Leah Thompson
Ashland
Summary
Ambitious hospitality professional with 10+ years of experience in service environments ranging from casual to fine dining. Recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences through strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to guest satisfaction. Experience in management, catering events, coordinating staff, and maintaining high service standards that foster client loyalty and retention.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Manager
Parkhurst Dining
Ashland, VA
04.2024 - 08.2026
- Coordinated catering events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
- Proactively addressed any issues or concerns from clients or staff members promptly and professionally resolved them.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to promote catering services and increase bookings.
- Streamlined event setup processes, enhancing team workflow and service delivery times.
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
- Developed and implemented menu designs tailored to client preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Trained staff on food safety standards and operational procedures for efficiency.
- Oversaw inventory management, reducing waste through accurate forecasting of needs.
Banquet Server/Bartender
The Westin Hotel
Richmond, VA
10.2023 - 10.2024
- Delivered exceptional service to guests during large-scale events, ensuring satisfaction and seamless experiences.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down banquet rooms, maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout events.
- Managed multiple tables simultaneously, providing attentive service while maintaining a calm demeanor during high-pressure situations.
- Coordinated with event managers to ensure adherence to specific client requirements and preferences for each banquet event.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Assisted in setting up the event space, ensuring proper table arrangements and placement of utensils for seamless guest experience.
- Demonstrated exceptional teamwork by collaborating with fellow servers to maintain a smooth flow of service during large-scale events.
- Completed post-event tasks such as cleaning, breakdown, and inventory management to prepare for future banquets efficiently.
- Crafted and served a diverse range of cocktails and beverages to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Monitored and maintained cleanliness of the bar area to comply with health regulations and enhance ambiance.
- 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.
Retail Merchandiser
SAS Retail Services
01.2021 - 04.2023
- Collaborated with team members to execute promotional displays and ensure brand alignment.
- Implemented visual merchandising guidelines to enhance customer engagement and shopping experience.
- Organized and maintained displays to achieve clean and appealing product layouts.
- Organized store merchandise racks and displays to promote and maintain visually appealing environments.
- Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays.
Banquet Captain
Fredericksburg Country Club
Fredericksburg, VA
07.2020 - 01.2021
- Coordinated with kitchen team to align food service timing with guest expectations.
- Trained and supervised staff on service standards and operational procedures.
- Led banquet setup and breakdown to ensure seamless event transitions.
- Resolved guest inquiries and concerns promptly, ensuring high satisfaction levels during events.
- Ensured timely preparation of function spaces according to client specifications, providing them a hassle-free experience on their special day.
- Promoted team collaboration among banquet staff members through effective leadership practices that fostered a supportive work environment.
Banquet Captain
Country Club Of Columbus
Columbus, GA
07.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed inventory controls for banquet supplies, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
- Developed event schedules to optimize staff allocation and enhance guest experience.
- Collaborated with management to implement service enhancements based on guest feedback.
- Oversaw adherence to health and safety regulations during all banquet operations.
- Maintained clear communication channels between all departments involved in banquets, contributing to successful event outcomes.
Server
Joe's Crab Shack
Fredericksburg, VA
05.2015 - 06.2019
- Managed food and drink orders efficiently, minimizing wait times for patrons.
- Trained new staff on menu offerings and service protocols to enhance team performance.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, improving overall dining experience and retention rates.
- Implemented upselling techniques, enhancing revenue generation through improved product knowledge.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Education
High School Diploma -
Forest Park Senior High School
Woodbridge, VASkills
- Staff leadership
- Sanitation standards
- Food presentation
- Inventory management
- Table setting
- Marketing
- Food and beverage sales
- Event coordination
- Problem-solving
- Delegating assignments and tasks
- Money handling
- Catering services
Certification
- TIPS Certification - until 2027
Timeline
Catering Manager
Parkhurst Dining
04.2024 - 08.2026
Banquet Server/Bartender
The Westin Hotel
10.2023 - 10.2024
Retail Merchandiser
SAS Retail Services
01.2021 - 04.2023
Banquet Captain
Fredericksburg Country Club
07.2020 - 01.2021
Banquet Captain
Country Club Of Columbus
07.2019 - 01.2020
Server
Joe's Crab Shack
05.2015 - 06.2019
High School Diploma -
Forest Park Senior High School