Lori Edwards
Poquoson
Summary
Professional background in hospitality, special events, and food service. Demonstrates enthusiasm in establishing rapport with patrons to deliver memorable experiences. Highly-motivated with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic. Exceptional interpersonal and management skills. Adept at working effectively as part of a team or unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance organizational needs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Clayton’s At The Beach
Virginia Beach
04.2024 - Current
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Greeted customers, answered menu questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers by sweeping and mopping floors, and tidying up server stations.
- Developed rapport with guests to generate repeat business.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and serving techniques.
- Performed opening and closing duties.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Loaded supplies and food into delivery trucks and unloaded at events. Cleaned up after events.
- Verified safe and appropriate food temperatures and sanitary conditions of banquet and foodservice areas.
- Supervised the breakdown of buffet lines after each event was completed.
- Prepared food items for catering events.
- Communicated effectively with waitstaff and other personnel to ensure smooth operation at catered functions.
- Provided direction to staff during catered events to ensure efficient workflow.
- Maintained adherence to client-event requirements through delegation, prioritizing and management support during execution.
- Served passed hors d’ourves appetizer trays and cleared plates during high-profile events.
- Assisted kitchen staff with dishwashing duties.
- Prepared and maintained buffet by checking temperatures, restocking food and monitoring customer flow.
- Served appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts, and beverages to guests according to established guidelines.
- Performed daily opening and closing duties.
- Restocked service areas with items from shelves, coolers, and freezers.
Paralegal
Various
Virginia Beach
10.2009 - 07.2021
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court for personal injury and criminal cases.
- Organized attorney calendars, prepared mailings and handled high call volumes.
- Entered client data into case management software programs.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for trial by organizing exhibits and witness files.
- Compiled evidence such as police reports, photographs, and witness statements.
- Requested medical records from physicians and hospitals.
- Drafted pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and other legal documents.
- Managed calendar with filing deadlines and scheduled appearances.
- Prepared correspondence to clients, courts, insurance companies, and other parties involved in the case.
- Used state and federal electronic filing systems.
Bartender
Shamrock South
Freeport
04.2010 - 09.2012
- Worked independently serving cocktails, wine, draft and bottled beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Performed all opening and closing duties.
- Operated cash register and made proper change for cash transactions. Balanced register daily and generated sales reports for management. Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs for next day collection.
- Planned and coordinated special events. Set up food stations, served food, and assisted with event clean up.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
- Cut fruit for garnishment.
- Took daily inventory. Stocked refrigerating units with wine, beer and replaced empty beer kegs and gas.
- Communicated with customers to de-escalate conflicts and remove customers if necessary.
- Trained new bartenders.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Team Lead
Expo Ships
Naples
04.2007 - 05.2008
- Managed all aspects of event registration processes including data entry, badge printing and onsite check-in.
- Provided executive administrative support to ship owners.
- Supervised, scheduled and trained staff performing daily activities.
- Motivated team members to consistently achieve or exceed performance expectations.
- Led regular team meetings to communicate event updates.
- Provided personalized assistance to VIPs in arranging transportation, restaurant reservations, and event tickets.
- Communicated regularly with management team regarding any changes in policies or procedures related to concierge services.
- Greeted and welcomed VIPs upon arrival, ensuring a seamless experience throughout their stay.
- Performed administrative duties such as filing paperwork related to concierge service transactions.
- Collaborated with food service management and assisted with bartending and cafe operations during peak hours to ensure seamless service.
Brand Ambassador
Southern Wines & Spirits
Saint Petersburg
05.2007 - 05.2010
- Participation in the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival annually.
- Promoted positive company image through superior customer service experiences.
- Conversed with customers to share information about products and services. Introduced sales, promotions and other brand initiatives to gain customer loyalty.
- Stayed on top of industry-related topics, trends and tools to impact growth and engagement.
- Collaborated with creative professionals to develop effective marketing strategies.
- Represented the organization at networking functions and industry-related events such as tastings, dinners, seminars, and competitions.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of featured wines and spirits.
Stage Manager
Hard Rock Park / Freestyle Music Park
Myrtle Beach
05.2008 - 08.2009
- Monitored performances to review technical and performance aspects for concept consistency.
- Called out performance technical cues using wireless headsets throughout the performance to ensure smooth transitions between scenes.
- Facilitated communication across creative and technical departments.
- Maintained well-being of cast and crew through equipment and stage safety procedures.
- Oversaw the setup of sets before each performance ensuring they met technical specifications.
- Managed stage lighting, sound systems, props, and scenery for each show.
- Organized rehearsals and performances to ensure that the production ran smoothly.
- Served as a liaison between performers and producers regarding any issues that arose.
- Provided support to actors when necessary during performances or rehearsals.
- Supervised backstage crews during productions and provided feedback as needed.
- Liaised between crew and director, relaying information regarding blocking, cues and positions.
- Provided guidance on creative decisions related to staging or design elements.
