Erica Drake

Experience

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  Starbucks Coffee

  Jan 2006 - Feb 2010

  Barista/Trainer

  Committed myself to sustain and strengthen composure in chaotic environments. Developed and enhanced relationships with regulars. Utilized available resources to conjure a way to strengthen baristas to withstand 175 people every half hour. Communicated all necessary order changes with management.

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  Carrabba’s Italian Bar & Grill

  Sept 2006 - Jun 2007

  Carside/Prep/Hostess

  Initiated new Marketing Strategies to generate revenue; for the “Carside to-go” department. Efficiently carried out orders from executive chefs, anticipated needs, and pro-actively sought solutions to last-minute problems.

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  Volare Italian Restaurant

  Jul 2009 - Aug 2011

  Front of House Manager

  Solely was responsible for seating a 250-seat dining room with an average of 3 turnovers a night. Designed specialized menus for private events. Maintained a strong sense of composure in stressful atmospheres. Developed new skills in problem solving to ensure that guests are provided with the highest level of hospitality.

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  Vapiano Italian Restaurant

  Jun 2011 - Feb 2012

  Restaurant Assistant Manager

  Hired and Supervised the Opening Staff of Chicago, Vapiano. Developed schedules for all employees throughout the duration of training. Excelled in all Front-of-house positions within the first two months and strengthened Back-Of-House through systemized training. Tracked and maintained Inventory orders and counts on a day-to-day basis.

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  Urban Union

  Dec 2011 - Feb 2012

  Opening Kitchen Staff, Prep Chef

  Attained an absorb anent amount of knowledge of Back-of-house in a short period of time. Prepped and butchered all Meat and Seafood Products to be finished on the Line. Tracked and maintained, daily Seafood and Meat deliveries. Challenged my knowledge and current experience; forcing me to better myself.

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  Premier Chicago

  Jan 2012 - Jul 2013

  Hospitality Marketing Specialist

  Created and enhanced the Company’s Employee Handbook along with other simple, training techniques. Communicated and executed new Marketing Strategies with Management. Consulted and developed employees with the growth of Premier. Developed Market analysis’ plans to obtain and maintain long-term relationships with clients.

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  DishCrawl

  Feb 2013 - Apr 2013

  Chicago Dishcrawl Ambassador

  Researched numerous restaurants in each neighborhood to distinguish which spots fit the criteria upheld by Dishcrawl. Negotiated the best food cost per guest at each restaurant. Guided ticketholders throughout a Chicago neighborhood, dining at four restaurants for one evening. Formulated press releases and emails to market company's concept and to promote the event.

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  Liberty Travel

  Jul 2013 - Jul 2019

  Trained and Specialized in Domestic as well as International Destinations. Expert in Creating Personalized Vacation Itineraries. Built strong, long lasting Relationships with clients. Applied the connections I've obtained through the years to enhance my Clients Vacation Experience. Worked tirelessly on Researching the depths of culture, tradition, gov't requirements and Experiences within each country. Currently a Certified Specialist in; Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Europe, River Cruises, Ocean Cruises and Sandals Resorts. Show less

  • Team Leader

    Sept 2017 - Jul 2019

  • Assistant Team Leader

    Oct 2016 - Sept 2017

  • Travel Consultant

    Jul 2013 - Sept 2017
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  Travel Associates USA

  Jan 2018 - Jul 2019

  Team Leader

  Your personalized Travel Concierge having traveled to over twenty-two countries in just five years. From the US Soil to the shores of the South Pacific, I am an expert in hand-crafting trip itineraries. Specialized in Romance milestones, multi-country itineraries and group travels; allow me to offer you a glimpse into the world of Travel.

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  American Grit Travel

  Jul 2019 - now

  Chief Executive Officer

  I Am The CEO And Owner Of American Grit Travel. As An American Patriot and Army Dependent, I have great Love and Gratitude for those who have served Our Country at All Levels.In thanksgiving, I have created a company that personalizes travel to promote restoration and renewal. Let me turn a desire of travel into Confirmed Reality. Custom-tailored Destinations will fast track you through Tourist Traps and avoid Pitfalls Of the unknown.As an expert in Travel, I have designed Itineraries ranging from a simple getaway To 365 days traveling the world.My Knowledge and personal connections obtained throughout My Career Will afford you an extraordinary experience. Show less