Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Leah Williams

Dandridge

Summary

Dynamic Special Events Manager with a proven track record at Iron Forge Brewing Company, excelling in event management and guest relations. Expert in budgeting and contract negotiation, I successfully enhanced event attendance and satisfaction through strategic planning and staff training. Committed to delivering exceptional experiences while fostering team collaboration.

Well-trained Assistant Restaurant Manager promoting 30 years of expertise in food and beverage industry. Passionate leader with know-how to develop positive working environment and improved employee retention. Great customer service and conflict resolution skills.

Sharp Assistant Restaurant Manager focused on increasing patronage and boosting revenues. Offering exemplary food safety skills and team development skills.

Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.

Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Events Manager

Iron Forge Brewing Company
07.2024 - Current
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
  • Selected and ordered refreshments, decor and event materials.
  • Liaised with marketing and PR colleagues to promote special events in social calendars.
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.

Activities Coordinator

Smoky Mountain Resorts
07.2023 - 07.2024
  • Maintained and ordered supplies for activities.
  • Developed and implemented themes and activities for children between ages of 3 years and 18 years.
  • Prepared rooms, equipment and supplies and maintained clean activity area to foster welcoming environment and maximize participation.
  • Inspected equipment and facilities for signs of wear or damage impacting safety.
  • Trained and supervised staff to consistently meet performance goals and customer service standards.
  • Coordinated with other entertainment venues to create joint promotional events.

Assistant Store Manager

Ross Dress for Less
03.2016 - 06.2023
  • Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
  • Provided weekly work schedules to employees to accommodate business demands and vacation requests.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
  • Verified inventory counts remained within monthly tolerance levels and compiled financial data in compliance with budget.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
  • Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
  • Interviewed, hired, and trained staff associates and equipped to comply with company policies and procedures.
  • Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
  • Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.

Owner/Operator Food Truck

Burgers and Buns
04.2021 - 11.2022
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.

Rural Mail Carrier

United States Post Office
08.2016 - 05.2021
  • Sorted mail according to order of address appearance for easy access in field.
  • Delivered mail and packages to customers on prescribed route while processing check submissions, money orders, and stamp purchases in field.
  • Maintained records on customers with mail forwarding and change of address requests.
  • Wrote detailed trip reports with notable details about road conditions, weather, and obstacles encountered.
  • Secured and properly stored packages for delivery to eliminate damage risks.
  • Organized mail ahead of delivery runs for correct routing.
  • Followed safety protocols and regulations while driving, upholding professional service reputation.
  • Remained physically fit to safely lift and transport packages weighing up to 70 pounds.
  • Distributed items on time and to correct locations for punctual, professional mail services.
  • Identified postage discrepancies and escalated for resolution to limit customer delays.

Visual Merchandising Manager/Promotions Assistant

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
01.2006 - 04.2013
  • Created look and feel of visual merchandising publications to better target specific audiences.
  • Managed merchandising standards and maintained consistency across distribution channels.
  • Wrote merchandising guidelines for new product launch kits to keep teams on same page and effective.
  • Innovated and simplified planograms and merchandising strategies to improve processes and results.
  • Worked cross-functionally to create core branding philosophies for outdoor retail business.
  • Helped stores adapt spaces to accommodate merchandise within spatial constraints and inventory storage availability.
  • Oversaw visual merchandising for new store openings and store collateral change-outs.
  • Organized store merchandise racks by size, style, and color.
  • Promoted seasonal products and trends to move stock and prepare for incoming inventory.
  • Monitored store traffic and customer engagement to determine display effectiveness.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and shopper trends to inform display designs.
  • Scheduled regular maintenance and repair of displays for longevity.

Human Resources Coordinator

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
01.2006 - 04.2013
  • Assisted with recruitment process by posting job ads, filtering applications, scheduling interviews, assisting in interview process and drafting offer letters.
  • Maintained human resources information system and kept employee files up to date and accurate.
  • Reviewed human resources paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
  • Completed background and reference checks to facilitate hiring and onboarding of employees.
  • Explained employee compensation, benefits, schedules, working conditions, and promotion opportunities.
  • Completed employee employment verifications and unemployment paperwork prior to hire or termination.
  • Supported HR functions with emphasis on record keeping, data entry, and general HR tasks.
  • Compiled and monitored data for employee records and personnel documents to support accurate recordkeeping.
  • Conducted new employee onboarding and provided ongoing orientation training.
  • Supported employee relations, cultivating retention with welcoming and inclusive work culture.

Assistant Restaurant General Manager

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
01.2006 - 04.2013
  • Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
  • Pitched in to help host, waitstaff, and bussers during exceptionally busy times such as dinner hour.
  • Kept restaurant compliant with all federal, state, and local hygiene and food safety regulations.
  • Immediately resolved issues with patrons by employing careful listening and communication skills.
  • Completed inventory purchases and oversaw shipment processing.
  • Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
  • Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
  • Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss performance and address any issues.
  • Monitored restaurant operations and adjusted schedules to meet peak customer demand.
  • Performed daily administrative tasks, such as ordering supplies, processing invoices and reconciling accounts.
  • Managed team of up to 35 restaurant staff, maintaining exceptional customer service and quality standards.
  • Analyzed daily sales figures and developed strategies to increase sales.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.

Education

Associates Degree in Education K Thru 8 - Education

Tusculum College
Greenville, TN
01-2013

Skills

  • Catering coordination
  • Budgeting expertise
  • Brand awareness
  • Attention to detail
  • Guest relations
  • Reliability
  • Special events planning
  • Contract negotiation
  • Event management
  • Recruiting and interviewing
  • Task delegation
  • Staff training and development
  • Decision-making
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Time management
  • Schedule preparation
  • Team leadership
  • Disciplinary techniques
  • Product management
  • Salesforce management

Timeline

Special Events Manager

Iron Forge Brewing Company
07.2024 - Current

Activities Coordinator

Smoky Mountain Resorts
07.2023 - 07.2024

Owner/Operator Food Truck

Burgers and Buns
04.2021 - 11.2022

Rural Mail Carrier

United States Post Office
08.2016 - 05.2021

Assistant Store Manager

Ross Dress for Less
03.2016 - 06.2023

Visual Merchandising Manager/Promotions Assistant

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
01.2006 - 04.2013

Human Resources Coordinator

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
01.2006 - 04.2013

Assistant Restaurant General Manager

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
01.2006 - 04.2013

Associates Degree in Education K Thru 8 - Education

Tusculum College
Leah Williams