Makena Newberry
Vancouver,WA
Summary
Dedicated and personable professional with experience across multiple industries and roles. Skilled in customer service and team leadership, with a strong ability to build genuine guest relationships, streamline processes, and deliver quality results efficiently. Passionate about creating meaningful connections, contributing to company success, and fostering growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager - Supervisor Server
Nostra Tavola
Vancouver, WA
08.2023 - 02.2025
- Helped build the restaurant from the ground up, making decisions on interior design, decorations, and table setup.
- I helped make the decisions on selecting all the vendors and what products to bring in: liquor, wine, coffee, beer, and linens.
- Handled behind-the-scenes responsibilities like filing business taxes, renewing licenses, and processing payroll.
- Created employee schedules and supervised the team to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Organized and executed private events, including planning and catering, to create memorable experiences.
- I taught myself how to repair essential equipment, like sinks, toilets, pizza ovens, and POS systems.
- Successfully managed the restaurant during severe staffing shortages, keeping it running in moments of chaos.
- Stayed calm under pressure, handling emergencies like guest and staff injuries, and needing medical attention.
- Recently stepped into the Supervisor/Server role to maintain balance while still contributing to the restaurant's success.
Lead Server
Amaro's Table
Vancouver, WA
01.2022 - 08.2023
- Initiated opening procedures for restaurant at 6:30AM.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere that allowed guests to enjoy their dining experience with top customer service
- Engaged in regular wine training sessions to deepen understanding.
- Provided expert table-side bottle service with extensive wine knowledge.
- Trained all new incoming wait staff on how we greet each table, presets to provide for best dining experience, opening duties, and closing duties
- Trained new waitstaff at additional locations Amaros Table and Amaros Table Hazel Dell.
- Demonstrated commitment to the community through genuine hospitality.
Manager/ Barista
Love Potions Espresso
Tigard, OR
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Conducted training sessions, managed schedules, and supervised barista staff to ensure adherence to store policies.
- Generated positive and lasting customer interactions through exceptional service and presentation.
- Ensured precise inventory counts for customer demand satisfaction.
- Established cleaning schedules, ensured equipment sanitization, and restocked items to meet health department guidelines.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Server
Jorge's Tequila Factory
Vancouver, WA
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Upsold high profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer a memorable experience to guest and foster repeat business
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, checks, and other forms of payment.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals and walk in business
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties at multiple locations to keep the restaurants working efficiently and teams ready to meet customers needs
Sales & Marketing Rep.
SERVPRO of Clark County
Vancouver, WA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Maintained relationships with established accounts and prospected new retailers by calling on customers and engaging prospects in person
- Resurrection and monetize dormant leads to build a book of business and increase revenues
- Attended advanced training sessions and conferences to increase product knowledge and productivity
- Proactively negotiated profitable contracts for product lines and performed cold calling to senior leadership to expand territory sales
- Met with customers to discuss needs, tailor solutions and close deals
- Managed portfolios of 50+ accounts and $50,000+ in sales
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Clark College
Vancouver, WA06-2027
High School Diploma -
Prairie High School
Vancouver, WA06-2016
Skills
- Clear Communication Skills
- Effective Time Management
- Team Leadership
- Effective Upselling Methods
- Marketing Strategy Development
- Procedure Implementation
- Compassionate Interaction
- Customer Satisfaction Oriented
- Proficient in Relationship Building
Volunteer/ Affiliations
- Meals on Wheels (Volunteer)
- American Red Cross (Volunteer)
- East Vancouver Business Association (Board Member)
- Builder Industry Association (Board Member)
- Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (Board Member)
- Business Networking International (Member)
- Emerging Professionals in Clark County (Member)
Affiliations
- Cafe Team at Activate Church on Sundays
- Volunteer at Molalla Retirement Community Center.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager - Supervisor Server
Nostra Tavola
08.2023 - 02.2025
Lead Server
Amaro's Table
01.2022 - 08.2023
Manager/ Barista
Love Potions Espresso
01.2020 - 01.2022
Sales & Marketing Rep.
SERVPRO of Clark County
01.2017 - 01.2018
Server
Jorge's Tequila Factory
01.2016 - 01.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Clark College
High School Diploma -
Prairie High School
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