Yaxel Valladares

I was born in Cuba and at 10 years old I came to the United States. Now I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I graduated from High School and I am now attending the University of Florida as a 4th year senior. I have been working in the service industry since I was 16 years old. When I turned 18 I became a waiter and I have been waiting tables ever since. I love this industry because I like interacting with different people and providing them a great experience when they come to dine. I have excellent skills when it comes to costumer service, I am attentive to the costumer's questions and concerns - making sure they are always happy. I'm also good at retaining menu information, after some practice I become knowledgeable about the menu and can answer any questions.  I'm very passionate about serving because customers are appreciative of a good experience and I love providing people with a good time.

I worked at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar for 5 years, 3 of those years were working full-time and 2 of those I worked as a seasonal employee. In my 5 years working for this restaurant I got experience as a: food runner, expo, host, bar back, and a server. 

I worked at a Bone Fish Grill in Tennessee this past summer from June 3rd to July 21st. It was only a summertime position yet I learned a lot from working there. It was more of an upscale restaurant compared to my previous job so I got to learn about wine and food pairings. I also learned how to present yourself professionally in an upscale restaurant, and how to deliver a wine presentation. 

In the Summer of 2020 I worked as a Sales Representative for Vector Marketing. I was responsible for cold-calling and building rapport with customers. In the three months I worked with them I built a client list of over 200 customers. I was ranked top sales rep in my office and 3rd in the division for most sales in a month. This experience taught me how to determine what audience you're targeting, how to build rapport with prospects and build a relationship that persuades them to be your customer. It also taught me time management and booking appointments.

I graduated from Coral Shores High School in Tavernier, Florida in the year 2020.

I attended College of the Florida Keys for my first year of college.

I attended Santa Fe community college my Sophomore year and received my associates degree.

I am now attending the University of Florida and working towards my bachelor's degree in marketing.