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Matt Dowling
Director Of Food And Beverage - Hilton Norfolk “The Main” at Gold Key - PHR
Professional Background
Matt Dowling is a seasoned Food and Beverage professional with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the Director of Food and Beverage at Hilton Norfolk “The Main,” Matt has developed a strong reputation for excellence in operations, training, and guest satisfaction. His career reflects a commitment to enhancing the culinary experience and ensuring high standards across various food and beverage service sectors. With numerous leadership roles at Gold Key | PHR, Matt has played pivotal roles in managing multiple restaurants, training staff, and ensuring quality management in food services, all while maintaining a keen focus on customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Prior to his current role, Matt gained invaluable experience as the Regional Train the Trainer at Hilton Hotels and Resorts. In this capacity, he was instrumental in recruiting, training, and developing future leaders within the Hilton network. His passion for mentoring and training staff has contributed to creating a culture of excellence and professionalism that Hilton guests have come to expect. Matt's career began with broad and dynamic roles in various establishments, starting from supervisory positions to becoming a well-respected Director of Food and Beverage.
His journey in the hospitality sector has also included significant roles at Catch 31 in Hilton Virginia Beach, where he served as General Manager, Restaurant Manager, and Restaurant Supervisor. This experience honed his skills in operational management, team leadership, and providing top-notch dining experiences. In addition, Matt worked as a Sommelier with the Guild of Sommeliers, enhancing his expertise in fine wines and their pairings, thus allowing him to bring a refined touch to the dining experience in every venue he has managed.
Education and Achievements
Matt Dowling pursued his education at George Mason University, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Criminology. This unique foundation has contributed to his understanding of human behavior, a vital asset in managing teams and dealing with diverse clientele in high-pressure environments. His academic background complements his practical experience, equipping him with skills that are crucial in hospitality management.
Matt's noteworthy achievements throughout his career include his commitment to excellence in food service operations, his leadership in mentoring new professionals, and his ability to maintain high-standard service while driving business goals. He has successfully implemented training programs that ensure staff are well-versed in service excellence, further elevating the dining experience for guests. His leadership at Hilton Norfolk “The Main” has led to consistent positive feedback from guests and recognition within the hospitality industry.
Key Roles and Organizations
Matt's professional affiliations and his roles within organizations reflect his deep commitment to both his craft and his community. As the Director of Food and Beverage at Hilton Norfolk “The Main,” he oversees all aspects of food service, including menu development, staff training, and ensuring guest satisfaction. His experience as a Regional Train the Trainer at Hilton has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of hotel leaders.
In addition to his roles at Hilton, Matt has excelled in various capacities at Gold Key | PHR, from Assistant Director of Food and Beverage to Task Force/Quality Assurance Manager. Each position has allowed him to build a diverse skill set that enhances the overall efficiency of food and beverage operations. His early professional journey also includes significant contributions as a Dining Room Supervisor at Great American Restaurants, which laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of customer service dynamics.
Overall, Matt Dowling’s career exemplifies a blend of passion for food, dedication to quality service, and a drive for continuous improvement. His expertise in food and beverage management continues to make a significant impact in the hospitality industry, enhancing the experiences of guests while fostering a supportive and thriving workplace for his colleagues.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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