Saige Hilton
Austin,TX
Summary
Energetic business development professional driven to motivate and excite employees to reach optimum performance. Natural leader and complex problem solver. Experienced with product testing, management and development of new business opportunities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Manager
Strong Events
08.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive Fabrication Guide to standardize operations, enhancing both internal coordination and client communication; contributed to increased client trust and business growth.
- Led consistent client engagement efforts to ensure satisfaction, resulting in long-term relationships grounded in trust and collaboration.
- Trained and supervised the sales team to retain and expand the existing client base; supported discovery calls with prospective clients, helping secure high-value accounts.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with all departments to streamline internal communication and proactively address potential issues before escalation.
Financial Services Representative
New York Life Insurance Co
03.2020 - 06.2022
- Obtained Life & Health certification through the state of Texas, as well as Series 6 certification for annuities, demonstrating expertise in financial services.
- Kept up-to-date with industry regulations, trends, and best practices to deliver well-informed advice and guidance to clients.
- Engaged in ongoing weekly training on life insurance and annuities to continuously expand knowledge and provide clients with tailored strategies for growing their financial future.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and improve overall branch performance.
Catering Sales Assistant & Banquets Captain
Archer Hotel Austin
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Assisted in the successful opening of a Forbes-rated four-star hotel in The Domain, establishing foundational operations for the Banquets department.
- Created and implemented comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all banquet functions to ensure consistency and service excellence.
- Developed and maintained detailed inventory systems for banquet equipment, beverages, and liquor.
- Managed all event billing and invoicing processes, ensuring accuracy and timely financial reporting.
- Prepared Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) for upcoming events, coordinating details across departments to ensure flawless execution.
- Led and supervised the Banquets team, overseeing scheduling, training, and daily operations to maintain high service standards.
Lead Server & Wine Educator
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
06.2015 - 08.2016
- Trained all front of house staff on standard operations, food menu, wine list, and spirits
- Taught all our front of house wine meetings and assisted in wine inventory
- Executed all Private Dinning Events
Events Manager
Max’s Wine Dive
02.2013 - 09.2015
- Supervised the execution of diverse private events, including corporate dinners, convention center cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, and weddings, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction.
- Served as second-in-command to the Events Coordinator, assisting with event logistics and team leadership.
- Delegated tasks to event staff, ensuring efficient and timely completion of responsibilities.
- Managed event checkouts, payroll, and client communication, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
- Coordinated room setups, kitchen timing, and logistical operations to ensure event execution met client expectations.
- Led wine tastings and curated wine dinner pairings, enhancing the overall event experience for clients and guests.
Assistant Manager & Event Coordinator
FINO Restaurant Patio & Bar
03.2014 - 04.2015
- Oversaw all front-of-house operations, ensuring seamless daily service and high standards of guest experience.
- Managed staff scheduling, calculated and delegated weekly server tip shares, and handled ordering, inventory, and payroll processing.
- Compiled end-of-month reports to track performance metrics and ensure financial accuracy.
- Directed the booking and expansion of the events program, increasing overall event revenue.
- Developed a new events menu, leading to a significant boost in event sales and client engagement.
General Manager
Pakwan Indian Restaurant & Bar
10.2011 - 11.2012
- Managed and oversaw the opening of a fine-dining Indian restaurant, ensuring operational excellence and a high-quality guest experience.
- Collaborated closely with owners on menu planning, public relations, networking, and catering initiatives to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Developed the restaurant’s wine list, cocktail menu, and beer selection, curating offerings that complemented the cuisine and elevated the guest experience.
- Recruited, hired, and trained all front-of-house (FOH) staff, ensuring high performance and a cohesive team environment.
- Handled financial operations including cash deposits, credit card batching, and payroll management for both FOH and back-of-house (BOH) teams.
Lead Bartender
Lark Creek
10.2010 - 10.2011
- Bradley Ogden’s flagship restaurant with a fine dining atmosphere.
- We practiced traditional bar craft and had to be extremely sufficient in cocktails and mixology.
- Bar manager duties were training all new bar staff, doing inventory, tasting and recommending new wines and beers from representatives, and creating interesting and new cocktails.
- In charge of educating the staff on all spirits, wine, and beer.
Bartender/Wine Broker
Max’s Wine Dive
08.2009 - 10.2010
- Serving extensive wine list and knowledgeable for every bottle. Sold thousands of dollars worth of retail wine to tables and bar guests.
- High volume downtown restaurant. Managed 40 tap bar with one other bartender. Served nationally recognized food menu.
- Catering private parties and events in Max’s Underground. Parties ranged from celebrity birthdays to corporate events.
- Mandatory wine meetings and tastings every two weeks.
Administrative Assistant
The Acting Company
05.2008 - 06.2009
- Managed the front desk, answering phones, making appointments, and filing celebrity donation bank statements.
- Ran red carpet galas and salons.
- Arranged fundraising events and collected donations from restaurants, hotels, and stages.
Education
BA - Theatre Arts
St. Edward’s University
Austin, TX05-2008
Skills
- Proficient in managing multiple priorities in fast paced environment
- Strong memory retention
- Composed decision-making under pressure
- Proactive problem-solving skills
- Proficient in concise communication
- Skilled in software adaptation and technique acquisition
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Strong Events
08.2022 - Current
Financial Services Representative
New York Life Insurance Co
03.2020 - 06.2022
Catering Sales Assistant & Banquets Captain
Archer Hotel Austin
08.2016 - 08.2017
Lead Server & Wine Educator
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
06.2015 - 08.2016
Assistant Manager & Event Coordinator
FINO Restaurant Patio & Bar
03.2014 - 04.2015
Events Manager
Max’s Wine Dive
02.2013 - 09.2015
General Manager
Pakwan Indian Restaurant & Bar
10.2011 - 11.2012
Lead Bartender
Lark Creek
10.2010 - 10.2011
Bartender/Wine Broker
Max’s Wine Dive
08.2009 - 10.2010
Administrative Assistant
The Acting Company
05.2008 - 06.2009
BA - Theatre Arts
St. Edward’s University
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