- Conducted meetings to discuss production progress and attain production objectives.
Event Bartender
Michael’s Catering
New Britain
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Crafted and served specialty cocktails, beers, wines, spirits, and Island Oasis frozen cocktails for weddings and PGA Golf Tournaments.
- Assisted with setup and breakdown of events.
- Maintained cleanliness of bar area, including stocking and restocking supplies.
- Communicated clearly with other staff to ensure smooth operations during events.
- Arranged bottles and glasses behind bar to make attractive displays.
- Maintained professional appearance at all times.
- Created ultimate beverage experience by advising guests and serving with accuracy and flair.
Special Events Coordinator
Disney and Universal Studios
Orlando
03.2000 - 02.2008
- Maintained accurate records of all activities related to special events including contracts, invoices, receipts and attendance lists.
- Cooperated with other departments in order to coordinate resources needed for successful events.
- Collaborated closely with internal teams such as IT staff or audio and visual technicians when necessary.
- Communicated regularly with clients throughout the planning process to ensure their needs were met.
- Created detailed timelines with specific deadlines for each task associated with the event.
- Provided on-site management of special events to ensure smooth execution of plans.
- Led site walk-through and meetings prior with staff to discuss checklists and delegate assignments.
- Assisted guests throughout the duration of an event by providing directions or answering questions about available amenities.
- Collaborated with clients to identify their goals and expectations from the event.
- Organized and coordinated special events, such as concerts, festivals, parties and other social gatherings.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations during all entertainment activities.
- Managed the booking of entertainers for events.
- Worked closely with venue managers to arrange suitable dates, times for scheduled performances, events.
- Supervised staff members responsible for setting up stages and seating areas prior to performances or presentations.
- Explained rules and regulations of facilities and entertainment attractions to customers.
- Oversaw workforce schedules and allocated resources in order to achieve project goals.
- Organized special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate functions.
- Provided personalized assistance to VIPs in arranging transportation, restaurant reservations, and event tickets.
- Communicated regularly with management team regarding any changes in policies or procedures related to concierge services.
- Greeted and welcomed VIPs upon arrival, ensuring a seamless experience throughout their stay.
- Performed administrative duties such as filing paperwork related to concierge service transactions.
- Discussed job performance problems with employees, identifying causes and issues to find solutions.
- Interacted directly with talent agents in order to secure high profile acts for future shows and events.
- Communicated regularly with dispatch regarding route changes or delays due to traffic or weather conditions.
- Ensured patients' comfort by providing blankets, pillows, water, and other necessary items.
Brand Ambassador
Various
Boston
01.1998 - 05.2012
- Promoted positive company image through superior customer service experiences.
- Organized and carried out brand awareness campaigns and promotional events to promote customer engagement, including set up and tear down of event sites.
- Attended trade shows, conferences, festivals and other corporate marketing events.
- Coordinated with on-site teams to ensure all tasks related to brand ambassador duties were completed accurately.
- Distributed flyers, brochures, and other materials at promotional events.
- Watched crowd to identify prospects, capture interest and maximize sales opportunities.
- Collaborated with clients, security staff members, and venue management teams.
- Managed crew members and on-site activities for traveling tours.
- Supervised staff members by providing direction on tasks related to their job roles.
- Booked travel arrangements such as flights, hotels, and ground transportation.
- Prepared detailed reports on tour performance after completion of each event.
- Adapted events according to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge through workshops and seminars.
- Entertained visitors and tourists with various props and signs to maximize engagement.
- Stella Artois World Draught Competition NY
- Vichy skincare line CT
- ExpoShips tour CT, NY, FL
- Publix in-store wine tastings FL
- Nespresso in-store product demonstrations
- Geico sky writers and race car events
- …and many more
Education
Certificate - Food Handler And Alcohol Training
ServSafe
03-2024
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY05-2012
Certificate - Bartending
Boston Bartenders School
Hamden, CT07-2006
Skills
- Guest Engagement
- Positive and professional
- POS operation and Cash Handling
- Sales expertise including upselling
- Liquor, wine, and food service
- Staff Training, Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Business Development
- Onsite Execution
- Entertainment Booking
- Brand Awareness and Promotions
- Special Events Management
- Project Oversight
Timeline
Server
Clayton’s At The Beach
04.2024 - Current
Bartender
Shamrock South
04.2010 - 09.2012
Paralegal
Various
10.2009 - 07.2021
Stage Manager
Hard Rock Park / Freestyle Music Park
05.2008 - 08.2009
Brand Ambassador
Southern Wines & Spirits
05.2007 - 05.2010
Team Lead
Expo Ships
04.2007 - 05.2008
Event Bartender
Michael’s Catering
08.2006 - 05.2007
Special Events Coordinator
Disney and Universal Studios
03.2000 - 02.2008
Brand Ambassador
Various
01.1998 - 05.2012
Certificate - Food Handler And Alcohol Training
ServSafe
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Nassau Community College
Certificate - Bartending
Boston Bartenders School