L Ford
DIRECTOR-LEVEL HOSPITALITY LEADER | BUSINESS GROWTH & EVENT STRATEGY
London,ENG
Summary
Results-driven business professional with proven track record in driving growth and fostering strong client relationships. Skilled in strategic planning, market analysis, and negotiation, consistently delivering impactful solutions. Known for strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving targets, ensuring reliable performance in dynamic environments. Proficient in CRM software, sales forecasting, and project management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Business Development & Event Operations Manager
GRETA YYZ
Toronto, Ontario
03.2024 - 05.2025
- Single-handedly drove $3M+ in eventrevenue and surpassed $9M annual store target in opening year.
- Introduced upgrades to booking and payment platforms across 4 national locations, improving operational
efficiency. - Developed, implemented, and monitored SOPs to streamline event execution and guest experience.
- Directed show rounds, prepared detailed event orders, and provided on-site leadership throughout high-value
functions. - Aligned sales,food & beverage, and space management to maximize profit across diary bookings.
- Spearheaded competitor board spotting and market analysis to inform event pricing strategy.
- Maintained strict standards in contracting, deposits, competitor board spotting and market analysis to inform event pricing strategy.
- Consistently maintained strict standards in contracting, deposits,final reconciliations, and dispute resolution within 72 hours
of event date. - Led weekly revenue strategy meetings incorporating forecasts, Turn Down, and channel delivery insights
Assistant General Manager
SPIN
Toronto , Ontario
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Expanded local partnerships and drove event bookings for corporate clients. increasing event/daily bookings by 38% annually.
- Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns, bookings and expanding the customer outreach.
- Implemented staffing strategies that balanced budget goals and high service standards.
- Managed full front-of-house restaurant operations and ensured smooth daily service flow. 400 person venue
Hospitality Specialist
Diva Bar
Toronto, Ontario
05.2016 - 01.2024
- Designed and executed customer engagement strategies, enhancing brand loyalty and increasing revenue.
- Built partnerships with vendors & event planners, creating a strong pipeline for repeat seasonal business.
- Cultivated strong client relationships consistently exceeding expectations across diverse GTA client relationships and landscapes servicing 100-10000 attendee events.
- Stayed up-to-date with industry regulations and standards to offer compliant hospitality services.
Event Bar Manager
Mixed with a Twist
Toronto , Ontario
03.2014 - 12.2023
- Managed large-scale events teams with 7,000+ guests, overseeing operations, safety compliance, and team
performance. - Trained & mentored high-performing teams, maintaining a 98% retention rate through leadership development.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing
Floor Manager
St. Louis Bar And Grill
Whitby, Ontario
10.2017 - 07.2021
- Implemented streamlined inventory controls, improving ordering & stocking procedures and saving 12-22% monthly.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient hospitality strategies and maintaining a clean, inviting dining environment.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team. performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
General Manager
The Music Hall Concert Theatre
Oshawa, Ontario
05.2012 - 07.2020
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Developed strategies to enhance bar revenue through innovative promotions, specialty drinks, & customer focused events.
- Designed efficient employee schedules to ensure peak-time coverage while minimizing labor costs (15%
maximum). - Enforced safety requirements for alcohol service, organizing & maintaining a network of ride services.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends
Bar Manager
Rum Diaries Resto-Lounge
Ajax, Ontario
08.2013 - 11.2018
- Demonstrated expertise in full-spectrum bar management, including financial
reporting, inventory control and creating weekly scheduling & large scale event planning and bartending (Venue capacity: 800). - Recruited, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards, and productivity strategies,
providing 100% improvement over prior onboarding process. - Increased revenue with creative marketing initiatives and promotional events.
Skills
Strategic Sales & Partnership Development
Forecasting Revenue Optimization & Data-driven market analysis
Management of multi-site operations
Client Retention & Upselling
Full-Cycle Event Management
Talent acquisition and development
SOP creation and implementation
Interdepartmental communication
Brand awareness
Certification
Bartending License | Toronto Institute of Bartending 2014
Education
Diploma - General Arts & Science
Durham College
Ontario, CanadaBachelor of Arts - General Studies
Ontario Tech University
Ontario, Canada Timeline
Business Development & Event Operations Manager
GRETA YYZ
03.2024 - 05.2025
Assistant General Manager
SPIN
08.2022 - 02.2024
Floor Manager
St. Louis Bar And Grill
10.2017 - 07.2021
Hospitality Specialist
Diva Bar
05.2016 - 01.2024
Event Bar Manager
Mixed with a Twist
03.2014 - 12.2023
Bar Manager
Rum Diaries Resto-Lounge
08.2013 - 11.2018
General Manager
The Music Hall Concert Theatre
05.2012 - 07.2020
Diploma - General Arts & Science
Durham College
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Ontario Tech University