Gary Bruckner

Experience

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  McDonald's

  Aug 2005 - Oct 2010

  Second Assistant Manager & Certified Food Safety Manager

  In less than three years I became a top manager at one of the most profitable and recognizable franchises in the world, McDonald’s where I served as the Second Assistant Manager at one of the busiest and cleanest stores on Long Island. As one of seven managers I overlooked and ran the store, which employs well over seventy people. My job was to manage people, products, and equipment. During assigned shifts I implemented and executed outstanding food quality, service, cleanliness and verification procedures. This has also taught me exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills. Throughout my years, as a manger I have learned how to demonstrate and re-enforce leadership skills and how to execute a plan because as a manager, I must deliver optimal business results for all operational areas. **Reason For Leave of Absence : to attend the University of Central Florida Show less

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  National Honor Society

  Oct 2007 - Jun 2009

  President

  Member (11th)/President (12th)Created Halloween Haunt, a safe and fun event for elementary school children where approximately 2,000 people attended and 1,482 cans of food were collected to donate to local church's food pantry.Conducted monthly meetings and facilitated discussions between approximately 200 members.Initiated Senior Field Day, a social and athletic event where approximately 300 students attended.Served as a role model for middle school students by visiting West Islip schools and speaking to large groups of students about how to be successful in high school. Show less

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  Future Business Leaders of America

  Sept 2008 - Jun 2009

  President

  Held meetings and helped run the organization in it's entirety. Competed in business competitions and placed.

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  University of Central Florida

  Aug 2010 - Apr 2011

  Student Government Association - Facilities & Projects Coordinator

  Student Government Association:"The Facilities & Projects Coordinator shall be the point of contact for A&SF funded facilities, including the Student Union and Recreation and Wellness Center. This position will be the liaison between the Student Government Association and the project managers of both facilities for matters including but not limited to, facilities improvements, operational improvements, capital improvements, etc. This position will also be the Project Manager for large‐scale Student Government projects, including the creation of a 24‐Hour Study Space."Was in charge of Regional Campus Development, which includes acquiring and renovation office space for the Student Government Association. Served as a voting member of the University Master Planning Committee. Show less

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  HSMAI - Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Central Florida

  Sept 2010 - May 2011

  Vice President of Events - Collegiate Board

  Plan and execute all events including tables, workshops, fundraisers, outings, etc. Create clear goals and objectives of event and work closely with VP of Membership and President to insure that all goals of the events are met. Maintain branding and image of HSMAI, UCF, and the Rosen College.

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  President's Leadership Council

  Mar 2011 - May 2012

  Member

  •Served as an ambassador for the university at all times.•Hosted distinguished guests at the university•Hosted University functions, including commencements, honors convocations, and Board of Trustees’ visits.•Established a tradition of leadership for the students of the University of Central Florida.

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  Sterling Central Apartments

  Mar 2011 - Nov 2011

  •Execute accurate month-end closings and financial reporting activities.•Research account transaction / ability to recognize and resolve discrepancies.•Responsible for General Ledger postings, Evictions and Collections. Assist over 1,500 residents, give tours to future residents and sign leases. Other jobs functions include marketing and tabling at the University of Central Florida to try and promote apartment complex. Was promoted to Assistant Accounts Manager.

  • Assistant Accounts Manager

    Aug 2011 - Nov 2011

  • Community Assistant

    Mar 2011 - Jul 2011
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  Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

