Zulema Villasenor
San Pedro,CA
Summary
Catering sales professional with 25 years of robust background in developing and executing successful sales strategies to drive growth and client engagement. Experienced hospitality professional with expertise in customer service, business management, and event coordination. Proven track record in catering sales and management, as well as wedding, corporate, event planning, and banquet management. Committed to delivering flawless events and ensuring utmost customer satisfaction. Skilled in increasing profitability through proficient accounts receivable management, CRM systems utilization, scheduling, and logistical planning. Adept at fostering strong client relationships, driving sales growth, and upholding exceptional service standards.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Catering Sales & Banquet Manager
Michael’s Tuscany Room
02.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded catering sales, achieving consistent revenue growth by cultivating strong client relationships and tailoring services to meet unique event needs
- Reduced costs by renegotiating contracts with suppliers without compromising product quality or service levels.
- Directed and managed banquet functions for over 250+ events.
- Directed all aspects of banquet operations, including staffing, menu planning, setup, and event execution, ensuring flawless guest experiences
- Coordinated with internal and external vendors to deliver seamless events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings and corporate functions
- Developed and implemented strategies to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance client satisfaction
- Responded to initial inquiries, coordinating facility tours and food sampling.
- Analyzed sales trends to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to achieve goals.
- Built strong relationships with vendors, ensuring high-quality products and services at competitive prices.
Owner | Lead Wedding Planner | Curator
Pink Sparrow Events
06.2000 - 01.2023
- Successfully planned and executed over 800 events, including weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings, with budgets ranging from modest to high-end
- Served as the primary point of contact for clients, guiding them through the planning process and providing expert advice to bring their vision to life
- Managed event logistics, vendor negotiations, and on-site coordination to ensure events ran smoothly and exceeded client expectations
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Implemented creative solutions to last-minute challenges or changes, maintaining client satisfaction during high-pressure situations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with venues, vendors, and suppliers, reducing overall event costs.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients through exceptional communication skills and responsiveness to their needs.
Office Manager & Finance Manager | Contract Employment
Bayside Auto & Finance
01.1994 - 01.2019
- Provided exceptional customer service, consistently exceeding expectations and building long-term client loyalty
- Oversaw day-to-day business operations, including scheduling, financial management, and staff supervision
- Managed approximately 50 incoming calls, emails and requests per day from customers.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators.
Education
Bachelors - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Gardena, CA06.2005
Skills
- Catering Sales Strategy & Implementation
- Proficiency and Expertise Event Planning & Coordination
- Banquet Operations & Management
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Accounts Receivable & Financial Oversight
- Scheduling & Logistics Planning
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)
- G Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Calendar)
- Exceptional Customer Service & Problem Solving
- Staff Training & Team Leadership
- Strong negotiation skills
- Sales strategy implementation
Certification
Certified Wedding and Event Planner
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Catering Sales & Banquet Manager
Michael’s Tuscany Room
02.2023 - Current
Owner | Lead Wedding Planner | Curator
Pink Sparrow Events
06.2000 - 01.2023
Office Manager & Finance Manager | Contract Employment
Bayside Auto & Finance
01.1994 - 01.2019
Certified Wedding and Event Planner
Bachelors - Business Management
University of Phoenix
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