JACOB B U F F O R D
Fayetteville
Summary
Talented Bartender and Bar Manager with 5 years of experience working in busy settings. Helped build a local bar (Live Edge) from it's inception. Engaged customers and developed relationships to generate customer loyalty, retention and following. Developed knowledge in craft cocktails recipes, juicing and batching, and menu building.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Bartender
POA Bella Vista / BV 65
09.2024 - Current
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving positive relationships between the business and its clientele.
- Trained new bartenders on company policies, drink recipes, and customer service best practices to maintain consistent performance across the team.
- Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
Lead Bartender
Live Edge Bar and Grill
05.2021 - Current
- Spoke with customers and recommended specials to build rapport and cultivate customer loyalty
- Trained new bartenders in customer service, bar equipment safety and drink preparation techniques
- Utilized strong menu knowledge to recommend beverage pairings with food orders
- Maintained updated knowledge of cocktail, wine and beer menus and memorized all in-house recipes
- Increased sales by introducing new and promotional cocktail recipes
- Crafted beverages from well, top-shelf and specialty spirits according to menu recipes or patron requests
- Promoted featured drinks and food specials through social media platforms to encourage sales
- Handled customer payments, reported tip amounts and balanced cash drawers
- Distributed refunds and remade incorrect drinks to improve customer satisfaction
Liquor Store Associate
Jack's Package Store
07.2020 - 05.2021
- Kept stockroom and cooler areas organized and ready for new deliveries
- Supported inventory accuracy by documenting damages or loss such as broken bottles
- Assisted customers with purchases and answered questions about liquor brands, craft beers, and tobacco products
- Built friendly rapport with regular patrons to promote continued loyalty
- Quickly connected with each customer to offer assistance and promote products
- Minimized loss by watching for and recognizing security risks and active theft
- Acquired vast knowledge of spirits, cocktails, craft beer, etc
Freight Manager
GlobalTranz
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Prepared and provided customers and overseas offices with rate quotations
- Addressed customer concerns and complaints directly and maintained maximum satisfaction by implementing quick resolutions
- Maintained a book of business with the goal of meeting all customers' transportation needs
- Booked and tracked daily shipments
- Scheduled payments and organized billing for every customer
Freight Broker
CaseStack
05.2016 - 07.2019
- Arranged deliveries to final destination via ground transportation on behalf of customers and consignees
- Obtained insurance coverage to protect shipments from losses
- Utilized company software to retrieve and input cargo bills and track and trace shipments
- Tracked shipments and proactively resolved delivery problems on behalf of customers
- Calculated freight rates and documented shipment costs in detail
- Kept clients informed of paperwork, fees, and delivery estimates for maximum service and satisfaction
Liquor Store Clerk
Wedington Liquor
01.2012 - 10.2016
- Assisted customers with purchases and answered questions about liquor brands, craft beers, and tobacco products
- Used distributor displays to promote new products in visually creative setups
- Unloaded and sorted incoming shipments and neatly stocked items in designated areas
- Supported inventory accuracy by documenting damages or loss such as broken bottles
- Built friendly rapport with regular patrons to promote continued loyalty
- Obtained thorough knowledge of products sold to assist customers in locating and purchasing items
- Increased sales of target items by employing excellent upselling and communication skills
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, ARSkills
- POS system
- Customer service
- Problem resolution
- Vendor negotiation
- Customer relationship management
- Cash handling
- Mixology
- Cocktail creation
- Menu recipe adherence
Timeline
Lead Bartender
POA Bella Vista / BV 65
09.2024 - Current
Lead Bartender
Live Edge Bar and Grill
05.2021 - Current
Liquor Store Associate
Jack's Package Store
07.2020 - 05.2021
Freight Manager
GlobalTranz
08.2019 - 12.2020
Freight Broker
CaseStack
05.2016 - 07.2019
Liquor Store Clerk
Wedington Liquor
01.2012 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Arkansas
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