Michaela Garza
Orlando
Summary
Dynamic, customer-focused professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and a proven track record in high-pressure, client-facing environments. Expertise in relationship-building, communication, and sales skills enables a successful transition into executive assisting. Committed to delivering exceptional support and fostering positive client relationships to drive organizational success. Ready to contribute a unique blend of hospitality experience and interpersonal skills to enhance executive operations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner and Lead Photographer
Michaela Garza Photography
02.2015 - Current
- Built and operated a successful client-focused photography business, managing all aspects of sales, customer service, marketing, and operations.
- Prospected and booked new clients through direct outreach, referrals, and targeted marketing demonstrating cold-calling, lead generation, and consultative sales skills.
- Held 1-on-1 consultations with clients to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions directly applicable to understanding healthcare provider pain points.
- Managed complex project timelines and multiple client accounts simultaneously, maintaining a high standard of service and meeting all delivery deadlines.
- Negotiated pricing, created custom service packages, and closed deals developing business acumen and contract negotiation skills essential for medical sales.
- Built long-term client relationships that generated repeat business and referrals, emphasizing trust-building and customer retention.
- Handled budgeting, scheduling, and inventory (equipment/supplies), showing logistical and operational oversight skills relevant to territory and product management.
Restaurant Manager
Applebee’s Bar and Grill
05.2001 - 02.2015
- Managed daily operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, consistently exceeding performance targets and customer satisfaction goals.
- Led and trained a team of 20+ staff in sales strategies, customer service, and process efficiency skills directly applicable to client education and product promotion.
- Increased upsell revenue through implementation of consultative selling techniques and real-time coaching.
- Handled high-pressure customer interactions with professionalism and poise, developing strong conflict resolution and relationship-building skills.
- Monitored KPIs, conducted team performance reviews, and optimized operational efficiency mirroring the metrics-driven environment of medical sales.
- Collaborated with regional leadership to implement corporate initiatives and new product rollouts, demonstrating adaptability and communication with cross-functional teams.
- Scheduled staff, managed inventory, and ensured compliance with health/safety standards, highlighting your ability to handle logistics and detail-driven responsibilities.
Front Desk/ Guest Service Agent
Westin Imagine
03.2008 - 05.2012
- Supervised guest experience in a 100+ room property with 95% occupancy rate; consistently ranked top 10% in customer satisfaction scores.
- Cross-sold premium services and amenities, increasing upsell revenue by 18% YOY.
- Resolved high-stakes customer issues quickly and diplomatically, improving loyalty metrics and reducing refund requests.
- Trained staff on communication and client recovery skills, which improved departmental performance by 22%.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL01.2014
Skills
- Client Relationship Management
- Client-focused selling
- Territory Support & Inside Sales
- Cold Calling & Prospecting
- CRM Systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
- B2B Customer Service
- Presentation & Communication
- Time and Territory Management
- Customer relations
- Small business operations
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Owner and Lead Photographer
Michaela Garza Photography
02.2015 - Current
Front Desk/ Guest Service Agent
Westin Imagine
03.2008 - 05.2012
Restaurant Manager
Applebee’s Bar and Grill
05.2001 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida
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