Rochella McGruder
Results-driven hospitality and operations professional with 10+ years of leadership, customer service, and event support experience. Proven success managing teams of more than 30 employees, coordinating catering for events serving up to 375 guests, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Recognized for leadership, operational excellence, and problem-solving in fast-paced environments. Founder of The Host Helper, providing event coordination and guest support services. Passionate about creating memorable experiences while driving operational success.
Work History
Assistant Manager- Catering Staff
3 Years 2 Months- Lead daily restaurant operations while supporting team performance and guest satisfaction.
- Coordinate catering orders for corporate events, weddings, and private functions.
- Manage catering events serving up to 375 guests.
- Successfully provided food service for weddings with 150-175 guests.
- Train and mentor team members while maintaining company standards.
- Resolve customer concerns quickly while maintaining exceptional service.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations.
- Created schedules to enhance team performance, ensuring adequate coverage and boosting customer satisfaction without exceeding labor budgets.
Kitchen Manager
5 Years- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
- Managed inventory levels, minimizing waste through effective stock rotation practices.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on cooking techniques and operational procedures.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, enhancing kitchen efficiency and service speed.
- Developed weekly schedules for kitchen personnel to optimize labor resources.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Consistently met or exceeded local health department inspection requirements through diligent adherence to safety protocols and maintaining thorough documentation records.
Lead CSR
7 Years- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient service and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices and operational procedures.
- Implemented inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly to enhance overall experience.
- Boosted revenue by upselling products and providing personalized recommendations based on client needs.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Certification
- ServSafe Certified
- Currently pursuing Event & Wedding Planning Certification
Business Experience
Founder & Event Host Assistant
The Host Helper
January 2026 – Present
Founded and manage an event support company specializing in weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events. Coordinate logistics, vendor communication, guest services, and day-of event execution while overseeing marketing, client relations, and business operations.
Accomplishments
- Employee of the Month – Wendy’s
- Promoted into Leadership