Los Angeles Business Development

VANCE HARPER

**** *** ***, *** ***, LOS ANGELES CA 90019 323-***-**** ad7y9b@r.postjobfree.com

SKILL SUMMARY

Japanese linguistic fluency: 15 years business experience in Japan, native level fluency. Document translation. Bilingual VIP interpreting, client services, event management, and public speaking.

Work ethic: dedicated, loyal, cooperative, diligent, efficient.

Sales Communication: Copywriting, editing and content development. Vendor/client relationship management and business building. Team training, product education. Negotiating and issue resolution.

Meticulous: attention to detail, reporting, invoicing, documentation, inventory control.

Multi-task: manage multiple contracts, clients and projects amidst high pressure demands. EDUCATION

August1985 - December 1989

Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service — Washington DC BSFS, Humanities in International Affairs, Asian Studies Certificate August 1987 - July 1988

Sophia University, Department of Comparative Culture — Tokyo, Japan Non-degree Japanese Studies and Japanese Language

EXPERIENCE

January 2024 - April 2024

Japanese Language Election Clerk — Temporary Contract Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Office, Multilingual Election Worker Services

• Selected as the sole Japanese Language Election Services Clerk for Los Angeles County for 2024 Presidential Primary Election.

• Conduct County-wideJapanese-speaking election volunteer recruitment. Research County databases to identify candidates, initiate direct contact, and coordinate all logistics. Pioneer expanded grassroots outreach to cultural institutions, business associations, etc. to revitalize county volunteer resources.

• Handle emergency phone calls from vote centers and individual voters during election days. Provide immediate issue resolution, and document each into Cherwell incident management system. Utilize excellent customer service and crisis management communication skills to facilitate calm resolution. May 2023 - Present

Contract Server and Event Execution, Hospitality by Bernard Los Angeles

• One of Los Angeles finest contract service agencies, serving luxury events and country clubs including Los Angeles Country Club, Hillcrest Country Club, and Hollywood studio events.

• Always impeccable in service, appearance and task completion, ensuring flawless execution of events and fine dining service.

May 2023 - December 2023

Assistant Head Waiter and Guest Relations Coordinator, UKA Los Angeles

• Intimate knowledge of Japanese cuisine, ingredients, processes, and fine sake. Communicate all details of each course (10 course prix-fixe), sake/wine pairing recommendations, in both English and Japanese.

• Bilingual communication between FOH and BOH. Time the firing of each course at every table, coordinate synchronized team service, and facilitate chef table-side hospitality opportunities.

• From pre-arrival communication, to final departure, provide end to end formal but friendly personalized VIP service to every guest. Highlight hidden details, from exquisite artisan-made ceramics, to unique handmade implements used by chef to expand cultural impact of the guest experience. August 2021 - April 2023

Director of Sales and Special Events, Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market Los Angeles

• Consistently top in sales performance. Supervise six sales associate and stock staff. Coach sales technique, regularly conduct product education, in-store sampling procedures, shelf/floor standards.

• Strategize content and execution of vendor demos, bespoke private tastings, seasonal department promotions and discount sales events.

• Create dynamic sales platform for exclusive, rare or esoteric products through effective combination of professional chef outreach, website and social media content development, private tasting events, high profile charity sponsorship events, and key customer VIP service. April 2018 – December 2018

Brunch Manager, Hotel Elliott Astoria, OR

• One man operation (four days/week) tasked with BOH preparation, set up, tear down, deep cleaning, inventory control, and next day prep of full buffet breakfast service. Set up includes two hot dishes and a full assortment of daily baked pastries, hot/cold cereals, juices, and ongoing coffee service.

• During service hours. FOH duties include welcoming guests, table bussing, dishwashing, buffet replenishment and ongoing coffee service.

• Regular friendly interaction with guests, offering tourism insights, restaurant recommendations, etc. contributes toward high praise for service at this unique historic hotel. February 2006 – February 2013

Assistant Buyer, Market Hall Foods Oakland and Berkeley, CA

• Assisted lead buyers with managing importers, distributors and direct vendors for all ongoing and limited seasonal buying needs at this nationally celebrated gourmet food emporium.

• Lead visual merchandising, including windows/specialty/seasonal displays, shelf management/strategy.

• Coordinated in-store promotion activities including tasting events, book signings, employee product trainings.

• Wrote product reviews for Market Hall Newsletter and website. April 2004 - December 2005

Director, Public Relations, Soma Beverages LLC (METROMINT) San Francisco

• Strategized product and brand launch to media, vendors, and public influencers.

• Initiated product placements, endorsements, event sponsorships, trade show presence.

• Produced marketing materials and website content.

• Conducted vendor presentations in key markets (NYC, SF, LA). January 1998 – May 2004

Account Manager, Trimedia (Ad-Comm Group) Tokyo, Japan

• New business development and client service management at this boutique Tokyo-based public relations/ communications agency servicing American and European corporate clients and government agencies operating in Japan. Reported directly to Account Manager and CEO. Managed a team of 5 account executives.

• Coordinated communication budgets and quantifiable outcomes across multiple platforms including media relations, investor relations, online presence, event management, key stakeholder relations, marketing materials, advertising, branding and other public relations activities.

• Clients included: Charles Schwab, Starwood Hotels, Heineken, Emirates Airlines, Welsh Development Agency, Italian Trade Commission (Italian Embassy). July 1990 - July 1994

Coordinator for International Relations (JET Program), Miyazaki Prefectural Govt, Japan

• Initiate and execute multiple programs to promote greater international cultural awareness including public lectures, television appearances, foreign culture-specific events, youth camps

• Serve as central coordinator of JET Program participants’ orientations, occupational support and mentoring, cross cultural communication training, and issue resolution.

• Create professional promotional materials for promoting inbound international tourism and manufacturing investment, outbound agricultural product export.

• Lead translator and interpreter for all foreign dignitary visits, receptions, and media interviews.

• Coordinated the recruitment and training of some 700 volunteer interpreters staffing events, tours and hospitality stations at the 1994 World Veterans Athletic Competition in Miyazaki. AWARDS, RECOGNITION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

February 2023 Judging Panel Member

California Statewide Extra Virgin Olive Olive Oil Competition (CalExpo, Sacramento)

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