Rachel Gardea
Corona,CA
Summary
Dynamic sales and account management professional with over 6 years of experience generating more than $1M in revenue across the foodservice, hospitality, and membership sectors. Expertise in client relationship management, vendor negotiation, and account growth demonstrated through successful oversight of 400+ business accounts. A service-first mindset combined with a consultative approach enhances retention, satisfaction, and revenue growth in both B2B and B2C environments. Recognized as a motivational leader and organizational problem solver, adept at implementing training and morale-building techniques to elevate employee engagement and drive company success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Membership Account Manager
Corona Chamber of Commerce
04.2023 - Current
- Oversaw and facilitated engagement, retention, and renewals for 400+ Chamber members
- Operated as main point of contact for local businesses, strengthening connections and supplying resources to promote development
- Increased member satisfaction and retention through proactive outreach and personalized account management strategies.
- Collaborated with leadership to identify revenue opportunities through new memberships, sponsorships, and event participation.
- Partnered with internal teams to deliver networking events, educational programs, and community initiatives.
- Utilized CRM tools to track engagement, analyze data, and generate strategic reports for leadership.
- Showcased Chamber at community events, enhancing visibility and solidifying its position as the voice of local business.
- Managed member inquiries and provided information about services and benefits.
- Assisted in organizing community events to enhance member engagement.
- Maintained accurate member records in the organization's database system.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to promote membership opportunities effectively.
- Participated in meetings to discuss strategies for improving member satisfaction and retention.
- Drafted reports on membership growth trends, including data analysis.
- Created and maintained relationships with members, vendors, and sponsors.
- Developed strategies for increasing retention rates among existing members.
- Collaborated with other departments on projects related to member engagement.
Private Dining Account Manager / Sales Manager
Taps Restaurant Group
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Promoted from General Manager to oversee private dining and group event sales across multiple locations.
- Manage B2B client accounts for corporate events, catering, and large-scale bookings.
- Partner with culinary and operations teams to deliver tailored client experiences and increase repeat business.
- Provide data-driven insights to improve profitability, client satisfaction, and sales strategy.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships to promote customer loyalty and retention.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operations and enhance service delivery efficiency.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring timely communication and effective problem resolution.
- Successfully resolved escalated issues, preventing potential loss of valuable clients while maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved.
- Established clear communication channels between clients and internal teams, ensuring seamless project execution.
- Actively participated in networking events within the industry, expanding professional connections and generating leads.
Owner / Operator (Sales, Operations & Vendor Management)
T’s Tavern and Sports Bar
05.2016 - 01.2023
- Built and managed a successful full-service restaurant, growing annual revenue from $500K to $1M+.
- Directed sales, vendor negotiations, supply chain management, and financial oversight (P&L, budgeting, reporting).
- Strengthened vendor relationships, improving food cost margins and increasing order accuracy.
- Oversaw hiring, training, and scheduling for a 25–30 person staff, reducing turnover by 20%.
- Expanded private dining and events program, boosting bookings by 35% through strategic marketing.
- Implemented Toast (POS), Tripleseat (event management), and Sage (accounting) to streamline operations.
- Developed and implemented strategic business plans to drive growth and enhance profitability.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
- Managed budgeting and financial forecasting, maintaining fiscal responsibility across all departments.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities for expansion and product development.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing mentorship and training to support staff development.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
Education
Associates Degree - Psychology
Riverside Community College
06-2018
Skills
- B2B sales expertise
- Membership expansion and retention
- Client engagement strategies
- Vendor negotiation expertise
- Food service management
- Event sales expertise
- Training and development
- CRM management
- Proficient in Sysco ordering system
- Presentation skills
- Tripleseat proficiency
- Sage expertise
- Facebook marketing
- Advanced Excel skills
- Proficient in Google Workspace
- Proficient in CRM platforms
Accomplishments
- High Honors Society Member Phi Beta Kappa
- Planned and executed Fundraisers for Homeless Veterans
- Directed Patriot Day community event, overseeing planning, volunteer teams, and program execution to honor victims and ensure a respectful and impactful experience.
Certification
- ServSafe Manager
- Office Administration
Timeline
Membership Account Manager
Corona Chamber of Commerce
04.2023 - Current
Private Dining Account Manager / Sales Manager
Taps Restaurant Group
08.2021 - 03.2023
Owner / Operator (Sales, Operations & Vendor Management)
T’s Tavern and Sports Bar
05.2016 - 01.2023
Associates Degree - Psychology
Riverside Community College
Technology And Tools
- Sysco Ordering System
- Toast
- Tripleseat
- Sage
- Facebook Business
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Workspace
- CRM Platforms
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