Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Sean Gravalos

Burlington,ON

Summary

I have 20 years of experience in customer-facing roles. My high-energy, positivity, and friendly demeanor allows me to build trust with customers, peers, and leadership very quickly. I am accomplished in providing unsurpassed support in demanding, fast-paced environments. I have a high degree of passion for continuous improvement and enhancing my industry knowledge

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Wine Ambassador

William Chris Vineyards
08.2023 - 05.2024
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Served as a knowledgeable resource for guests seeking advice on selecting appropriate wines for special occasions or gifts.
  • Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
  • Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
  • Educated patrons on proper wine tasting techniques, demonstrating how to fully appreciate different flavors and nuances.
  • Balanced the needs of multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attentiveness and efficiency.

Head Sommelier

Rancho Loma Vineyards
02.2020 - 03.2023
  • Trained service staff on wines, spirits and cocktails to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.
  • Implemented new promotional strategies, dramatically increasing business.
  • Optimized storage conditions for optimal preservation of diverse types of wines in the cellar collection.
  • Educated diners on various aspects of oenology during service interactions, enriching their understanding of the world of wines.
  • Collaborated with chefs to create cohesive menu pairings, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Enhanced guest experience by developing an extensive wine list and pairing recommendations for various cuisines.
  • Built a strong rapport with guests, resulting in positive word-of-mouth and a loyal clientele base.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.

Wine Ambassador

Pillittieri Estates Winery
06.2019 - 09.2019
  • Greeted customers and clients to create welcoming atmosphere.
  • Increased wine sales by effectively communicating the unique characteristics and flavor profiles of various wine selections.
  • Educated patrons on proper wine tasting techniques, demonstrating how to fully appreciate different flavors and nuances.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization in the wine service area, ensuring a welcoming environment for guests.
  • Increased wine sales by conducting in-store tastings and engaging customers with product knowledge.

Assistant Branch Manager

BMO Bank of Montreal
05.2018 - 06.2019
  • Supported the Branch Manager with daily tasks, ensuring smooth branch functioning and effective communication amongst team members.
  • Trained and developed new team members in alignment with branch service standards and objectives.
  • Monitored daily branch activities, quickly identifying areas requiring improvement or corrective action to maintain operational excellence.
  • Oversaw successful completion of internal audits with minimal findings, demonstrating strong adherence to bank policies and regulations.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of branch financial products, loans and lines of credit.

Financial Services Representative

BMO Bank of Montreal
02.2016 - 05.2018
  • Enhanced customer relationships with personalized service and addressing individual concerns promptly.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and improve overall branch performance.
  • Worked with clients to develop financial planning strategies and solutions through evaluation of finances.
  • Provided excellent customer service, resolving issues quickly and maintaining long-term client relationships.
  • Assessed credit applications accurately by analyzing applicants'' financial history, income stability, and repayment capability.
  • Assisted clients in navigating complex financial situations, offering solutions that met their unique needs.
  • Monitored changes in financial markets and kept clients informed of latest developments.

Assistant Branch Manager

BMO Bank of Montreal
01.2015 - 02.2016
  • Supported the Branch Manager with daily tasks, ensuring smooth branch functioning and effective communication amongst team members.
  • Trained and developed new team members in alignment with branch service standards and objectives.
  • Monitored daily branch activities, quickly identifying areas requiring improvement or corrective action to maintain operational excellence.
  • Oversaw successful completion of internal audits with minimal findings, demonstrating strong adherence to bank policies and regulations.
  • Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Built rapport with account holders by reaching out with product recommendations and account updates.
  • Coached and developed branch staff by offering constructive feedback and training opportunities.

Financial Services Representative

BMO Bank of Montreal
01.2013 - 01.2015
  • Provided excellent customer service, resolving issues quickly and maintaining long-term client relationships.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations, trends, and best practices to provide informed advice to clients.
  • Enhanced customer relationships with personalized service and addressing individual concerns promptly.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and improve overall branch performance.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored financial advice and investment recommendations.
  • Assessed credit applications accurately by analyzing applicants'' financial history, income stability, and repayment capability.
  • Worked with clients to develop financial planning strategies and solutions through evaluation of finances.

Financial Advisor

TD Bank
01.2008 - 01.2015
  • Built strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty in managing their financial portfolios.
  • Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products, and services based on each clients' individual needs.
  • Facilitated new client onboarding process and investment account setup.
  • Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products and services based on individual needs.
  • Worked closely with insurance providers to assess suitable coverage options tailored to individual client requirements for risk management purposes.
  • Established new client relationships by conducting thorough needs assessments during initial consultations.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline processes and improve overall client experience.
  • Assessed credit applications accurately by analyzing applicants'' financial history, income stability, and repayment capability.
  • Enhanced customer relationships with personalized service and addressing individual concerns promptly.

Education

Texas Wine Ambassador

Texas Wine School
Hye, Texas
01.2024

Cansell Certifcation

Cansell
Toronto, ON
06.2024

Smart Serve Certifcation

Smart Serve
Toronto, ON
07.2024

WSET III

Wine & Spirit Education Trust
07.2019

Canadian Wine Scholar

Fine Vintage
Toronto, ON
02.2018

Marketing And Consumer Studies

Sheridan College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Oakville, ON
05.2005

Food And Beverage Studies

George Brown College
Toronto, ON
04.1999

Skills

  • Customer Engagement
  • Team Management
  • Product Knowledge
  • Brand Awareness
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Cash Handling
  • Guest Engagement
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • Cleanliness standards
  • Safe Food Handling
  • High-volume dining
  • Food safety understanding

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Wine Ambassador

William Chris Vineyards
08.2023 - 05.2024

Head Sommelier

Rancho Loma Vineyards
02.2020 - 03.2023

Wine Ambassador

Pillittieri Estates Winery
06.2019 - 09.2019

Assistant Branch Manager

BMO Bank of Montreal
05.2018 - 06.2019

Financial Services Representative

BMO Bank of Montreal
02.2016 - 05.2018

Assistant Branch Manager

BMO Bank of Montreal
01.2015 - 02.2016

Financial Services Representative

BMO Bank of Montreal
01.2013 - 01.2015

Financial Advisor

TD Bank
01.2008 - 01.2015

Texas Wine Ambassador

Texas Wine School

Cansell Certifcation

Cansell

Smart Serve Certifcation

Smart Serve

WSET III

Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Canadian Wine Scholar

Fine Vintage

Marketing And Consumer Studies

Sheridan College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning

Food And Beverage Studies

George Brown College
Sean Gravalos