Nicole Valencia
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic sales and hospitality professional with proven expertise in launching Play Hard Vodka Seltzer in the Chicago market, achieving significant sales growth. Excelled in FOH leadership and staff development across prestigious venues. Skilled in OpenTable and Microsoft Office Suite, with a knack for enhancing guest experiences and fostering long-term client relationships.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Field Sales Manager
Play Hard Vodka Seltzer
Chicago, IL
04.2024 - Current
- Launched and expanded a new brand in the competitive Chicago market, increasing brand awareness and sales
- Developed and executed sales strategies, securing new business accounts and fostering long-term client relationships
- Identified market trends and opportunities to drive revenue growth
- Delivered product demonstrations and maintained sample inventory to convert prospects into loyal customers
Sales Representative
Molson Coors
Milwaukee, WI
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed supplier relations and brand performance across 80+ On-Premise accounts
- Utilized outbound sales techniques, including cold calling and email outreach, to generate leads and increase revenue
- Conducted marketing activations and strategic sales initiatives to support 26+ brand families
- Assisted in onboarding and mentoring new sales team members to foster a high-performance culture
Lead Server
Lettuce Entertain You
Chicago, IL
06.2019 - 09.2022
- Provided exceptional service to high-profile clientele, ensuring a luxury dining experience
- Trained and mentored new servers to uphold company standards and enhance service execution
- Collaborated with management to optimize front-of-house (FOH) operations and streamline workflow
Server
The Gwen Hotel
Chicago, IL
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Delivered high-end hospitality service in a fast-paced luxury hotel environment
- Anticipated guest needs and provided personalized recommendations
- Recognized for excellence in customer service with multiple positive TripAdvisor reviews and nominations for Ambassador of the Month
- Assisted in FOH operations, including opening/closing procedures and shift transitions
Cooper’s Hawk Winery
Chicago, IL
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Led service team in providing an exceptional guest experience
- Assisted in training and developing staff to enhance team performance
- Managed closing duties, including restocking and maintaining cleanliness to ensure operational efficiency
Hostess
Michael Jordan’s Steak House
Chicago, IL
05.2016 - 03.2017
- Managed FOH operations, including reservation coordination and guest seating
- Assisted in training new host staff and implementing service protocols
- Ensured a seamless guest experience by providing detailed menu knowledge and recommendations
Maitre d’
Davanti Enoteca
Chicago, IL
08.2015 - 09.2016
- Oversaw FOH operations during peak service hours, ensuring smooth table turnover and customer satisfaction
- Assisted with special event planning and execution
- Supported inventory management and operational efficiency
Hostess
Francesca’s on 95th
Chicago, IL
08.2012 - 09.2015
- Supervised host staff, trained new employees, and managed guest reservations via OpenTable
- Assisted in FOH operations, ensuring seamless communication between staff and management
- Maintained high standards of customer service, contributing to overall guest satisfaction and repeat business
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Digital Marketing
Tribeca Flashpoint College
Chicago, IL05-2019
Skills
- Full-Service Restaurant Operations
- FOH Leadership
- Training Program Implementation
- Guest Experience Enhancement
- Service Excellence
- Sales Growth
- Staff Development
- Reservation Management
- OpenTable
- Toast/Aloha/Micros
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Customer service
Key Skills Qualifications
- Full-Service Restaurant Operations & FOH Leadership
- Training Program Development & Implementation
- Guest Experience Enhancement & Service Excellence
- Operational Strategy & Policy Execution
- Business Performance Analysis & Sales Growth
- Team Leadership, Mentorship & Staff Development
- Reservation Management (OpenTable)
- POS Systems: Aloha, Micros
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & Google Workspace
Timeline
Field Sales Manager
Play Hard Vodka Seltzer
04.2024 - Current
Sales Representative
Molson Coors
01.2022 - 01.2024
Lead Server
Lettuce Entertain You
06.2019 - 09.2022
Server
The Gwen Hotel
06.2018 - 08.2019
Cooper’s Hawk Winery
08.2017 - 08.2018
Hostess
Michael Jordan’s Steak House
05.2016 - 03.2017
Maitre d’
Davanti Enoteca
08.2015 - 09.2016
Hostess
Francesca’s on 95th
08.2012 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Digital Marketing
Tribeca Flashpoint College
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