Mara Nichols
Centennial,CO
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with extensive international experience in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, specializing in reception, reservations, bartending, and restaurant leadership within vibrant, tourism-driven environments. Proven ability to thrive in social settings and create welcoming spaces that foster relaxation and community among guests. Passionate about surf culture and coastal living, consistently delivering operational reliability while infusing teams with positive energy. Skilled at enhancing guest experiences and contributing to a cohesive team atmosphere.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Counter Crew Member
Dairy Queen
- Took and prepared food orders in a timely and friendly manner
- Stocked and organized merchandise, maintained a clean and safe work environment.
Intern
American Lamb Board
- Packaged together marketing bundles and shipped them
- Organized and put together contact spreadsheets.
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Port Fish and Chop House
Kennebunkport, ME
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Led daily opening and closing operations, ensuring smooth service and strong team communication
- Coordinated weddings and events up to 130 guests, creating seamless and memorable guest experiences
- Resolved guest concerns with professionalism while driving revenue through service strategies
Bartender/Server
The Tides Hotel
Nelson, NZ
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Crafted cocktails and delivered high-volume bar service in a coastal tourism hub
- Built genuine connections with international travelers, contributing to a lively and social atmosphere
- Upsold specialty cocktails and nightly features to enhance guest experience and revenue
- Maintained responsible service standards
Hotel Reservations Agent
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queestown
Queenstown, NZ
12.2024 - 02.2025
- Set up conference, group, and FIT reservations promptly, ensuring the highest caliber of attention to detail
- Coordinated with Weddings, Conferences, and Reception in group reservations, making sure all packages were organized and preferences were met
- Maximized revenue through upselling, group reservations, and contracts
- Multitasked phone queries while addressing direct email correspondents, as well as updating and creating third-party bookings
Front Desk Agent
TownePlace Suites Marriott Hotel
Littleton, CO
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Provided guests with information on the hotel, the different room types, and local food and event/attraction recommendations
- Assisted with guest complaints, requests, and inquiries
- Completion of daily reports.
Hotel Front Desk Agent
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Riverside, CA
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Top upseller for the month of July, increased revenue by $5,000
- Provided guests with information on the hotel and resolved guest complaints/issues in a timely manner
- Performed PBX duties and completed daily reports
- Set up and handled the elements include in package purchases.
Hotel Front Desk Agent
Best Western Hotel Plus
Greenwood Village, CO
04.2020 - 08.2020
- Provided guests with information regarding the hotel's services, amenities, local tourist events, and attractions
- Answered guest and staff phone calls and directed them to appropriate parties
- Assisted with guest's complaints and inquiries
- Performed Checks and Balances on Cash Drop and safe at the beginning and end of each shift.
Soccer Coach
Skyline Soccer Association
Denver, CO
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Taught and worked with children ages 3-5 on and about soccer
- Followed and workshopped weekly schedules and helped new coaches with difficulties they came across.
Kitchen Crew Member
Geneva Glen Camp
Indian Hills, CO
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Cleaned dishes and the kitchen as well as unloaded the food trucks.
- Prepared and assembled meals following safety and hygiene standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Global Business
University of Redlands
Redlands, CA01-2024
Skills
- Hospitality and Customer Service: Team Building and Guest Services, Customer Service/Guest Relations Skills, Time Management, Front Desk Operations, Excellent Communication Skills, OPERA software, Genius POS System, Cash Handling, Time Management and Front Desk Operations
- Food Service Skills: Food Production, Meal Preparation, Bartending, and Kitchen Experience
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Problem-solving, Mathematics, Computer Literacy
Volunteer Experience
- Surfers for Autism: 06/2014, 06/2016, and 06/2019
- Special Olympics Copper Mountain: 02/2017
- Project V.E.T.S: 02/2017
- Clothes for Kids: 2016-2017
Timeline
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Port Fish and Chop House
07.2025 - 12.2025
Bartender/Server
The Tides Hotel
02.2025 - 05.2025
Hotel Reservations Agent
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queestown
12.2024 - 02.2025
Front Desk Agent
TownePlace Suites Marriott Hotel
05.2022 - 08.2022
Hotel Front Desk Agent
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
05.2021 - 08.2021
Hotel Front Desk Agent
Best Western Hotel Plus
04.2020 - 08.2020
Soccer Coach
Skyline Soccer Association
05.2019 - 08.2019
Kitchen Crew Member
Geneva Glen Camp
05.2018 - 08.2018
Front Counter Crew Member
Dairy Queen
Intern
American Lamb Board
Bachelor of Science - Global Business
University of Redlands