Mackenzie Garretson
Bend
Summary
Creative and detail-oriented leader specializing in wine and cocktail innovation with a focus on guest engagement. 20+years experience managing service teams and curating unique events, poised to enhance guest experiences and drive business success.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
Roam at the Oxford Hotel
Bend
07.2023 - Current
- Joined as a lead bartender and head of banquet bartending for this luxury boutique hotel
- Quickly took on management responsibilities and moved into the hotel's assistant F&B manager role
- Implement curated seasonal cocktail and wine lists for restaurant and private events
- Cultivate strong relationships with guests leading to high client retention
- Cultivate positive workplace culture leading to minimal staff turnover
- Well versed in Oregon employee and F&B rules and regulations
VIP Hospitality Lead
Core Catering
Bend
2022 - 2025
- Entrusted with leading the service team for this upscale catering company
- Managed backstage service for VIP artists at multiple music festivals
- Led the team for large upscale wine pairing fundraising events
- Trained and mentored staff on hospitality best practices.
Bartender/Consultant
Canteen at Campfire Hotel
Bend
05.2024 - 11.2024
- Temporary part-time role that I took on because the owners have opened multiple successful, high concept bars
- Worked with the team on developing the new Dogwood bar program and event concepts
Owner
Vagabond Polo Club
Palm Beach
2017 - 2021
- Developed a 15-acre tract of bare land into a thriving polo property, renting to the top polo players in the world every winter
- Designed and worked with contractors to build a 14-stall show barn, polo field, exercise track and turnouts to accomodate up to 50 horses
- Organized multiple charity events, concerts and private parties
Fleet Interior Manager
Amorazur Fleet
Monte-Carlo
2010 - 2021
- Responsible for hiring and training interior staff for all six yachts in the fleet
- Maintained all accounting for each separate yacht
- Curated each individual bar program and worked with the private chefs on developing unique luxury menus
- Created in-depth inventories, provision lists and guest preference sheets
Chief Stewardess/Purser
M/Y Amorazur II
Monte-Carlo
2006 - 2021
- Primary head of service for ultra high-net worth and celebrity guests and owners providing 6-star experiences
- Monaco based but traveled extensively through Europe, Caribbean, East Coast US and Singapore
- Created unique cocktails based on the current location of the yacht, showcasing local products and high end ingredients
- Maintained excellent relationships with some of the most sought after restaurants and nightclubs around the world in order to always acquire reservations
- Worked closely with the private chef developing menus and wine and cocktail pairings
- Designed elegant and unique table settings, decor and flower arrangements for every meal
- Managed all provisioning and multiple inventories including a 1000+ bottle collection of rare wine
- Led a team of five, maintaining a positive work environment through long hours and challenging conditions
Curator of Private Rare Wine Tastings
Confidential
London & NYC
2014 - 2020
- Planned, executed and hosted exclusive wine tasting events four times a year for the CEO of a global bank and his top 20-30 wealthiest clients
- Built relationships with some of the most reputable fine wine dealers around the world in order to procure some of the rarest wines on the market
- Vetted and trained all staff and catering companies with a focus on quality and discretion
Owner
Retro Retreat Vacation Rentals
2009 - 2020
- Owned and managed multiple vacation rental homes in the South of France, Oregon, Florida and Sweden
- Renovated each property to preserve historical features and decorated to be era appropriate, with client enjoyment and comfort as priority
Event and Guest Service Coordinator
M/Y Lady Joy
Cannes Film Festival
2012 - 2012
- Hired to oversee an untested interior crew for a 300-person celebrity fundraising event
- I was asked to stay on and lead service for a very high-profile celebrity couple for the rest of the film festival
Education
Bachelor Of Arts (BA) - International Humanitarian Aid
Goddard College
Plainfield, VTWSET Level 1, 2 And 3 - Advanced Wine and Spirits
FineWineWorks
Nice, FranceSTCW - First aid, fire fighting, sea survival & security
Maritime Professional Training
Fort Lauderdale, FLSkills
- Guest relations
- Cocktail creativity
- Event planning
- Menu curation
- Team leadership
- Detail-oriented
- Exceptional leadership
Languages
French
Professional
Swedish
Limited
Affiliations
Horseback Riding
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Bartender/Consultant
Canteen at Campfire Hotel
05.2024 - 11.2024
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
Roam at the Oxford Hotel
07.2023 - Current
VIP Hospitality Lead
Core Catering
2022 - 2025
Owner
Vagabond Polo Club
2017 - 2021
Fleet Interior Manager
Amorazur Fleet
2010 - 2021
Chief Stewardess/Purser
M/Y Amorazur II
2006 - 2021
Curator of Private Rare Wine Tastings
Confidential
2014 - 2020
Owner
Retro Retreat Vacation Rentals
2009 - 2020
Event and Guest Service Coordinator
M/Y Lady Joy
2012 - 2012
Bachelor Of Arts (BA) - International Humanitarian Aid
Goddard College
WSET Level 1, 2 And 3 - Advanced Wine and Spirits
FineWineWorks
STCW - First aid, fire fighting, sea survival & security
Maritime Professional Training