Kristel Poole

• Developed turnaround strategy for wedding and events venues division as General Manager at Empire Events.
• Directed cross-functional teams managing sales, business development, event logistics, and marketing.
• Implemented process improvements to reduce operational costs while increasing efficiency and revenue.
• Oversaw multi-year budgets totaling $1M annually, utilizing industry trends for forecasting.
• Led transition of CRM systems, pricing models, websites, and marketing materials to enhance operations.
• Coordinated corporate, social, and wedding events across multiple venues, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Analyzed sales data to identify trends, supporting strategic decision-making and customer service enhancements.

• Developed sales strategies to boost customer engagement and retention.
• Trained junior sales staff on best practices to enhance performance.
• Collaborated with marketing to align promotional efforts with sales objectives.
• Created catering menus tailored to client preferences and seasonal ingredients.
• Formulated comprehensive sales plans and goals to drive revenue growth.
• Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring timely delivery and setup of services.
• Managed vendor relationships to secure quality products at competitive prices.
• Implemented inventory management systems to optimize supply tracking and reduce waste.

Led operations across HR, payroll, training, sales forecasting, and marketing for three locations.

Managed James Joyce Irish Pub's bar and restaurant operations daily.

Oversaw high-volume restaurant inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels.

Developed strategies to market events and special offers effectively.

Implemented health protocols to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Analyzed feedback for menu enhancement and service improvement.

Created budgets, schedules, and monitored payroll to control expenses.

Maintained vendor relationships to secure favorable pricing on supplies.

• Exceeded sales quotas by 146%, generating $1.2M in on-premise sales across 300+ clients.
• Developed and nurtured client relationships to effectively understand needs and preferences.
• Conducted engaging product demonstrations to highlight features and benefits.
• Performed market research to identify growth opportunities and emerging trends.
• Provided training and support to new sales staff on company products and services.
• Managed inventory levels to ensure optimal product availability for customer demands.
• Utilized CRM software for tracking customer interactions and monitoring sales progress.
• Generated daily sales activity reports for management review.

• Designed and constructed new cocktail bar, opening during COVID restrictions.
• Developed curbside cocktail program and daily Instagram Live educational series to boost revenue.
• Oversaw inventory management for accurate stock levels and timely replenishment.
• Coordinated marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
• Fostered supplier relationships for favorable terms and reliable service.
• Implemented quality control measures to uphold product standards and compliance.
• Managed daily operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and customer service.
• Analyzed sales data monthly to inform strategic business development planning.

Clients included Wine Riot (Boston, Chicago, NYC), the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, the Virginian Country Club, the Tasting Room at Nicewonder Vineyards, and others.

• Produced large-scale experiential events, including multi-city festivals, conventions, incentive travel, and brand activations—overseeing budget, logistics, AV, staffing, and vendor coordination from concept to execution.
• Directed restaurant launches and turnarounds, developing SOPs, P&Ls, training programs, and customer experience enhancements that drove profitability and operational efficiency.
• Led cross-functional creative and marketing strategy, developing branded content, promotional campaigns, and digital assets for websites, social media, and print.
• Sourced speakers, sponsors, and media partners, negotiating contracts and cultivating relationships with national brands and industry leaders to maximize event value and reach.
• Delivered training and instructional programs for hospitality teams, aligning operational goals with service standards, food safety compliance, and guest experience excellence.
• Provided editorial and design support for food, wine, and lifestyle publications—writing, editing, styling, and managing visual assets for both digital and print media.
• Managed creative production and brand development, using Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress to design logos, menus, marketing collateral, and user-friendly web interfaces.
• Collaborated with industry associations and cross-functional internal teams to develop customized conferences, seminars, and consumer education events.
• Assessed client needs and implemented tailored solutions across strategy, systems, and communications to elevate brand presence and business performance.

• Served as internal Project Manager for restaurant design and renovation, hiring and training 60+ fine dining staff.
• Generated business plans, training manuals, SOPs, and budgets to drive operational success.
• Crafted high-end cocktail menu and innovative wine list within budget constraints.
• Developed strategic initiatives that improved overall business performance.
• Managed budget allocations and implemented cost control measures to enhance financial efficiency.
• Maintained relationships with stakeholders and vendors to foster business growth.
• Guided recruitment and training processes to build a skilled service-focused workforce.
• Monitored financial performance, identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation.

• Oversaw large restaurant staff in premium establishment owned by celebrity chef.
• Drove revenue growth through strategic planning of social, corporate, and experiential events.
• Enhanced operational efficiencies while reducing COGS and labor costs.
• Managed extensive bar featuring craft cocktails, craft beer, and Italian wines.

• Developed and managed events program, generating over $320K in sales within one year.
• Assisted GM with award-winning wine program recognized by Wine Spectator.
• Trained staff to achieve AAA 4-diamond status, enhancing overall service quality.

• Developed content calendar and directed content creation, increasing blog readership to over 100K monthly.
• Launched social media strategy, establishing significant presence across Twitter (12.5K+), Instagram (3.5K+), Pinterest (12.5K+), and Facebook (500K+).
• Designed and executed engaging online marketing campaigns to enhance audience interaction.