Commonwealth Honors College
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Hospitality, Tourism, and Management
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Isenberg School of Management
Andres Martinez
My Vision
My Story
I am a creative self-starter that loves food. My desire is to improve customer service and guest goodwill. Achieving those goals has taught me to be hardworking, a motivator for others, and team player. I am experienced in marketing, menu creation, and social media marketing. In addition, I have formal education in culinary arts, photography, and visual arts.
Overcoming Barriers to Success
I am originally from Venezuela, but have Spanish heritage. My journey to today has been long, however, my most recent story started a few years ago after I fought and survived cancer - a feat that left me paralyzed for 2 years. Now, each morning when I open my eyes, I say to myself to be strong, happy, and optimistic. I ask God to keep me healthy and thankful for this second life. And so, after getting my life back I decided to pursue the American Dream by going back to school.
I accomplished my college dream and found a way to explore multiple interests and passions by earning an Associates in Food Management Service and Hospitality Management. I also have a minor in Visual Arts and Photography. But my story was not finished here. I graduated with honors from the community college and decided to transfer to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to continue my education toward my bachelor's degree in Hospitality Tourism and Management. I am currently a Commonwealth Honors College Scholar at UMass Amherst and loving the journey.
Honors and Awards
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Green Key Honors Society
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Inducted into International Hospitality Management Honor Society
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Phi Beta Kappa Society
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Hospitality Management Award
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United Way & News 40 Volunteerathon Award
Skills
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Fluent in Spanish
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CPR and First Aid Certified
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MTS Certified: Multi-systematic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglected
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TIPs Alcohol & Beverage Management Certification
Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Commonwealth Honors College Scholar
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Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Holyoke Community College
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Associates in Hospitality Management
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Associates in Visual Arts and Photography
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Certificate in Culinary Arts
Highlighted Experience
The Foster House - Westfield, MA
Multiple Roles
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Assisted in the management and execution of catering and events. I also assisted with food prep, cooking, and menu planning.
Pinocchio’s Pizza - Northampton, MA
Resturant Marketing Manager
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Provided restaurant marketing strategies and ideas to improve food business and help to bring more new customers and make the business successful. I created new trendy food-menu with colorful pictures & design. I created Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest’s pages with original foodie photos
The Recio’s Ghost Restaurant - Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Front of House Management
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Ensured the delivery of a casual and comfortable dining experience in a family home setting. I cooked, served, delivered food & drinks in an informal casual restaurant setting. Mediterranean food & typical popular tapas, Canary Island cuisine. I introduced the Arepas & Empanadas a Caribbean staple food of Venezuela.