Yolanda Williams-Davis
Waldorf,MD
Summary
Dynamic Owner and Manager with extensive experience in business operations, client relationship management, and event coordination. Proven success in enhancing customer satisfaction, reducing costs through strategic negotiations, and maximizing team performance. Bringing strong leadership, operational expertise, and a proactive approach to drive business growth and efficiency. Multi talented with excellent marketing, customer service and facility oversight skills with more than 30 years of experience. Highly effective and comfortable working with people at all levels in organization.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner
3Talents Couture Catering/TFT Event Services
2011.06 - 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.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Manager on Duty
Liberty Spirits Wine & Beer/925 Liquors
2021.03 - 2024.06
- Trained employees in essential job functions.
- Responded to customer concerns by providing friendly, knowledgeable support, and maintaining composure and professionalism.
- Handled employee-related issues to improve performance, professional conduct, and attendance reliability.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly and ensuring repeat business from satisfied clients.
- Collaborated with other managers on strategic initiatives, sharing best practices to achieve common goals across the organization.
- Improved team productivity by implementing efficient scheduling and task delegation processes.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and safety standards by conducting regular audits and providing necessary training to employees.
- Increased sales revenue by identifying growth opportunities and implementing effective marketing strategies.
- Proactively identified potential issues within the workplace, taking corrective actions to maintain seamless operations at all times.
- Managed inventory effectively by regularly tracking stock levels and placing orders as needed to minimize waste or shortages.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Developed comprehensive reports for senior management, highlighting key performance metrics and areas for improvement.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Personal Assistant to the Owner
Liberty Construction
2016.09 - 2021.03
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Maintained an organized workspace for the owner which facilitated easy access to important documents when needed.
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Improved communication between the owner and external parties by drafting professional correspondence on their behalf.
- Displayed absolute discretion at handling confidential information.
- Increased productivity by prioritizing tasks and ensuring deadlines were met consistently.
- Provided multifaceted services to career professionals by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation.
- Reduced administrative workload for the owner through proficient handling of routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level responsibilities.
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events.
- Kept detailed track of household and maintenance inventory and schedules.
- Streamlined the owner''s schedule by managing appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements.
- Enhanced efficiency in daily operations by organizing and maintaining office filing systems.
- Optimized time management for the owner with effective calendar organization and event coordination.
- Promoted a positive company image by representing the owner with professionalism during interactions with clients and stakeholders.
- Sourced and ordered office equipment and supplies.
- Strengthened client relationships through timely follow-ups and proactive problemsolving.
- Contributed to successful project execution by assisting with planning, implementation, and monitoring progress.
- Safeguarded sensitive information through meticulous maintenance of confidential files and records.
- Organized and attended meetings and compiled related documents and reports.
- Used discretion when handling confidential information.
- Filed paperwork and organized computer-based information.
- Managed mail and both incoming and outgoing correspondence, mail, email and faxes.
- Updated and maintained confidential databases and records.
- Greeted arriving visitors, determined nature and purpose of visit and directed individuals to appropriate destinations.
- Screened personal and business calls and directed to appropriate party.
- Created and managed office systems to efficiently deal with documentation.
- Led staff and vendors in providing high level of service for owner and guests.
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
- Coordinated events and worked on ad hoc projects.
- Wrote reports, executive summaries and newsletters.
- Upheld strict timetables by maintaining accurate, balanced calendars.
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
- Used QuickBooks to produce monthly invoices, reports, and other deliverables.
- Took notes and dictation at meetings.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Promoted team productivity by keeping supplies organized and well-stocked.
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for board of directors, president and executive vice president.
- Streamlined operations and prioritized tasks, allowing senior staff to increase productivity.
Event Coordinator
Zealia Centre
2011.02 - 2016.07
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
- Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
- Handled crisis management situations promptly, minimizing negative impact on event outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
- Coordinated with vendors to deliver exceptional catering and audiovisual services during events.
- Managed budgets effectively, negotiating contracts to secure cost savings without compromising quality.
- Maintained accurate records of all event expenditures, ensuring budget compliance across multiple projects.
- Conducted post-event analysis, identifying areas of improvement for future events.
- Employed social media platforms effectively to promote upcoming events, reaching a wider audience base.
- Evaluated feedback from attendees after each function, utilizing insights gained to inform improvements in subsequent endeavors.
- Coordinated with security services to ensure safety of attendees, addressing potential risks and compliance issues.
- Facilitated memorable experiences, overseeing creative direction of event themes, decor, and entertainment options.
- Cultivated portfolio of successful events, from intimate workshops to expansive trade shows, each tailored to meet specific client needs.
- Elevated client satisfaction, tailoring event themes and activities to match their vision and objectives.
- Fostered positive work environment, mentoring junior coordinators and facilitating their professional growth.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plans to minimize potential disruptions during high-profile events.
- Negotiated with venue owners to secure prime locations, aligning with event size, type, and attendee expectations.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to gather attendee feedback, leading to continuous improvement of future events.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
Education
Hospitality And Tourism Management
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL05.2002
High School Diploma -
Great Mills High School
Great Mills, MD06.1991
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Small business operations
- Relationship Building
- Verbal and written communication
- Operations Management
- Staff hiring
- Employee Development
- Business Administration
- Customer Service
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service Management
- Effective leader
- Inventory Control
- Inventory Tracking and Management
Certification
- Cosmetology License - 1992
- Barber License - 2002
- Real Estate License - 2008
Timeline
Manager on Duty
Liberty Spirits Wine & Beer/925 Liquors
2021.03 - 2024.06
Personal Assistant to the Owner
Liberty Construction
2016.09 - 2021.03
Owner
3Talents Couture Catering/TFT Event Services
2011.06 - Current
Event Coordinator
Zealia Centre
2011.02 - 2016.07
Hospitality And Tourism Management
Florida Atlantic University
High School Diploma -
Great Mills High School
- Cosmetology License - 1992
- Barber License - 2002
- Real Estate License - 2008
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