  Dec 2011 - Jan 2024

  CMP / CPCE / Level 1 Sommelier / Crowd Control Manager / Certified Food Safety Manager•Works in resort environment with 2,270 guest rooms and 331,000 sq feet of meeting space.•2018: personally planned & executed 107 groups/affiliates, equating to $1.6 million in F&B rev.•2017: personally planned & executed 96 groups/affiliates, equating to $1.3 million in F&B rev.•2016: personally planned & executed 113 groups/affiliates, equating to $1.1 million in F&B rev.•Effectively coordinate event logistics with Meeting Planners (i.e. Site Visits, Meeting Specs, VIP Information, food & beverage, group activity)•Open communication to obtain clear expectations of an organization’s focus to plan, prepare and execute successful meetings.•Create food & beverage banquet events, meeting room setups, meeting room diagrams; organize rooming lists, transportation, A/V, power and internet.•Oversee beverage portion of the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, organizing 80+ vendors, and selecting wine and beer for event.•Stand in Banquet Manager when needed. Show less •Certified Level 1 Sommelier•Oversaw Private Dining & Special Events for daily VIP Parties.•Oversaw a team of three assistant managers, events coordinator and 40 staff through day-to-day operations of a AAA Four Diamond restaurant.•Managed payroll, P&L, schedules, budget, forecast and purchases.•Finished 2014 with $5.2 million in revenue.•Managed wine list and beverage program, created new cocktails seasonally.•Represented Starwood at the StarMixologist Competition for the Americas•Oversaw ala carte service to ensure guests were having an exceptional experience, and that we were building a loyalty basis with the guest so they became repeat guest. Show less •In room dining operation with 2,267 rooms. •Oversaw banquet event orders for in-room suites, up to 115 rooms at a time.•Salaried Management position in the second largest food and beverage operation in hotel.•Created Complex Department Budget for 2013.•Conducted weekly departmental meetings.•Responsible for forecasting 30-60-90 and weekly numbers to determine future business. •Responsible for all department training and development. •Oversaw morning operations of both Java and Lobby coffee bars.•Ensured Captain's checklist is thoroughly executed.•Reviewed and responded to daily e-mails.•Oversaw the delivery of daily amenities.•Ensured a la carte orders were being delivered within 30 minutes of the order being placed.•Ensured the cleanliness of the Room Service department.•Ordered products for daily usage.•Conducted pre-shift meetings to ensure proper steps of service were being followed, proper hygiene and appearance standards for staff were being met.•Setup and created Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).•Communicated with the kitchen for any special needs or request.•Aware of all upcoming groups and conventions 30 days out.•Completed daily administrative task.•Checked all tables during a la carte service to ensure food is served at the proper temperature and that the tables are properly set.•Oversaw the Fant-A-Sea boat, where we wine and dined guests on a tour around Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Show less

  • Senior Sales Executive

    Sept 2020 - Jan 2024

  • Senior Sales Manager

    Apr 2019 - Sept 2020

  • Meeting & Event Manager

    Aug 2015 - Mar 2019

  • Assistant General Manager, Todd English's bluezoo

    Jul 2013 - Aug 2015

  • Complex Assistant Manager In-Room Dining

    May 2012 - Jul 2013

  • Complex In-Room Dining Captain

    Dec 2011 - May 2012
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  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2012

  Extern at Westin Times Square

  Worked in Food & Beverage as an Outlet Manager. Oversaw In-Room Dining, Bar 10 and Shula's Steakhouse.

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  Wash and Wik

  Aug 2018 - now

  Chief Executive Officer

  Gary and Ariel (husband and wife) dreamt up Wash and Wik while poolside on a mini vacation in 2018. Ariel said she wanted to start making soaps and candles as a hobby, and in typical Gary fashion, a few days later a logo was created and Wash and Wik was born.Soon soap was being hand crafted and candles were being hand poured. Ariel hand blends every scent for both their soaps and their candles using the knowledge she has acquired over the years as a Certified Sommelier (Professional Wine Nerd). She blends essential and fragrance oils, from their trusted partners, to get the scents just right. Hand poured with love in Orlando, Florida, they are proud of every single product created thus far and every one of them is unique to Wash and Wik. They have chosen quality over quantity, which is reflected in the ingredients in their products. Today they hand pour and hand label close to 50,000 candles a year! They have since partnered with an Orlando based company to make their soaps, but they still use Ariel's unique blends.Did You Know?1) We offer Wholesale! We would love for you to carry our brand. Check out our exclusive wholesale prices here (and if you are new to the site, you get FREE SHIPPING and a credit on your first purchase):faire.com/direct/washandwik2) We love making Private Label candles! We are able to offer custom candles with minimums starting as low as just 24 candles! Send us a message: hello@washandwik.com Show less