Maria Lord
Reno,NV
Summary
Dynamic professional with expertise in guest relations and event coordination. Proven track record in enhancing customer satisfaction and safety standards while delivering exceptional service. Ready to contribute to memorable experiences and streamlined operations.
Caring extremely detail-oriented, exceptional work ethic, focused goal-oriented, mission-driven, excellent with customers, engaged team player and a leader who collaborates and takes initiative.
Anticipating clients and customer needs, accountability to employer. Experienced, knowledgable in all areas of food and bevearge; aquired developed and knowledge of banquets and events; also a la carte venues. Qualified management ability. Creative resourceful and dependable.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Tour Guide
US Adventure Tours
VA
- Guided diverse groups through various attractions, ensuring engaging and informative experiences.
- Developed and maintained knowledge of local history, culture, and landmarks to enhance tours.
- Assisted in coordinating logistics for transportation and scheduling of tour activities.
- Created personalized itineraries based on customer interests and preferences to improve satisfaction.
- Collaborated with other guides to share best practices and improve overall tour quality.
- Facilitated memorable experiences for diverse groups by tailoring presentations to cater to different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities.
- Increased customer satisfaction through attentive listening and personalized tour adjustments based on group interests.
- Stayed current on area history, culture, events, attractions by attending workshops, lectures, conferences regularly updating tour information accordingly.
Manager
Thats Amore Italian Family Style Fine Dining
Baltimore, MD
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional dining experiences and adherence to quality standards.
- Managed staff scheduling and training, enhancing team performance and service efficiency.
- Implemented inventory control measures, reducing waste and optimizing supply chain processes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers to ensure high-quality ingredients and timely deliveries.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for menu enhancement and service improvement.
- Led team meetings to foster communication, address challenges, and align goals with overall business strategy.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
Server, MOD
Turf Valley Resort, Championship Golf Course, Spa, Country Club Grille and Fine Dining A La Carte Restaurant, Banquets
Ellicott City, MD
- Provided exceptional customer service in fine dining and casual settings.
- Assisted in menu presentations, ensuring accurate descriptions and pairings for guests.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and quality standards.
- Managed guest inquiries and special requests, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Supported banquet operations by setting up venues according to event specifications.
- Trained new servers on service protocols and restaurant standards for efficiency.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
Supervisor and All FOH Positions
Invited Clubs LLC; Club Corp.
Norfolk, VA
12.2025 - Current
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and safety standards.
- Trained team members on customer service protocols and operational procedures.
- Developed and implemented scheduling strategies for staff to optimize workflow and elevate service standards.
- Monitored inventory levels, facilitating timely reordering of supplies to meet demand.
- Coordinated,designed and executed all events,banquets,conferences,working dinin experiences, all special occasions,cultural and community events, award-winning dinners, wine tastings, wine dinners; all events banquets and affairs for every occasion, both smaller intimate ones to 1500 ppl.
- leading delegating and working with all staff; both FOH and BOH; Chef, food and beverage director and creative directors.
- following banquet event orders precisely and thoroughly to deliver excellent and exceptional service
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments, ensuring that all teams were aligned with company goals.
- Oversaw compliance with industry regulations and company policies, ensuring safe and legal operational environment.
- Improved customer satisfaction with prompt and courteous resolution of inquiries and complaints.
- Maintained high safety standards to ensure secure workplace for all employees and visitors.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
Events and Banquets, and Ala Carte
Hilton Hotels Worldwide
Virginia Beach, Norfolk VA
04.2025 - 11.2025
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to problems.
- Resolved problems, improved operations, and provided exceptional service.
- Organized professional with expertise in managing resources and optimizing performance. Proficient in providing valuable insights and supporting decision-making processes. Committed to enhancing productivity and contributing to overall success.
- Goal-oriented professional with proven success in applying analytical skills to solve complex problems and overcome challenges. Dedicated to enhancing team performance and driving business success.
- Adaptable individual with exceptional interpersonal skills and talent for building relationships. Known for delivering outstanding service and enhancing client satisfaction. Focused on fostering positive interactions and creating collaborative environment.
Restaurant Manager
Marriott Hotels; Capo Capo Fine Dining Restaurant
VA
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences and service quality.
- Managed staff scheduling and training, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Implemented inventory control measures to optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce waste.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors to secure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Enforced compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe dining environment for guests and staff.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Promoted a positive work environment with proactive conflict resolution strategies and team-building activities.
- Coordinated catering services for private events, delivering memorable experiences while maximizing profits.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications And English
Towson University
Baltimore, MDTheatre Arts - Music Drama Dance Performance
American Music And Dramatic Academy
New York, NYSkills
- Public speaking
- Presentation skills
- Local history
- Exceptional communication
- Safety consciousness
- Creative solutions
- Guest relations
- Customer engagement
- Tourism management
- Cash handling
- Historical research
- Cultural sensitivity
- Memory retention
- Cleaning
- Effective storytelling
- Marketing
- Art appreciation
- Safety procedures
- Supply replenishment
- Revenue generation
- Company branding
- Service promotion
- Crisis management
Timeline
Supervisor and All FOH Positions
Invited Clubs LLC; Club Corp.
12.2025 - Current
Events and Banquets, and Ala Carte
Hilton Hotels Worldwide
04.2025 - 11.2025
Restaurant Manager
Marriott Hotels; Capo Capo Fine Dining Restaurant
01.2024 - 04.2025
Food Tour Guide
US Adventure Tours
Manager
Thats Amore Italian Family Style Fine Dining
Server, MOD
Turf Valley Resort, Championship Golf Course, Spa, Country Club Grille and Fine Dining A La Carte Restaurant, Banquets
Bachelor of Science - Communications And English
Towson University
Theatre Arts - Music Drama Dance Performance
American Music And Dramatic Academy