Meet Nate Gardner, a rising star on the Buttoned Up Services team. As an account manager, Nate is dedicated to understanding each client’s unique staffing needs and ensuring seamless operations through reliable, experienced hospitality professionals. With a passion for building close relationships and a commitment to exceptional service, Nate embodies the Buttoned Up promise of being a true partner to clients in the dynamic hospitality industry.
We talked to Nate to learn more about his role, a typical day, and how Buttoned Up delivers unparalleled staffing solutions.
How long have you been at Buttoned Up, and what is your role?
Nate: I joined the Buttoned Up team on May 1, 2023, so I just celebrated my first anniversary. I started as a sales support representative but was recently promoted to account manager. In this role, I’m responsible for managing client relationships, understanding their unique staffing needs, and ensuring we deliver reliable, experienced hospitality professionals to support their operations.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I start early, usually getting up by 5:45 a.m. to make sure we have staff coverage for our clients’ morning shifts that begin at 6:00 a.m. I work closely with our Operations Leader, Jay, to quickly find last-minute replacements if there are any call-offs, so we can provide on-demand staffing without disrupting our clients’ operations.
Once things are running smoothly, I head into the office by 8:30 a.m. I spend the first part of the day prospecting for new clients on LinkedIn, Facebook groups, job boards, and Indeed. Mid-morning, I meet with Jay again to look ahead at the week’s schedule and communicate updates to clients.
In the afternoons, I visit 2-3 client venues per day. For existing clients, I check in on our staff and make sure the client is satisfied with our service. I want to make sure they know the Buttoned Up team truly cares about their satisfaction and that we want to help them deliver great experiences for their customers and guests. We are one hundred percent committed to our clients’ success. For prospective clients, I introduce our services and explain how we can support their staffing needs.
I wrap up at the office in the late afternoon but continue communicating with clients and prospects into the evening to solidify upcoming staffing plans and new business opportunities.
What do you like most about your job?
I love getting to know each of Buttoned Up’s 100+ clients and learning their unique needs. In the hospitality industry, no two clients are the same. I really enjoy meeting with clients face-to-face, touring their venues, and finding the right staffing fit for their specific environment. Building those close relationships is very rewarding.
Can you share some examples of how Buttoned Up has delivered exceptional service?
A great example was when we staffed a local country club’s Christmas Eve brunch. The client provided fantastic feedback, letting us know that our servers were very important to having a successful event for their members. Hearing that kind of positive impact and client appreciation is always rewarding.
We often get last-minute requests but always find a way to come through. For example, one of our catering clients called us on the morning of an important wedding. They were short-staffed and desperately needed servers. Even though the venue was an hour away, we managed to get one of our most reliable workers out there within three hours, in uniform and ready to help ensure a flawless event. That responsiveness laid the foundation for a great ongoing relationship with that client.
We also provide large-scale, multi-day staffing for major events like the annual Ascension Charity Classic PGA tournament. For several years, we’ve partnered with Butler’s Pantry to staff concession tents from sunrise to sundown. It’s a big undertaking but our team always steps up to make it happen.
When talking with a potential new client, how do you explain the value of Buttoned Up’s services?
Buttoned Up allows hospitality businesses to maintain seamless operations while they search for permanent hires or need extra staff for their events. We provide reliable, experienced temporary professionals who can step in at a moment’s notice. Clients can focus on running their businesses while we handle the stress and logistics of keeping their shifts fully staffed with high-quality workers.
I pride myself on being a proactive communicator and really listening to clients’ needs. Leland, our co-founder, has been an important mentor to me in this way. He has helped me appreciate the importance of effective communication with clients. Whether it’s understanding timelines, flagging upcoming events, or introducing new offerings, I want to take the staffing burden off their shoulders. With Buttoned Up, hospitality managers can breathe easier knowing they have a true partner on their side.
To request staffing, please click here. If you’re looking for a flexible work opportunity in hospitality and food service, click here. For more info, contact us at 314.624.0400 or via email at info@buttonedupservices.com.