LAURA BURAK
Colleyville,TX
Summary
Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering and an inclusive work culture. Documented success in building and maintaining relationships in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Numerous awards for top performer sales goals, manager of the quarter and employee of the year. Skilled in coordinating and managing various types of events, from corporate meetings to large conventions. Possess strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring seamless execution and positive participant feedback. Known for creative problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively under pressure, contributing to successful event outcomes. Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation and relationship management, leading to cost-effective event solutions and enhanced attendee experiences.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner
Exploring Our Journey
Colleyville, TX
05.2021 - Current
- Established profitable business through strategic vendor relationships and effective marketing campaigns.
- Developed and executed successful strategies to ensure consistent growth and profitability.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring product availability and organization.
- Built and nurtured vendor partnerships to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency.
Executive Assistant - Executive Team
Compass Preschool
Colleyville, TX
03.2007 - 09.2021
- Updated monthly reports and maintained database for accurate record-keeping.
- Established enrollment processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversaw office inventory by managing ordering, requisitions, stocking, and shipment receiving.
- Coordinated communications among parents, teachers, and administration to ensure clarity.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling in-house events and reservations effectively.
- Organized memorable school events and graduation ceremonies to celebrate achievements.
Executive Assistant
Hilton Suites by the Galleria
Dallas, TX
02.2003 - 04.2004
- Opened a hotel from hard hat tours to its grand opening.
- Served in many capacities, assisting the General Manager and Director of Sales as the hotel was created.
- Maintained vendor accounts and marketing campaigns for a new hotel, from soft opening to grand opening.
- Employee of the Year
Catering Sales and Sales Manager
Westin Hotels and Resorts
San Francisco, Dallas , USA
04.1998 - 02.2003
- Achieved $1MM annual sales goal by managing all aspects of corporate and social events.
- Enhanced customer relations to resolve issues swiftly, leading to increased client satisfaction.
- Conducted daily team meetings to clarify expectations and reinforce event details.
- Coached sales assistant representatives, fostering skills development to meet performance targets.
- Shooting Star Award x3
Catering Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Palo Alto
Palo Alto, CA
11.1996 - 04.1998
- Sold, planned and executed all social events at hotel.
- Worked exclusively with Stanford University and numerous Silicon Valley corporations for their social events.
- Collaborated with clients to confirm event details such as setup logistics, decorations and food and beverage selections to fulfill client requests.
- Organized special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase facility revenues.
- Grew wedding business by 200%.
- Participated in planning meetings, site visits and vendor evaluations to enhance quality of client services.
- Communicated with venue personnel to coordinate event logistics.
- Utilized hospitality associations, business journals and Internet resources to obtain current industry knowledge.
- Manager of the Quarter x2
Food and Beverage Banquet Operations Manager
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
02.1996 - 10.1996
- Audited food and beverage inventory and cost control systems and processes to keep tabs on usage and prevent loss.
- Coordinated employee schedules, payroll and new hire training.
- Trained, supervised and motivated 90 employees to enhance customer service and encourage repeat business.
- Oversaw front of house and back of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Would step in to assist outlet managers as coverage was needed in the 3 meal and fine dining restaurants.
- Manager of the Quarter.
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Hyatt Regency Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island, SC
01.1992 - 02.1996
- Supervised operations across all food and beverage outlets, including oceanfront pizzeria and poolside service, room service, 3 meal restaurant, Sunday and holiday brunch, and banquets.
- Established and maintained high-performance standards for consistent customer satisfaction.
- Identified team weaknesses and initiated corrective measures to enhance profitability.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for customer-facing roles to improve efficiency.
- Developed strategic plans to elevate restaurant performance, optimize food preparation, and minimize waste.
- Manager of the Quarter, Employee of the Quarter and Month
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Hospitality Administration Tourism and Management
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MIAssociates Degree - Business
St Clair County Community College
Port Huron, MSkills
- Event coordination and planning
- Attention to detail
- Effective Communication
- Staff development and training
- Adaptability
- Budget management
- Vendor relations
Accomplishments
- Employee of the Year
- Manager of the Quarter
- Shooting Star achievements
- Employee of the Quarter, Month
Timeline
Business Owner
Exploring Our Journey
05.2021 - Current
Executive Assistant - Executive Team
Compass Preschool
03.2007 - 09.2021
Executive Assistant
Hilton Suites by the Galleria
02.2003 - 04.2004
Catering Sales and Sales Manager
Westin Hotels and Resorts
04.1998 - 02.2003
Catering Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Palo Alto
11.1996 - 04.1998
Food and Beverage Banquet Operations Manager
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
02.1996 - 10.1996
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Hyatt Regency Hilton Head
01.1992 - 02.1996
Bachelor Of Science - Hospitality Administration Tourism and Management
Grand Valley State University
Associates Degree - Business
St Clair County Community College
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