Valena Gray
Fort Mohave,AZ
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated professional with extensive experience as a Bartender Manager at El Destino Night Club, known for enhancing customer satisfaction through creative drink promotions and exceptional service. Skilled in multitasking and attention to detail, I consistently foster strong relationships with clients while ensuring a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Professional Dog Groomer
Fur Snobs Grooming
Bullhead City, AZ
03.2021 - Current
- Provided high-quality grooming services, enhancing pet appearance and owner satisfaction.
- Utilized specialized grooming tools and techniques to ensure safe and effective handling of various breeds.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of grooming area, promoting a safe environment for pets and staff.
- Educated pet owners on proper care techniques, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business.
Bartender
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
Yuma, AZ
09.2024 - 12.2025
- Prepared and served beverages according to Hilton Garden Inn standards.
- Engaged with guests to provide exceptional customer service experiences.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking stock levels and placing orders as needed.
- Trained junior bartenders on drink preparation techniques and customer service protocols.
- Managed bar inventory, ensuring timely restocking and minimizing waste.
- Crafted and served cocktails while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
Banquet Bartender
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
Yuma, AZ
09.2024 - 12.2025
- Served a variety of beverages during high-volume events, ensuring guest satisfaction and timely service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, optimizing workflow efficiency and compliance with health standards.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking supplies and placing orders to minimize shortages during events.
- Collaborated with event coordinators to create customized beverage menus tailored to specific themes or client preferences.
Bartender
Beer Hunter Sports Pub & Grill, The
La Quinta, CA
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate timely service during busy periods.
- Developed knowledge of drink recipes and seasonal specials to enhance menu offerings.
- Trained new bartenders on standard operating procedures and efficient workflow practices.
- Resolved guest concerns promptly, contributing to overall satisfaction and repeat business.
Bartender
Tonga Hut
Palm Springs, CA
07.2018 - 03.2020
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Fostered culture of teamwork, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operation during high-traffic periods.
- Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
- Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
Bartender
Jackalope Ranch
Indio, CA
05.2016 - 12.2019
- 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.
Bartender
Elks Lodge 1905
Palm Springs, CA
05.2014 - 04.2016
- 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.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Contributed to event success, planning beverage menus and efficiently serving large groups.
Bartender
Desert Princess Golf
Cathedral City, CA
10.2014 - 08.2015
- Enhanced establishment's reputation, consistently receiving positive feedback on customer satisfaction surveys.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
- Managed inventory to prevent shortages, conducting weekly stock checks and placing timely orders.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
- Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
Bartender Manager
El Destino Night Club
Indio, CA
07.2012 - 08.2014
- Oversaw and monitored cash drawers and reconciled drawers against cash register reports at close of business.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Increased overall revenue with creative drink promotions and themed events.
- Coordinated private events at the venue by working closely with clients to understand their requirements and deliver outstanding experiences.
- Contributed to menu development by suggesting innovative cocktail recipes based on market trends and customer preferences.
Education
CCMA - Medical
Milan Instutuite
Palm Desert, CA05-2016
Educator - Mixology
American Bartenders Assciation
Palm Desert05-2009
Skills
- Calm demeanor
- Honest and dependable
- Attention to detail
- Dependable and responsible
- Multitasking Abilities
- Animal care
- Decision-making
- Customer service
- Staff training and development
- Relationship building
- Performance management
- Sales techniques
- Conflict resolution
- Clear communication
Accomplishments
Owner of successful self started dog grooming business and color spa.
Timeline
Bartender
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
09.2024 - 12.2025
Banquet Bartender
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
09.2024 - 12.2025
Professional Dog Groomer
Fur Snobs Grooming
03.2021 - Current
Bartender
Beer Hunter Sports Pub & Grill, The
12.2019 - 03.2020
Bartender
Tonga Hut
07.2018 - 03.2020
Bartender
Jackalope Ranch
05.2016 - 12.2019
Bartender
Desert Princess Golf
10.2014 - 08.2015
Bartender
Elks Lodge 1905
05.2014 - 04.2016
Bartender Manager
El Destino Night Club
07.2012 - 08.2014
CCMA - Medical
Milan Instutuite
Educator - Mixology
American Bartenders Assciation