The Fruits of My Labor

My Career Journey - The Highlights

Not Including Odd Jobs and Extra Work

January 2011 – Present ☞ S. P. Cloward ☞ Orlando, Fl

Author and Content Creator

• Author of AfterLife and AfterLife Allegiances – the first two books in a science fiction series.  

• Experienced creative and technical writer. 

February 2021 – Present ☞ J Cabranes Photography ☞ Orlando, FL

 Business Operations & Second Photographer – Small Business Start-up

• Active participating partner in newly formed LLC. 

• Established company brand and long-term growth plan in conjunction with other operating participants. 

• Provide Second Photographer support for Lead Photographer at off-site and on-site photo and video shoots. 

August 2018 – March 2021 ☞ Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards ☞ Clermont, FL

Manager – Retail/Events/Promotions

• Maintained non-wine retail sales of 20% or more thought the retail shop, even throughout 2020. 

• Successfully guided the day-to-day operations of a retail/event facility through the global COVID-19 pandemic.

• Provided high level oversight of front of house operations, including festival, event, retail, VIP Tours, and off-site promotional events, for Florida’s Largest Winery.

• Managed monthly festivals, ranging in size from 2,000 to 12,000 guest visits over 3 days, including the coordination of private security, police and EMS, entertainment, parking, food vendors, bar services, retail merchandising, and staffing.

• Oversaw retail operations including the monitoring of product inventory levels, labor and non-labor budgeting, new product research, facility maintenance, and employee relations. 

• Assisted with executing company marketing strategies put in place by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), including seeking, building, and maintaining marketing relationships. Assisted with prescreening new media sources seeking a marketing relationship with the winery prior to their plans being presented to the COO.  

• Worked with COO and Events Assistant Manager to create an updated VIP Tour & Tasting experience to bring additional offerings and revenue into the business.

• Successfully created an Executive-level-approved updated Emergency Action Plan safety training course that was adapted by all winery departments. Created safety training program for the front of house team. 

August 2013 – April 2019 ☞ Universal Orlando Resort ☞ Orlando, FL

Stage Manager, Entertainment Operations

• Directly responsible for the supervision of and daily operation of all Entertainment aspects of Poseidon’s Fury including the evaluation of talent and tech staff, addressing employee performance, assuring all administrative duties are completed as required, and the effective communication of vital information to both performers and fellow managers.

• Partnered with Show Systems and ASL Interpreters to re-integrate a fully accessible show experience into the Poseidon’s Fury attraction.

• Performed administrative tasks as necessary including the creation of weekly schedules for cast, completing nightly reports, and administering attendance and performance counseling as necessary.

• Effectively collaborated with internal departments and external vendors to find workable solutions to operational issues. 

• Assisted the Entertainment Production team on Universal Pictures Gold Symphony Projects which included the install of the Fate of the Furious prop vehicles, implementation of Despicable Me 3 enhanced meet and greet experience at Universal Studios Florida for Summer 2017, and the Horror Make-up Show update to include new footage and lobby display to support The Mummy (2017) film. 

• Served as Universal Way Representative for the Lost Continent Entertainment to support Guest Service initiatives. 

• Oversaw daily operation of USF Animated, USF Atmosphere, and USF Transformers as Stage Manager from March 2014- April 2015 supporting a team of more than 260 direct reports.

• Entertainment Operations Safety Committee Chair (February 2016-Auguse 2018) - Facilitated Safety Committee meetings as scheduled, maintained global tracking spreadsheet of safety concerns, and partnered with Entertainment venue leaders and Environmental Health and Safety partners across property on practical resolutions for noted concerns.

• Entertainment Operations 99- duty manager trained for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.     

March 2012 –April 2014 ☞ Nickelodeon Suites Resort ☞ Orlando, FL

Entertainment Supervisor

• Oversaw daily operation of Entertainment offerings including Character meet-and-greets, Entertainment Dining Experiences, Studio Nick shows and events, premium offerings, and Poolside Entertainment.

• Performed administrative tasks such as creating new weekly department schedules for Team Members as well as the processing of Team Member timecards.

• Observed set, show, and entertainment performances to maintain safety and show quality standards for the team in order to provide exceptional entertainment for resort Guests.

• Acted as Studio Nick and Poolside audiovisual Tech for certain shows and offerings. 

• Administered training and development of assigned staff and areas of Entertainment Operation and trained newly hired Character Performers.

January – November 2011 ☞ Disney Cruise Line ☞ Celebration, FL

Character Manager

• Responsible for the daily operations of the World-Famous Disney Characters onboard the Disney Magic and acted as the main point of contact for all character related issues. Implemented scheduling practices that more efficiently made use of labor hours.

• Managed the logistics and presentation of Character appearances, events, and programs in compliance with the Character Programs and Development standards. Coordinated and implemented rehearsals as necessary.

• Accountable for communication and collaboration between a wide variety of internal departments that interact or participate with or in a character event.  These departments include Youth Activities, Guest Services, Food and Beverage Dining Teams, Port Adventures, Photography, and Housekeeping. 

• Monitored Guest Satisfaction Measurement (GSM) scores and worked with Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director on the implementation of operational improvements.

