ROBIN J. FORTNEY
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Accomplished Sales Manager offering 10 + years of experience developing and maximizing Event Bookings and Catering sales. Diligent in building and retaining accounts by providing support and attentive service. Expert in increasing productivity and customer satisfaction while driving revenue and sales. Committed to streamlining procedures while optimizing employee talent.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Sales Manager
Lancer Catering
07.2021 - Current
- Organized corporate meetings, special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase facility revenues.
- Communicated with venue personnel to coordinate event logistics.
- Participated in planning meetings, site visits and vendor evaluations to enhance quality of client services.
- Utilized hospitality associations, business journals and Internet resources to obtain current industry knowledge.
Events and Sales Manager
ARC Retreat Center
02.2019 - 09.2020
- Developed cost-savings and new solutions to existing problems through persistent research and innovation
- Improved profit margins by streamlining operations and workflow and negotiating new vendor contracts for materials and supplies
- Projected more than $500,000 in sales during 2019 and achieved 110% of target
- Collaborated with internal teams and suppliers to evaluate costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets
- Created and implemented new business opportunities by utilizing strategic networking strategies.
Director Sales/Booking Agent
Prime 6 Restaurant
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Developed strategic branding initiatives to increase product exposure and appeal to target demographics
- Collaborated with talent scouts to pursue leads and pitch them on potential representation
- Met with industry connections to discuss opportunities and advocated for clients that would be well suited for them
- Liaised with marketing and PR colleagues to promote special events in social calendars
- I worked with customers to resolve problems in a timely manner
- Interviewed clients to understand event scopes of work, establish budgets and determine timelines for venue selection, guest list finalization, and rehearsal, ceremonies, and receptions
- Improved lead generation and client acquisition rates by 110%
- Discussed opportunities with industry connections and advocated for clients best suited for openings
Cafe Manager, Coffee Shops
Hennepin County Medical Center
02.2009 - 09.2014
- Assisted cashiers with processing customer payments and documenting orders
- Ensured exceptional guest experiences through attentive service
- Provided attentive service and proactively assessed guest needs
- Monitored government regulations and standards to ensure alignment with company policies and procedures
- Operated within budgetary constraints, participated in development of annual budget forecasts and reconciliation of operating budget
Event Planner/Restaurant Manager
The Northland Inn
08.2007 - 09.2008
- Develop yearly budgetary forecasts for three departments
- Increased revenue by 38% in the new social marketing bookings
- Served on team that created short- and long-term department objectives in accordance with company goals
- Coordinate details of events, with planners, sales teams and client
- Generated 13 new accounts by creating database and using social media
- Offered special rates and meal plans, we expanded our base of current accounts plus increased the Food and Beverage usage of most of our visiting teams
- Maintained accurate payroll
- Coordinated vendors, timelines and budgets for events
Food and Beverage Manager
Holiday Inn
05.2005 - 09.2007
- Attended bridal industry events to promote services and build relationships with prospective vendors
- Coordinated florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, officiants and ceremony participants during rehearsals and pre-ceremony, ceremony and reception events
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction
- Planned meals for events of up to 450 people
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets
- Handled day-to-day processes of catering including scheduling, and planning events
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Bethel University
Arden Hills2003
Skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Expert closer
- Corporate event expertise
- Marketing campaign development
- Contract development
- Business development and planning
- Lead Generation
- Coordinating events
- Professional networking
- Annual giving campaigns
Interests
- Executive Board Member of The Uptown Board Association
- Chair Artist Committee/Uptown Art Fair
- Volunteer for Tix for Tots
- Current Real Estate License
- Volunteer for Families Moving Forward
Timeline
Catering Sales Manager
Lancer Catering
07.2021 - Current
Events and Sales Manager
ARC Retreat Center
02.2019 - 09.2020
Director Sales/Booking Agent
Prime 6 Restaurant
01.2018 - 12.2018
Cafe Manager, Coffee Shops
Hennepin County Medical Center
02.2009 - 09.2014
Event Planner/Restaurant Manager
The Northland Inn
08.2007 - 09.2008
Food and Beverage Manager
Holiday Inn
05.2005 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Bethel University
Similar Profiles
Madeline LawrenceMadeline Lawrence
Cashier at Lancer CateringCashier at Lancer Catering
Jacob AnauJacob Anau
Cashier at Lancer CateringCashier at Lancer Catering
DEREK SAUCIERDEREK SAUCIER
A1,A2,L2,V2 at AV Lancer, Williams Signal,etcA1,A2,L2,V2 at AV Lancer, Williams Signal,etc
GIAN VENTURAGIAN VENTURA
JANITOR at 3BROTHER'S JANITORIAL SERVICES LLCJANITOR at 3BROTHER'S JANITORIAL SERVICES LLC
Mary XiongMary Xiong
Machine Operator at CPI Card GroupMachine Operator at CPI Card Group