Louisa Thompson
Quincy,IL
Summary
Dynamic business owner with a proven track record at Foley Vintage, excelling in operations management and relationship building. Successfully implemented inventory processes that enhanced efficiency and customer satisfaction. Skilled in staff training and development, fostering a motivated team to drive sales and improve brand visibility.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Operator
Foley Vintage
01.2019 - 03.2025
- Developed and implemented effective inventory management processes to optimize stock levels.
- Curated and displayed vintage collections to enhance customer experience and drive sales.
- Established relationships with suppliers to secure quality merchandise at competitive prices.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow and compliance with safety regulations.
- Analyzed sales trends to inform purchasing decisions and marketing strategies effectively.
- Managed online presence through social media platforms, increasing brand visibility and engagement.
- Streamlined operational processes, improving efficiency in order fulfillment and customer service responsiveness.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
- Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
- Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer base.
- Assessed income and expenses and adapted plans to improve profit levels.
- Developed and nurtured lasting customer relationships by projecting professional corporate image and responding quickly to logistical and scheduling issues.
- Implemented sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact.
- Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
Retail and Hostess
Brits Pub
03.2007 - 10.2015
- Greeted and seated guests promptly, ensuring optimal dining experience.
- Managed waitlist efficiently, coordinating guest flow during peak hours.
- Provided menu information and answered guest inquiries with accuracy.
- Collaborated with servers to facilitate smooth service operations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of host stand and entrance area.
- Assisted in training new staff on hosting protocols and customer service standards.
- Monitored dining area for guest satisfaction, addressing concerns proactively.
- Implemented reservation system improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming environment, ensuring the comfort of guests throughout their visit.
- Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
- Assisted in training new host staff, sharing best practices for maintaining a professional demeanor and efficient work habits.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Proactively assisted servers during busy times, helping to expedite food delivery and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction throughout their meal.
- Reduced wait times for guests by effectively coordinating with other team members during peak hours.
- Answered phone calls to take orders, give information and document reservations.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Seated patrons based on guest preferences and seating availability.
- Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
- Backed up servers by checking on tables and retrieving items for guests.
- Provided patrons with estimated waiting times during peak service hours.
- Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests.
- Minimized customer service complaints by expertly managing customer expectations during busy periods.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go stations.
- Promoted business loyalty by fostering positive customer relationships.
- Helped facilitate cooperation between service and kitchen staff to professionally meet guest needs and resolve problems.
- Advised customers about special offerings and menu items to help drive sales.
- Assisted customers with delivering orders, carrying additional trays and helping dish out items.
- Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
- Input orders accurately into POS terminal, split bills and accepted payments.
- Maintained balanced cash drawer with correct money values and accurate documentation.
- Supported needs of Number- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Type restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Owner/Operator
Doggy Style Pet Care
01.2000 - 09.2005
- Greeted and seated guests promptly, ensuring optimal dining experience.
- Managed waitlist efficiently, coordinating guest flow during peak hours.
- Provided menu information and answered guest inquiries with accuracy.
- Collaborated with servers to facilitate smooth service operations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of host stand and entrance area.
- Assisted in training new staff on hosting protocols and customer service standards.
- Monitored dining area for guest satisfaction, addressing concerns proactively.
- Implemented reservation system improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming environment, ensuring the comfort of guests throughout their visit.
- Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
- Assisted in training new host staff, sharing best practices for maintaining a professional demeanor and efficient work habits.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Proactively assisted servers during busy times, helping to expedite food delivery and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction throughout their meal.
- Reduced wait times for guests by effectively coordinating with other team members during peak hours.
- Answered phone calls to take orders, give information and document reservations.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Seated patrons based on guest preferences and seating availability.
- Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
- Backed up servers by checking on tables and retrieving items for guests.
- Provided patrons with estimated waiting times during peak service hours.
- Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests.
- Minimized customer service complaints by expertly managing customer expectations during busy periods.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go stations.
- Promoted business loyalty by fostering positive customer relationships.
- Helped facilitate cooperation between service and kitchen staff to professionally meet guest needs and resolve problems.
- Advised customers about special offerings and menu items to help drive sales.
- Assisted customers with delivering orders, carrying additional trays and helping dish out items.
- Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
- Input orders accurately into POS terminal, split bills and accepted payments.
- Maintained balanced cash drawer with correct money values and accurate documentation.
- Supported needs of Number- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Type restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Education
GED - Stafford College of Further Education
St Dominics School For Girls.
Brewood, Shropshire UK09.1981
Skills
- Operations management
- Documentation and reporting
- Hiring
- Business planning
- Staff training and development
- Sales negotiation
- Personnel management
- Negotiation
- Relationship management
- Human resource management
Certification
ABC-DT
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Foley Vintage
01.2019 - 03.2025
Retail and Hostess
Brits Pub
03.2007 - 10.2015
Owner/Operator
Doggy Style Pet Care
01.2000 - 09.2005
GED - Stafford College of Further Education
St Dominics School For Girls.