Michael Cruz

• Prepare orders for delivery - pick, pack and label customer orders to meet delivery timetables and minimize errors.
• Verify quantity and description of products ordered by checking merchandise against packing list.
• Use of hand-held devices and computers to stow inventory and pick orders.
• Receive and stow merchandise.
• Volunteer to assist Leadership with special projects, demonstrating willingness to learn new tasks and increase skill levels.
• Move and lift heavy loads of merchandise using pallet jack and forklift.
• Ready product pallets for optimal storage and shipment, carefully organizing boxes and balancing weight.
• Build and wrap pallets in shrink wrap prior to loading.
• Complete cycle counts to take inventory and resolved variances to maintain data accuracy.

• Timely & accurate catering order pick-up from various restaurants.
• Verify order accuracy with provided app information.
• Accurate and timely delivery & setup of catering orders.
• Neat and professional set up of food trays, beverages, napkins, utensils, plates and serving utensils.
• Display any menus and labels with dietary information.
• Effective communication with restaurants and Help Desk regarding any order issues before delivery to the client.
• Communicate effectively, actively and professionally with restaurants, dispatch and clients.

Independently worked for several Destination Management Companies. A 'DMC' will organize and plan corporate events such as gala dinners, meetings/conferences and incentive trips - assists a corporate event planner in coordinating transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and local activities. I currently freelance for: Bixel & Co, 360 destination group, Destination Concepts, Hello! California, Releve, ACCESS, Production Transportation and PRA - performing the following duties:

• LAX Meet/Greet & Transfers (group, individual & VIP)
• LAX & Hotel Departures
• LAX Holding Lot Dispatch
• Group Tour Assists (group & VIP)
• Bike & Hike Tour Assists
• Registration Desk
• Activities Shuttle Transfers
• Dine-Arounds
• Event Set-up/Strike
• On-Property Event Management

GBS Linens is a national, full-service specialty table linen vendor that services both the Special Event and Hospitality industries.

• Managed a portfolio of 278 accounts totaling over $1.5 million in sales
• Performed event installations and breakdowns - trained and lead event staff
• Operated Trade Show booths
• Maintained relationships with existing accounts by consistently evaluating service needs and product satisfaction levels
• Networked and interacted with local, national and international associations (ILEA, MPI, NACE, ABC) to optimize Industry connections
• Planned and executed outside sales-calling campaigns, strategically targeting prospective accounts
• Reported sales call results in a timely manner
• Pursued all website inquiries in respective territory to potentially increase customer base
• Increased total sales by 124% in 2014, 99% in 2015 and 51% in 2016

Worked as Catering Sales Manager of RW Events-managed, Cypress Grove Estate House - a vintage venue offering facilities for destination weddings & receptions, cocktail parties, corporate events and holiday celebrations.

• Solicited and contracted over 100 full-service weddings, meeting/exceeding monthly sales goals of $75k through outside sales calls, telephone solicitations, written communication, prospect tours and presentations
• Developed market presence and increased sales through networking, initiating new client and vendor relationships, implementing strong proposal and closing ability
• Continued to develop and maintain knowledge of market trends and competition as it related to the Company's over-all marketing strategy
• Serviced all contractual clients consistently through-to their wedding, as well as overseeing post-wedding day wrap-up
• Collaborated consistently with Operations - communicating verbally and in writing, all necessary details for full-service weddings including vendor orders, staffing levels and specific menu information

CHIC Event Furniture Rental is a boutique furniture supplier for the special events Industry.

• Initiated and consulted in re-branding of company to enhance its image and presence in the market, resulting in over a 100%  increase of web-page hits.
• Assisted in designing and marketing of new products and catalogs.
• Developed and maintained market share in the wedding and social events space through a strong social media presence, networking of various industry associations, exhibiting at bridal shows, generating and following up on leads.
• Developed and maintained sales in the Tampa and Jacksonville areas by conducting outside sales calls, presentations, phone and email solicitations, building rapport and relationships with both clients and prospective clients.
• Increased over all company sales by 20% in a year by selling and marketing to both new and existing clientele that included destination management companies, hotels, venues, corporate and social meeting and event planners as well as retail clients.

bbj Linen Rental is one of the country's leading specialty table linen vendors, known for its vast selection of stylish linens, accessories & table-scape designs.

• Serviced the office's largest and most critical accounts such as destination management companies, major hotels and prominent wedding planners in both the Central Florida and Panhandle areas.
• Continued to be competitive in participating markets by remaining current in the latest trends, styles and colors of event table designs.
• Conducted outside sales calls, presentations, client negotiations, one-on-one bridal consultations, bridal exhibitions and merchandise open-houses.
• Created table-scape designs, formal proposals and quotes.
• Trained production staff in event table linen installations.

The Design Group was a special events production company, specializing in themed corporate events and scenic stage designs throughout the U.S.

• Prepared and planned all event elements including but not limited to staffing, schedules and time-lines, warehouse and on-site production, hiring talent, sourcing and purchasing of materials/resources, coordinating shipping and transportation logistics,generated/managed Purchase Orders,budgeting and closing of financials.
• Managed (9) events at (7) different venues over the course of 3-days without error.
• Produced several $100k + events, both locally and out of town.
• Hired, trained and supervised production crews of up to 25 people at a time.
• Maintained low job costs and average profit margins of 30% per event.