Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Employment Highlights
Timeline
Generic

Allison MacDonald

Tavistock,Canada

Summary

Forward-thinking and inclusive leader with experience in customer experience and fostering relationships with internal/external partners and clientele ○ Consistently achieves successful outcomes through leadership, problem solving, and strong communication to effectively achieve objectives in a collaborative manner ○ Skilled in employee development and team leadership, with a focus on motivation and coaching ○ Passionate about cultivating strong customer satisfaction, driving brand loyalty, and increasing customer engagement ○ Demonstrated direct oversight and involvement in developing customer experience initiatives to enhance relationships with customers, clients, and suppliers.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Pet Sitter

Solopreneur
Tavistock, ON
01.2021 - Current

○ Provide high quality, personalized pet care services tailored to individual client and pet needs, including overnight services in the client’s home.

○ Meet pets needs including timely feedings, exercise routines, grooming sessions, mental stimulation, care and attention for pets in accordance with owner instructions.

○ Communicate professionally and reduces client anxiety regarding pet separation during vacations or work-related travel by providing regular photo updates showcasing animals well-being and happiness.

○ Foster strong relationships with clientele, leading to repeat business and recommendations from satisfied customers.

Event Staff

St. Marys Weddings
St. Marys, ON
11.2023 - 04.2024

○ Set up event ware and decor: tables, chairs, linens, table settings, glassware, vases, candles, specialty signage, furniture, decor installments, backdrops, draping and additional decor.

○ Responsible for pulling decor items from the warehouse, loading into trailers and setting up/dismantling weddings.

○ Supported event planners in executing seamless event schedules, leading to consistently positive feedback.

○ Fostered positive and energetic environment, directly contributing to overall success of events.

○ Trained new employees in proper procedures and policies to achieve employee efficiency.

○ Assisted in the successful execution of events by setting up and breaking down equipment, signage, and decorations.

Event Staff

Above & Beyond Event Design & Decor
Stratford, ON
05.2022 - 11.2023

Owner of company sold business to St. Marys Golf & Country Club in November of 2023.

○ Duties were same as listed under St. Marys Weddings.

○ Responsible for inventorying warehouse and organizing design elements to be relocated as part of the business move.

○ Managed inventory pricing and liquidation.

○ Assisted with moving all design elements from Above & Beyond Design & Decor into newly built wedding warehouse at St. Marys Golf & Country Club.

Front Desk Manager (Seasonal Role)

Peacock Villa Motel & Cabins
Tobermory, ON
05.2021 - 10.2021

○ Optimized room inventory management, resulting in reduced overbooking occurrences.

○ Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, maintaining accurate financial records for the front desk department.

○ Collaborated with housekeeping and maintenance departments to ensure rooms were ready in a timely manner.

○ Established strong rapport with returning guests while building new connections with first-time visitors.

○ Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.

○ Assisted guests with special requests, creating memorable experiences that encouraged positive reviews on social media platforms.

○ Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.

○ On-call overnight supervisor for noise complaints, late arrivals, room issues and concerns.

Director of Reservations

Magellan Luxury Hotels
Winnipeg, MB
01.2002 - 08.2020

Director of Reservations / January 2010 - August 2020

○ Increased customer loyalty through personalized service offerings tailored to individual preferences.

○ Optimized the reservations department's performance by regularly reviewing procedures and making necessary improvements.

○ Played a critical role in developing long-term organizational goals related to the reservations department, contributing valuable insights and expertise.

○ Monitored customer reviews and feedback to maintain satisfaction and provide superior customer service.

○ Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.

○ Continually monitored competitor activity, implementing innovative strategies to stay ahead in the market.

○ Developed strategic partnerships with key industry players to secure exclusive deals and discounts for clientele.

Reservations Manager / January 2005 - 2010

○ Managed a team of reservation agents, achieving high employee retention rates through effective leadership and support.

○ Achieved higher guest satisfaction ratings by ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and resolving any issues efficiently.

○ Implemented quality control measures to ensure accuracy in reservations data entry, minimizing errors and discrepancies.

○ Addressed challenging situations effectively, diffusing potential conflicts between customers or employees.

○ Investigated and identified alternative accommodation solutions for customers to provide superior customer service.

○ Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth within the organization.

○ Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.

Reservations Agent / January 2002 - 2005

○ Answered incoming phone calls and developed friendly rapport with callers while answering questions, making recommendations, and leading conversations to bookings.

○ Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills.

○ Provided customers with information about availability and pricing.

Education

Tourism, Tours & Attractions Diploma -

Niagara College
Niagara Falls, Ontario
01.1992

Skills

    ○ Problem Resolution

    ○ Decision Making

    ○ People Driven

    ○Troubleshooting

    ○ Attention to Detail

    ○ Creativity

    ○ Integrity

    ○ Microsoft Office Suite

    ○ SABRE GDS

    ○ Sugar CRM

Employment Highlights

○ Consistently offers high quality customer service across a variety of settings

   and roles.

○ Effectively handled client comments and complaints with the ability to identify 

   and rectify concerns in a timely manner.

○ Self-motivated with the ability to problem solve, initiate action, and complete 

   projects on schedule with minimal supervision.

○ Fostered an open-door atmosphere in providing guidance, coaching and support 

   to all levels of employees on, career and workplace matters.

○ Excellent written and verbal communication.

Timeline

Event Staff

St. Marys Weddings
11.2023 - 04.2024

Event Staff

Above & Beyond Event Design & Decor
05.2022 - 11.2023

Front Desk Manager (Seasonal Role)

Peacock Villa Motel & Cabins
05.2021 - 10.2021

Pet Sitter

Solopreneur
01.2021 - Current

Director of Reservations

Magellan Luxury Hotels
01.2002 - 08.2020

Tourism, Tours & Attractions Diploma -

Niagara College
Allison MacDonald