Lauren Schmidt
Bringing The Best In Hospitality
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Hardworking Bartender with experience in fast-paced, large-scale casual and fine dining establishments. Innovative team leader with 25 years of customer service and F&B experience. Professional, flexible, creative, and service-oriented with diverse skill set. Fast learner with a hands-on approach to developing strategic campaigns and initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Halls Chophouse
02.2022 - 02.2024
- Bartend and cocktail for high volume, fine dining restaurant (#2 grossing restaurant in South Carolina six years in a row, second only to our Charleston location)
- Consistently met or exceeded sales targets by upselling premium products without compromising guest satisfaction
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions
- Attended ongoing educational opportunities (monthly wine class, etc.) to improve wine and spirits knowlege
Bartender
Rey's Bar
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in a high volume, late-night bar environment
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests
Bartender
Southern Culture Kitchen And Bar
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Contributed innovative ideas for seasonal cocktail menus that attracted new clientele while retaining regulars
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to develop creative food pairings that complemented beverage offerings
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift
Bartender
Mazzy's Sports Bar
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Service high volume bar that featured 11 pool tables (pool leagues), 10 dart boards (dart leagues), third party poker tournaments, and a large 30-seat bar as well as approximately 50 tables
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation
- Successful at de-escalating situations as well as working with security and police to ensure the safety of all guests
Bartender and Event Logistics Specialist
TALK OF THE TOWN CATERING LIMITED
10.2018 - 07.2019
- I ensure flawless execution of our customers' events, from small, private gatherings to large corporate celebrations and everything in between
- Participated in promotional events, representing the establishment positively while showcasing signature cocktails
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients
Employee Engagement Specialist
Wayfair
08.2016 - 08.2018
- I make every day a great day for our employees! Responsibilities are varied and include development and implementation of employee recognition initiatives and incentive programs, as well as employee events including an annual black tie gala for 800+ and a summer party for 1600+
- Responsible for internal and external communications, community outreach, social media, photography, site budgeting, liaison across multiple functions (HR, facilities, public relations), vendor management, sourcing/production/distribution of promotional materials
- Coordinated all volunteer opportunities for the employees in our state including a partnership with the Travis Mills Foundation, a retreat for wounded veterans and their families
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently staying within financial constraints while maximizing resource allocation for optimal results.
Director of Member Relations & Activities
The Manor Golf & Country Club
10.2014 - 08.2015
- Develop member communications strategy and initiatives; initiate, plan, develop marketing for and execute all member events; manage external vendors and resources as well as internal staff; manage multiple facets of member interaction to improve customer satisfaction, including member communications channels such as social media, digital, interactive and print
Marketing & Member Communications Manager
Sequoia Golf Management
08.2013 - 10.2014
- Responsible for communications, marketing and public relations strategy and implementation for Sequoia Golf and Canongate Golf Clubs (supporting over 50 owned clubs)
- Develop strategic messaging for internal and external sales and marketing campaigns
- Execute email marketing process and user experience
- Developed and implemented social media programs, member and prospect referral initiatives
- Writer for internal and external audiences
- Contribute to In Play Magazine, a quarterly external publication
- Supervise third-party agency and contractor resources.
Sponsorships and Events Specialist
UPS
04.2010 - 08.2013
- Development and onsite execution of customer and employee events across various sponsorship platforms (i.e SEC Championship, internal Management Conference, The Masters)
- Developed reports and queries for revenue through hospitality events and customer portfolios by mastering the internal data software through specialized classes, tracking our financial impact on the company's bottom line
- Produced communications pieces for internal and external audiences, managed multi-million dollar budgets, managed relationships with vendors, primary liaison between internal and external stakeholders for global customer events such as the London 2012 Olympics (over 800 business development customers and guests)
Public Relations Coordinator
UPS
01.2008 - 04.2010
- Led development of social media research and benchmarking, specializing in research on UPS and competitors in the Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility as well as the Olympic sponsorship reputation spaces
- Supported executive communications function (coordinate speaking engagements and events for UPS executives)
- Coordinated press conferences; provided copy for various communications channels (UPS blog, internal pieces, press releases, award applications)
- Analyzed campaign performance using various metrics, refining strategies for improved results over time.
- Monitored industry news daily, identifying opportunities for proactive outreach or reactive messaging adjustments as needed.
Accounts Payable/Purchasing Help Desk Coordinator
UPS
11.2006 - 01.2008
- Interfaced with internal and external customers to troubleshoot issues with UPS accounts payable, purchasing, and expense account programs
- Researched and solved issues with internal processes and software
- Liaison between UPS operations and vendors on payment and order status
- Administrator for financial reporting software
Marketing and Public Relations Intern
Amelia Island Plantation
01.2006 - 06.2006
- Effectively communicated brand messages to diverse audiences through various channels, including press releases, blog posts, and social media updates
- Facilitated media relations including execution of FAM trips
- Onsite logistics management of photo and video shoots for various companies on property
- Produced and distributed employee newsletter for 1200+ employees
- Represented AIP during annual Bausch & Lomb pro women's tennis tournament at sponsor tent
- Produce promotional materials for on-property events
Programming and Event Leader
Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital
05.2003 - 08.2004
- Manage events and enrichment programming for 150 campers and 50+ staff per week; supervise implementation of camp programming and ensure consistency between sessions (10 sessions per season)
- Create presentations and write scripts for camp-wide gatherings
- Train counselors on specific programming
- Obtain necessary certifications for compliance with safety regulations (CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard, Archery)
- Activate program plans within guidelines for working toward scouting objectives (badge requirements, advanced projects for scouting awards)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 05.2001 -
Skills
Oral & Written Communication Skills
Honors Awards
Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities
Timeline
Bartender
Halls Chophouse
02.2022 - 02.2024
Bartender
Rey's Bar
10.2021 - 01.2022
Bartender
Southern Culture Kitchen And Bar
08.2019 - 09.2021
Bartender
Mazzy's Sports Bar
01.2019 - 07.2019
Bartender and Event Logistics Specialist
TALK OF THE TOWN CATERING LIMITED
10.2018 - 07.2019
Employee Engagement Specialist
Wayfair
08.2016 - 08.2018
Director of Member Relations & Activities
The Manor Golf & Country Club
10.2014 - 08.2015
Marketing & Member Communications Manager
Sequoia Golf Management
08.2013 - 10.2014
Sponsorships and Events Specialist
UPS
04.2010 - 08.2013
Public Relations Coordinator
UPS
01.2008 - 04.2010
Accounts Payable/Purchasing Help Desk Coordinator
UPS
11.2006 - 01.2008
Marketing and Public Relations Intern
Amelia Island Plantation
01.2006 - 06.2006
Programming and Event Leader
Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital
05.2003 - 08.2004
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations
Georgia Southern University
05.2001 -