Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Teacher
Sara Hicks

Sara Hicks

North Little Rock,AR

Summary

Experienced operations assistant with a strong ability to manage clerical tasks, plan events, oversee purchasing, and produce detailed reports. Possessing several years of related experience and skills, able to handle diverse tasks with a superior work ethic and exceptional multitasking abilities.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner/Artist

Sparkle Mi Face Painting
09.2009 - Current
  • 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 by team members.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • 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.
  • Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • 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.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
  • Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
  • Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
  • Led negotiations for major contracts, securing favorable terms that significantly reduced costs.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.

Operations Assistant

Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy
09.2024 - 05.2025
  • Maintained accurate records of financial transactions related to operations activities.
  • Assisted with the development of processes and procedures related to operations management.
  • Answered phones, checked students in and out
  • Assisted with enrollment and entering data
  • Conducted searches
  • Mentored and counseled students
  • Organized events (field days, field trips, school dances)
  • Maintained front office
  • Proficient in Eschool and TAC
  • Maintained calendars
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.

Bar Manager

Murphys Law
06.2005 - 11.2008
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
  • Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
  • Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
  • Handled conflict resolution among staff members promptly and professionally, maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Introduced new cocktails to the menu based on market research that became popular choices amongst customers.
  • Streamlined inventory management for optimal stock levels and reduced waste.
  • Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
  • Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
  • Guaranteed optimal beverage stock by assessing inventory and collaborating with owners for corrective action planning to limit expenses.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Recruited, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards, and productivity strategies, providing Number% improvement over prior onboarding process.
  • Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
  • Established rapport with local community organizations to create mutually beneficial partnerships that increased brand visibility.
  • Coordinated themed nights attracting different demographics expanding overall clientele.
  • Led training sessions for new staff, improving service quality and team cohesion.
  • Implemented strict hygiene and safety protocols, ensuring safe environment for both staff and patrons.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy and efficiency, maintaining high level of customer service.
  • Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
  • Enhanced supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products.
  • Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.

Dispatcher

Tidewater Towing
04.2000 - 02.2002
  • Managed high-stress situations calmly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
  • Communicated with drivers and personnel to coordinate timely delivery of goods and materials.
  • Directed dispatching, routing, and tracking of Number fleet vehicles.
  • Collaborated with fellow dispatchers to maintain a seamless workflow during shift changes.
  • Maintained accurate records of all dispatched calls, improving data tracking for future analysis.
  • Managed conflict resolutions with customers, drivers and other personnel to encourage professional relationships and promote respect.
  • Promoted teamwork among colleagues by proactively assisting others when needed.
  • Trained new dispatchers on company protocols, contributing to a well-prepared team of professionals.
  • Consistently met performance metrics for call handling, contributing to the overall success of the department.
  • Reduced errors in dispatch logs by implementing a thorough double-check system for all entries.
  • Planned, organized, and managed work of subordinate staff to accomplish consistent work within organizational standards.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Forensic Psychology

UALR
Little Rock, AR

Cosmetology - Cosmetology

Regency Institute of Cosmetology
Spring, TX
05.2012

High School Diploma -

Bryant High School
Bryant, AR
05-1997

Skills

  • Financial record keeping
  • Process development
  • Data entry
  • Event organization
  • Calendar management
  • Student mentoring
  • Office administration
  • Team collaboration
  • Project coordination
  • Effective communication
  • Problem resolution
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Adaptable teamwork
  • Event coordination
  • Office supply management
  • Inventory purchasing
  • Report generation
  • Policy enforcement
  • Work Planning and Prioritization

Certification

  • Etrition

Timeline

Operations Assistant

Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy
09.2024 - 05.2025

Owner/Artist

Sparkle Mi Face Painting
09.2009 - Current

Bar Manager

Murphys Law
06.2005 - 11.2008

Dispatcher

Tidewater Towing
04.2000 - 02.2002

Some College (No Degree) - Forensic Psychology

UALR

High School Diploma -

Bryant High School

Cosmetology - Cosmetology

Regency Institute of Cosmetology