Experience

• 

  Barrack's Hospitality Group

  • Peoria, Illinois Area

  • Sales - Catering Consultant

    • Jul 2011 - Jan 2016
    • Peoria, Illinois Area

    • Plan and participate in Trade Shows, Wedding Shows and Business After Hour Events• Sales calls to businesses, organizations and schools • Venue tours and meetings with potential clients • Build Client relationships and follow up for repeat business and positive online reviews• Build contracts and BEO for all events• Coordinate details and schedules with kitchen and event staff• Daily use of Caterease Software• Daily use of Microsoft Office/Outlook Software

• 

  Interiors-Roeckers

  • Peoria, Illinois Area

  • Design and Sales Consultant

    • Jun 2006 - Sep 2008
    • Peoria, Illinois Area

    • Consulted on color & design for high-end wallpaper, upholstery fabrics, paint and wood finishes.• Prepared and presented design presentation boards from client blueprints.• Maintained relationship with manufactures and suppliers for product samples, store promotions and displays. • Built loyal client base through referrals from satisfied design clients and industry professional recommendations.• Developed file/database process to track purchasing, inventory, payment and client information.

• 

  Fund-Raising Gala & Auction

  • Washington, illinois

  • Design and Theme Chairman

    • Apr 2004 - Jul 2006
    • Washington, illinois

    • Transformed school building and gym into elegant gala environment. • Developed floor and space plan to accommodate seating for 200, buffet stations, stage and sound system, display and lighting for live auction and over 300 silent auction items.• Recruited, coordinated and supervised a volunteer staff of over 40 people including electricians, painters, laborers and delivery personnel.

• 

  Nestle-Beich Foods

  • Bloomington/Normal, Illinois Area

  • Research and Development Coordinator

    • Oct 1989 - Sep 1992
    • Bloomington/Normal, Illinois Area

    • Successfully worked with all departments, all levels of management, associates from all three unions and outside vendors to schedule project runs, sampling sessions and production changes.• Presented weekly reports, budgets and research findings to Vice-President of Research and Development and held seasonal product information sessions for marketing and sales teams.• Managed new product/process development from creative concept, lab trials, shelf-life study, consumer testing and into full production including packaging and marketing.• Planned efficient and effective equipment layout and environmental parameters for each project in the trial lab to duplicate ISO manufacturing practices.• Maintained detailed lab books and files of product ingredients, process evolution trials, consumer test data & conclusions, and quality information.

• 

  J C Penney Co.

  • Mattoon, Illinois

  • Sales Associate

    • Jan 1983 - Dec 1987
    • Mattoon, Illinois

    • Advised clients on home accessories and window treatment options• Won awards for both sales and customer service.• Financed undergraduate degree by working while full-time student.