• Effectively provided coaching, recognition and feedback for Character Performers as well as conducted regular performance reviews for direct reports to drive overall team improvements.  

• Oversaw the Character offerings for two very successful transatlantic voyages, never before done seven-day Mediterranean itineraries, and charter voyage.

• Trained two new Character Managers for Disney Cruise Line’s fleet.

2002 – 2011, 2012 ☞ Walt Disney World ☞ Lake Buena Vista, FL

Entertainment Captain/ Coordinator

• 2006 Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade Project Captain; coordinated rehearsals, created and maintained operating guidelines for the Halloween Parade Captains, handled confidential information, and acted as a communication liaison between operating units.  

• Directed and monitored daily performance activities covered by Operating Guidelines as well as completing daily time sheets and attendance forms.

• Observed set, show, and parade performances to maintain safety and show quality standards for the cast in order to provide exceptional entertainment for park Guests.

• Trained new Magic Kingdom Parade Captains using classroom and on-site instruction.

Resort Front Desk & Concierge Host

• Performed all duties of a Front Desk Cast Member including the execution of check-in and check-outs, the exchanging of foreign currency and Traveler’s Checks, the processing and taking of payment for room and incidental charges, and answering general Guest questions.

• Conducted ticket sales and ticket scanning for Walt Disney World theme parks and other attractions.

• Utilized Disney’s Al A Carte to book dining, recreation, and child-care at Walt Disney World.

• Utilized considerable Walt Disney World property knowledge to increase Guest awareness and encourage visitation.

• Work with Operating Participants and other on-site venders to create a seamless Guest experience.

• Participated in Disney’s implementation of their new property management system, LILO. 

• Trained in Front Desk back-of-house operations, including room assignments, reservation assistance, and processing of Guest relocations to other Disney resorts. 

Facilitator, Guest Talent and Education Programs (Y.E.S.)

• Promoted learning and entertainment through the facilitation of exceptional educational experiences across the Walt Disney World Resort for groups of all ages.

• Trained to facilitate – Energy and Waves, America’s Story, and Properties of Motion at the Magic Kingdom and Everyday Chemistry at Epcot. 

• Guided learning experiences to a diverse school-age audience in an ever-changing environment.

• Utilized team teaching, cooperative learning groups, creative problem solving, real-life applications, and improvisational techniques to create a fun learning environment.

• Utilized knowledge of Walt Disney World parks and resorts to create a seamless Guest experience through attention to detail and the establishment of an emotionally safe environment. 

Call Center Representative at Disney’s Guest Services Call Center

• Utilized knowledge of Walt Disney World parks and resorts to address Guest concerns. 

Character Performer

• Performed in various shows, parades, and atmosphere settings.

• Demonstrated flexibility and teamwork while performing in unpredictable weather conditions and extraordinary venues.

• Drove Magic Kingdom Performance Vehicles and Parade Show Floats of all skill levels.

• As a member of the Parades Costuming Circle of Excellence, assisted in the collaboration across teams to share information and coordinate new ideas for the development of procedural efficiency and improved show for our Guests.

Tomorrowland Attractions Host

• Consistently model the Disney Service Basics including initiating Guest conversations and providing immediate and relevant service recovery.

• Utilized considerable park knowledge to increase Guest awareness and encourage visitation.

• Perform daily operation of Space Mountain as outlined by operator guidelines.

Main Street Operations Attractions Host

• General knowledge of park ticketing system and turnstile operation as a Park Greeter.  

• Daily operation of steam trains as a Magic Kingdom Railroad Conductor. 

• Maintained the show, promoted safety, and exceeded Guest expectations as audience control for parades including the nighttime parade Spectromagic.

Sunset Operations Attractions Host  

• Daily operation of Rock n’ Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2007- 2009 ☞ Sears ☞ Mattoon, IL

Merchandise and Customer Assistance Associate

• Assisted store patrons with purchases and demonstrated customer service techniques to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.

• Maintained operational and sale signing within the shoe department.

• Performed tasks that helped maintain appropriate inventory and stocking levels of merchandise

2008 ☞ Complete Music, Inc. ☞ Saint Louis, MO

Mobile DJ

• Assisted Client in the planning of their event and directed event as the Emcee to ensure enjoyment by Client and Guests.

• Demonstrated telephone etiquette skills during pre-event planning calls with Clients.

• Provided entertainment in the form of music and unique Guest interaction opportunities. 

2000- 2002 ☞ Century Theatres ☞ Corpus Christi, TX

Cashier

• Worked in a cash handling environment in box office and/or in concessions.

• Assisted as Theatre Usher and special projects.

 1998- 2002 ☞ Harbor Playhouse ☞ Corpus Christi, TX

First Stage Player

• Performed roles in a number of productions including The Pirates of Penzance, A Christmas Carol, and School House Rock Live!

• Provided technical assistance on various stage productions and other entertainment ventures including construction of sets, operation of lighting and audio equipment, and prop and costuming support, and seasonal haunted house. 

• Stage Manager for the summer 2000 youth camp production of Bugsy Malone; responsibilities included documentation of director’s notes and directions, supervisory support during rehearsals and performances, and the calling of sound, lighting, and fly system operator cues during shows.