David Marquez
San Diego
Summary
Dedicated SDZWA employee with extensive experience in overseeing large events, ensuring smooth operations, and delivering outstanding guest experiences. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptable to changing demands, and consistently achieving high standards. Proven skills in event planning, staff coordination, and customer service, paired with proactive approach to problem-solving and positive attitude that fosters team morale.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Banquet Supervisor
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
02.2022 - Current
- Scheduling staff members based on event requirements, optimizing efficiency.
- Directed and supervised banquet functions for [2-3000]-person events.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations while supervising banquet operations.
- Increased overall event success by conducting Huddles with banquet and culinary staff involved in execution.
- Implemented strategies to increase employee morale, leading to improved teamwork and productivity.
- Organized and oversaw food service training to educate employees on Banquet and Restaurant etiquette.
- Created SOPs and training guides for performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Planned and executed promotions and special events in close collaboration with Event Sales, Safari Experience, Philanthropy and Guest Services.
- Stayed current with industry trends and innovations to boost competitiveness and customer appeal.
Food Stand Lead
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Contributed to positive staff morale by fostering supportive, collaborative atmosphere among team members.
- Improved food handling by working with the BOH team, gathering feedback and implementing SOPs to create "buy-in" from the team and ensure sustainability.
- Trained new employees on restaurant policies, procedures, and standards of service excellence to maintain consistency.
- Led pre-shift meetings discussing daily goals, special requests or reservations ensuring smooth operations throughout service hours.
- Greeted guests, answered questions about menu selections and offered drink pairings.
- Increased guest satisfaction and improved OpenTable rating.
- Followed safety and sanitation policies while handling food and beverages to uphold proper health standards.
- Cross-trained in other kitchen positions to support staff and meet customer needs and demands.
Banquet Worker
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
03.2018 - 10.2021
- Prepared for events by setting up bar, stocking supplies, and arranging tables.
- Responded to guest questions and requests with friendly and knowledgeable service.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by providing exceptional bartending services and maintaining clean, organized bar area.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Fostered environment of teamwork among bar staff and other event personnel, ensuring smooth communication and cooperation throughout each function.
- Maintained safety standards by following proper sanitation procedures for glassware, utensils, and work surfaces.
- Assisted in training new banquet bartenders, sharing best practices and techniques to maintain consistent service standards.
- Applied mixology knowledge to create new cocktails, enhance flavor profiles and food pairings.
Patient Service Representative
Scripps Healthcare
06.2004 - 06.2018
- Handled sensitive patient concerns with professionalism and empathy, fostering an atmosphere of trust with the patient.
- Verified insurance eligibility and coverage for patients.
- Provided exceptional customer service to patients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Managed patient registration process, confirming data accuracy and completeness.
- Handled complex insurance pre-authorization processes accurately, enabling timely delivery of necessary medical services.
- Maintained daily average of 50 processed patient accounts.
- Trained new staff on hospital processes and procedures.
- Trained new staff on filing, phone etiquette and other administrative responsibilities.
Education
No Degree - Bartending
Gaslamp Bartending School
09.2020
High School Diploma -
San Diego High School
06.2002
Skills
- Staff Leadership
- Team Management
- Banquet operations
- Team member development
- Scheduling and Rostering
- Etiquette understanding
- Venue coordination
- Hospitality
- Restaurant policies and procedures
- Employee Motivation
- Guest relations
Certification
- ServSafe Food Manager
- RBS Alcohol
Accomplishments
- SDZWA Employee of the Quarter- 2020
- Team member development
- Open Table Diners Choice for Best Ambiance 2021 & 2022
- The Knot Award Best of Weddings 2023, 2024, 2025
- Cocktail development for seasonal Park offerings and Catering Menu Guide
Timeline
Banquet Supervisor
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
02.2022 - Current
Food Stand Lead
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
10.2021 - 02.2022
Banquet Worker
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
03.2018 - 10.2021
Patient Service Representative
Scripps Healthcare
06.2004 - 06.2018
High School Diploma -
San Diego High School
- ServSafe Food Manager
- RBS Alcohol
No Degree - Bartending
Gaslamp Bartending School
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