented stage manager set changes and worked during blackouts.

Instructor/Front Desk

Studio Pilates Porters Neck
Wilmington, NC
08.2021 - 01.2022
  • Follow programs and prepare a studio as well as any modifications for clients and set up a safe workspace
  • Provide a full 45-minute workout and stretch all while continuing to cue next movements
  • Expectations were to run class whilst giving personal motivational cues, enhancements, corrections and overall safety scans
  • Answer telephone and emails regarding new client inquiries, questions or concerns, prices
  • Help clients maneuver our app and web page to help them book classes, purchase packages as well as refer friends
  • Create posts and in studio flyers for upcoming events, deadlines and basic client knowledge.
  • Resolved customer issues quickly and notified supervisor immediately when problems escalated.
  • Maintained files and records by implementing effective filing systems that boosted efficiency and organization.
  • Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
  • Used internal software to process reservations, check-ins and check-outs.

Hostess/Support

Whiskey Kitchen
Raleigh, NC
10.2020 - 08.2021
  • Review reservations and parties for each shift
  • Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
  • Keep a waitlist, organized, clear and check in on it periodically
  • Answered customer questions about hours, seating and menu information.
  • Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions and informed of accurate wait times.
  • Assigned patrons to tables suitable for needs and restaurant section rotation.
  • Supported servers, food runners and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
  • Monitored seating area and checked restrooms regularly to keep spotless.
  • Informed servers of newly seated parties for speedy service.
  • Stayed in open communication with kitchen team to assess cooking times, avoid worker overload and minimize customer dissatisfaction.
  • Assisted managers with quickly resolving service- and food-related issues.
  • Assisted FOH and BOH staff with preparing for events to coordinate smooth execution to maximize guest satisfaction.

BDC Representative

Thompson Automotive Group
Raleigh, NC
12.2020 - 06.2021
  • Answer customer questions regarding service appointments for vehicles, complete outbound calls for clients in need of service, concerns or customer service follow up questions
  • Connect with customers via phone call, text and email, creating short and clear messages to get new information out quickly
  • Create appointments for the service team and include details about appointment procedure so client expectations can be managed upon arrival.
  • Developed strong business relationships to provide service and value beyond customer expectations.
  • Identified and executed appropriate strategies for business success.
  • Used sales and order management systems and technologies to facilitate exceptional customer service.
  • Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
  • Contributed to team objectives in fast-paced environment.
  • Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
  • Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
  • Exceptional computer skills
  • Developed new business relationships and maintained existing through regular communications and effective account management.
  • Met or exceeded sales, customer service and loyalty program standards.
  • Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
  • Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.
  • Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.

Server/Hostess

Harvest on Hudson, Hastings
Hudson, NY
05.2018 - 12.2020
  • Consulting with chefs and cooks to provide customers the most knowledge for their meal
  • Run food and drinks from service stations to guests
  • Memorize the regular menu as well as chef's daily specials for lunch and dinner
  • Answering phones to make reservations and get guest details, allergies, special celebrations
  • Handle to-go orders, gift cards and cake orders
  • Manage amounts of guests inside the restaurant and waiting to come in (COVID protocols.)
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
  • Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.

Sales Associate

CAPEZIO
New York, NY
10.2017 - 04.2018
  • Give guidance to clients with all knowledge on dancewear for them to find exactly what they need
  • Beginning of each month check product placement and work in new or highlighted products
  • Maintain a clean floor with products in the correct places throughout the day
  • Help clients purchase and utilize gift cards, while at checkout
  • Count and close the register at the end of each shift.
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers and promote specific merchandise.
  • Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new and potential customers.
  • Answered customer questions regarding sizing, accessories and proper care for merchandise.

Intern

Beyond Costumes
Yonkers, NY
01.2016 - 06.2016

Education

Dancing

School of Toronto Dance Theatre
Toronto, Canada

Ballet

Joffrey Ballet School
New York, NY
05.2018

Independent Study Certification, - Pre Professional Division/Professional Division

The Ailey School
New York, NY
05.2017

High School Diploma -

Hastings High School
Hastings On Hudson, NY
06.2016

Skills

  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Microsoft Office
  • Upselling Techniques
  • Customer Service
  • Collaboration
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Self-Motivated
  • Active Listening
  • Decision Making
  • Special Assignments
  • Effective Working Relationships
  • Contact Management Systems

Certification

Reformer Pilates Instructor - Studio Pilates October 2021

NYSSSA Dance Education June 2013/ June 2014

Timeline

Sales Associate

Orangetheory Fitness
02.2022 - Current

Instructor/Dance Choreographer/Assistant Stage Manager

The Dance Element
09.2021 - Current

Instructor/Front Desk

Studio Pilates Porters Neck
08.2021 - 01.2022

BDC Representative

Thompson Automotive Group
12.2020 - 06.2021

Hostess/Support

Whiskey Kitchen
10.2020 - 08.2021

Server/Hostess

Harvest on Hudson, Hastings
05.2018 - 12.2020

Sales Associate

CAPEZIO
10.2017 - 04.2018

Intern

Beyond Costumes
01.2016 - 06.2016

Dancing

School of Toronto Dance Theatre

Ballet

Joffrey Ballet School

Independent Study Certification, - Pre Professional Division/Professional Division

The Ailey School

High School Diploma -

Hastings High School
Lara Kennedy