Ethan James Rivera

• Executes end-to-end planning for intimate weddings and elopements, managing all logistics from location scouting and permit acquisition to vendor coordination, producing over 50 booked clients valued at $6K+ per project • Built and optimizes CRM workflows to convert qualified leads through personalized consultations, saving 800+ hours annually and maintaining a ~35% close rate across high-value projects • Develops, manages, and optimizes Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager campaigns, driving a 12x return on $10K ad spend over two years through precise targeting and creative testing • Negotiates custom photography packages and pricing structures, securing multi-day bookings up to $12K while sustaining a 37 five-star review average that reflects client satisfaction and trust Prior collaborations include: Implus, Yaktrax, Sofsole, DryGuy, Aleader Footwear, Clique Studios, Rare Dank Industries, Canna Advisors, GRIZ, Electric Forest Music Festival, Red Roll, TEDxNormal, Belong Designs, Rebel Disciple, Colorado Cool, Bearfeet, Pawz, Qikpix, Thought Process Music, Emilie Brandt, and DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works. See my work at ethanjamesrivera.com

• Consistently exceed sales goals through strategic upselling of cocktails, wine pairings, seasonal specials, and premium menu items, increasing average check totals by 18–25% • Adapt sales approach between table service and high-volume bar shifts, reading guest needs to build rapport and upsell premium cocktails and top-shelf liquor

• Directed a diverse portfolio of private events—including social celebrations, life milestones, and corporate outings - overseeing logistical planning and successful execution • Managed guest expectations across large, fast-moving events, resolving issues on the spot and ensuring smooth experiences through proactive communication • Managed the ideation process of the historical Olinger Typographic logo and translated it into a rebranded design for uniforms and merchandise that further builds out the brand image

• Collaborated  with in-house Graphic Design and Marketing Communication leadership to source and manage all DESTIHL brand photography, ensuring the delivery of high-quality visual assets for company website, social media, and various internal/external outlets • Shaped the company’s brand image and marketing strategy by delivering data-driven recommendations directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of Restaurant Operations

• Led brand strategy and communications for an on-demand photography startup, developing style guides, marketing campaigns, and promotional assets that strengthened customer engagement across digital channels • Partnered cross-functionally with product and marketing leadership to identify new business opportunities, improve customer insights, and streamline the photographer onboarding process to expand market reach

• Managed cross-functional content projects for Apple’s Business Markets & Education team, collaborating with product and developer relations teams to deliver campaigns that engaged educators worldwide • Coordinated multi-platform marketing and video initiatives showcasing Apple productivity tools for Mac, iPad, and iPhone • Partnered with Product Marketing, Developer Relations, and commercial app developers to produce web-based content and global campaigns across multiple platforms • Developed and managed multiple projects simultaneously while identifying opportunities to repurpose content and enhance reach through creative social media strategies • Verified content and functionality of web applications to ensure quality, accuracy, and alignment with Apple’s brand standards

• Developed strategic marketing plan for Instagram channel to build brand awareness • Generated an 9% increase in followers on Instagram while maintaining company objectives • Collaborated with Startups utilizing the 1776 workspace to develop content to be featured on the 1776 website • Analyzed trends, behaviors, and sentiments on social media as an evaluation for growth • Assisted with maintenance of 1776 website and updated platform with 80 new startups memberships • Photographed events and bureaucrats including members of the Korean Embassy, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and former first female U.S. Secretary of State, Madeline Albright to be published on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

• Composed and executed a strategic plan for implementing marketing material in the community • Built and maintained positive relationships with small businesses and academic facilities in the surrounding community • Increased brand awareness through social media, word of mouth, and street team work in professional manner

• Led and collaborated with teams to establish the first 36 hour student-run hackathon of 80+ students at Illinois State University • Oversaw video sourcing, management, and provided suggestions on how to best develop content • Designed promotional video to be featured on RedbirdHacks Facebook account yielding an increase in registrations by 5% • Produced video footage of trending technology using Final Cut video editing software, Canon 5D Mk ii, and GoPro Cameras

• Prepared the restaurant for success during opening and closing time as headwaiter/closer by ensuring the facility was properly cleaned, staffed, and assembled • Interacted with guests and coworkers to meet both company and guest standards in an efficient and courteous manner • Motivated co-workers to strive for success through encouragement and guidance through professionalism • Handled customers’ financial transactions with accuracy and speed