Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Lori Hjelle-Sommers

Elbow Lake,MN

Summary

Friendly professional with a background overseeing guest issues with amazing tact and concern. A courteous Guest Services Associate promoting exemplary talents in checking in guests and effectively representing the company brand.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Guest Services Associate

Holiday Inn
07.2023 - Current
  • Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
  • Implemented innovative strategies to improve overall guest experience by soliciting feedback from customers regularly.
  • Gave information about area attractions and provided directions.
  • Engaged guests entering facility and offered to assistance with wayfinding.
  • Assisted guests with special requests to ensure a memorable stay and exceptional service.
  • Handled phone calls professionally, directing callers to appropriate departments or providing information as needed.
  • Provided timely assistance to guests, demonstrating superior customer service skills and attention to detail.
  • Booked appointments, accepted payments and answered guest questions.
  • Resolved guest complaints with professionalism, resulting in improved customer relations and repeat business.
  • Confirmed arrival and departure times for guests.
  • Maintained working knowledge of nightlife, local dining establishments and historic sites to share with hotel guests.
  • Managed reservation system effectively, optimizing room allocation and minimizing booking conflicts.
  • Resolved complaints regarding housekeeping and room service.
  • Ran reports detailing daily guest numbers, accounting expenses, and income and room service usage.
  • Processed guest check-ins and check-outs following procedures for fast turnover.
  • Welcomed guests on arrival, displaying professional and friendly approach.
  • Took reservations over phone and through email, recording guest information in computer system and verifying details.
  • Managed check-in and check-out procedures for guests.

Reading Tutor

Reading Corp
08.2022 - 06.2023
  • Maintained accurate records of tutoring sessions, tracking attendance, goals achieved, and areas requiring continued focus.
  • Identified learning needs and implemented fun and engaging learning activities to help students advance.
  • Structured activities for interactive learning, reading understanding and fluency skills.
  • Developed strong rapport with students, fostering a supportive learning environment that empowered them to succeed.
  • Conducted assessments to determine comprehensive understanding of materials.
  • Maintained detailed files and created charts to track student progress.
  • Evaluated student performance using formal assessments, guiding the development of effective tutoring strategies based on results.

Senior Officer Specialist

Federal Bureau Of Prisons
12.1995 - 03.2018
  • Maintained order and security in the correctional facility by enforcing rules, regulations, and procedures.
  • Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
  • Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
  • Served as a role model for subordinates, demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of job
  • responsibilities.
  • Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
  • Reduced instances of violence within the institution through effective conflict resolution strategies and communication skills.
  • Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
  • Efficiently managed resources such as time, personnel, and equipment to ensure smooth operations within the correctional facility.
  • Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
  • Reviewed incident reports submitted by subordinates for accuracy before forwarding them up the chain of command for further action if needed.
  • Taught classes for staff at annual training.
  • Member of the local 801 union


I was the Selective Placement Manager for ten years. This program helps management recruit, hire and accommodate people with disabilities. I completed and filed yearly reports to regional manger and participated and lead meetings with management once a month.





Owner

Bottoms Up Bar
09.2014 - 09.2017
  • Ensured consistent financial performance by closely monitoring revenues, expenses, and budget allocations.
  • Organized successful events such as live music performances, trivia nights, or themed parties to drive foot traffic during off-peak hours.
  • Maintained clean and orderly premises, adhering to strict health and safety regulations for the wellbeing of both customers and staff.
  • Implemented inventory control systems to reduce waste and maintain optimal stock levels for efficient operations.
  • Established strong relationships with law enforcement agencies to proactively address potential issues related to patron safety or alcohol-related incidents.
  • Developed strong rapport with regular patrons through attentive service and personalized engagement that fostered loyalty among customers.
  • Enhanced staff performance through regular feedback and coaching sessions that fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Ensured legal compliance with local liquor licensing laws and regulations in order to maintain business operations without interruption.
  • Collaborated with local businesses to create co-promotional opportunities that increased visibility for both parties within the community.
  • Enhanced bar atmosphere with well-chosen music, lighting, and decor to create a welcoming environment for patrons.
  • Managed staff scheduling, ensuring optimal coverage during peak hours while minimizing labor costs.
  • Managed cash flows by accurately tracking daily transactions, deposits, invoices payments, and payroll processing.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Held a gambling license and Safe Serve certificate.




Owner

D & L Properties
10.2012 - 04.2017
  • Completed final move-out walk-throughs with tenants to identify required repairs.
  • Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
  • Followed up on delinquent tenants and coordinated collection procedures.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to both current and prospective tenants, fostering a positive living environment within rental properties.
  • Ensured timely completion of routine property inspections, maintaining a high level of safety and compliance with regulations.
  • Increased tenant satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and resolving maintenance issues.
  • Maintained accurate financial records, ensuring clear communication with property owners regarding income and expenses.
  • Coordinated move-in and move-out processes, providing a seamless transition experience for tenants.
  • Managed lease renewals proactively, retaining existing tenants at higher rates while minimizing turnover-related expenses like unit cleanings or marketing efforts.
  • Reduced vacancy rates through effective marketing and advertising of rental properties.
  • Developed strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations to enhance the reputation of rental properties in the area.
  • Conducted thorough background checks on prospective tenants, reducing instances of late payments and evictions.
  • Monitored tenant behavior and implemented corrective action to maintain order in assigned properties.
  • Maintained original leases and renewal documents in digital and hardcopy format for property management office.
  • Collected and maintained careful records of rental payments and payment dates.
  • Kept properties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Law Enforcement

Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Fergus Falls, MN
05.1993

Skills

  • Time Management
  • Hospitality services
  • Listening Skills
  • Issue Resolution

Affiliations

  • Eagles 3063
  • Barrett Senior Citizens
  • Peace Lutheran Church
  • Peace Lutheran Library
  • REA advisory board

Timeline

Guest Services Associate

Holiday Inn
07.2023 - Current

Reading Tutor

Reading Corp
08.2022 - 06.2023

Owner

Bottoms Up Bar
09.2014 - 09.2017

Owner

D & L Properties
10.2012 - 04.2017

Senior Officer Specialist

Federal Bureau Of Prisons
12.1995 - 03.2018

Associate of Applied Science - Law Enforcement

Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Lori Hjelle-Sommers