Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Richard Ward

Kailua-Kona,HI

Summary

Dynamic entrepreneur and effective leader with a proven track record of strategic project planning and negotiation skills. At Grab The Reef Entertainment, I spearheaded financial growth and expanded business markets, leveraging my expertise in the entertainment industry and relationship building with artists and their management companies. Demonstrated ability to increase my companies revenue and cultivate key partnerships, ensuring operational efficiency and profitability.


Extensive knowledge, training and experience in the restaurant and service industry. I strive for a quality of service that keeps costumers and my employers happy. With over 25 years of bartending, managing, cooking and doing whatever needs to be done I think I could be a effective team member with any company that has me working for them.


Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner

Grab The Reef Entertainment
09.2018 - Current
  • I started Grab The Reef Entertainment in 2018. I've produced and promoted concerts with artists such as Citizen Cope, Ky Mani Marley, Mike Love, The Expendables, Ozomatli, Leon Mobley, Tavana Mc'Moore, Inna Vision, The Steppas, Amp Melo, Jason Arcilla, Ronnie V, Sound Destroyer, Ocean Grown, The Dark Room, Leche De Tigre and more.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
  • Negotiated contracts with Artists, Venues, Security, Sound, Lighting, Stage Builders, Backline Companies and Liquor Distributors 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.
  • Expanded business into new markets

Bartender /Manager in Charge

Oceans Sports Bar
06.2004 - Current
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
  • Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
  • Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
  • Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
  • Boosted beverage sales, designing and promoting range of signature cocktails.
  • Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
  • Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
  • Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
  • Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
  • Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
  • Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
  • Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
  • Built relationships with vendors to manage orders and negotiate costs.

Bartender

Lavernes
07.2015 - 03.2020
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
  • Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
  • Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
  • Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
  • Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
  • Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
  • Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
  • Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
  • Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
  • Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
  • Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
  • Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
  • Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
  • Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
  • Applied knowledge to create innovative cocktails, enhance flavor profiles and expertly pair food and drinks.

Bartender

Lu Lu’s
06.1999 - 01.2014
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
  • Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
  • Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
  • Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
  • Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
  • Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
  • Fostered culture of teamwork, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operation during high-traffic periods.
  • Developed loyal clientele by engaging in friendly conversations and providing exceptional service.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, routinely checking and documenting bar cleanliness and equipment functionality.
  • Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
  • Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
  • Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
  • Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
  • Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
  • Implemented sustainable practices, reducing waste by introducing reusable straws and biodegradable napkins.
  • Enhanced establishment's reputation, consistently receiving positive feedback on customer satisfaction surveys.
  • Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
  • Facilitated smooth workflow, coordinating with kitchen and floor staff to expedite orders.
  • Boosted beverage sales, designing and promoting range of signature cocktails.
  • Optimized beverage cost and waste management, regularly reviewing and adjusting pour sizes and inventory levels.
  • Managed inventory to prevent shortages, conducting weekly stock checks and placing timely orders.
  • Contributed to event success, planning beverage menus and efficiently serving large groups.
  • Facilitated smooth workflow, coordinating with kitchen and floor staff to expedite orders.
  • Increased repeat customer numbers, creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.

Education

High School Diploma -

Minnetonka High Scool
Minnetonka, MN
06-2006

Skills

  • Small business operations
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Project estimating
  • Marketing
  • Business marketing
  • Consulting
  • Business launch
  • Negotiation
  • Product branding
  • Bidding processes
  • Sales management
  • Strategic project planning
  • Capital pursuit
  • Design coordination
  • Marketing tactics
  • Profit and loss analysis
  • Contract negotiation expertise
  • Program creation and implementation
  • Sales oversight
  • Social media control
  • Life cycle project management
  • Cash flow optimization
  • Key partnership cultivation
  • Effective leader
  • Scheduling
  • Project Management
  • Purchasing and planning
  • Delegation
  • Recruitment
  • Logistics
  • Cost analysis and savings
  • Multitasking
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Reliability
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Professionalism
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Time management abilities
  • Risk Management
  • Crisis Management
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Performance Management
  • Budget Management
  • Forecasting
  • Marketing strategy
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Financial Analysis
  • Vendor Management
  • Business strategy
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Manage operations
  • Communication
  • Profit and loss accountability
  • Strategize business plans

Timeline

Owner

Grab The Reef Entertainment
09.2018 - Current

Bartender

Lavernes
07.2015 - 03.2020

Bartender /Manager in Charge

Oceans Sports Bar
06.2004 - Current

Bartender

Lu Lu’s
06.1999 - 01.2014

High School Diploma -

Minnetonka High Scool
Richard Ward