Proven track record of building successful retail/hospitality establishments from scratch.

  Founded and led a high-volume restaurant in Cambodia that was sold for a 200% return on investment.

  Created and led an uptown deli that today still boasts four-star ratings on Yelp and TripAdvisor.

  Opened a new establishment within three weeks of being handed the keys by the Owner, which today remains a popular hotspot, with four-star ratings.

  More than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with outstanding leadership skills and vision.

  Sound judgment and a work history of proactively identifying and resolving problems in real time.

> New Store Development/Opening > Team Building/Leadership > Interior Design

> Contractor & Vendor Relations > Staff Training/Development > Customer Service

> Permitting & Licensure > Interviewing/Hiring > Inventory Control

> Profit & Loss > Quality Control > Advertising

Owner/Operator, The Cadillac Bar & Grill Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2007-2014

  Led operations of a high-volume restaurant and also managed four furnished apartments.

  Achieved a 200% return on investment when sold the business in 2014.

  Identified the location, negotiated a lease with the landlord and hired the contractors to create the vision.

  Managed the application process to secure necessary government licenses and permits.

  Communicated effectively with contractors and vendors on a daily basis.

  Upgraded the housing aspect of the project, adding extra bedrooms to maximize profit potential.

  Interviewed candidates for employment opportunities in the restaurant, and hired all staff.

  Trained, mentored and coached team members on best practices and to provide a stellar guest experience.

  Designed the flow of the restaurant, as well as the kitchen and its decor.

  Oversaw the advertising, promotions and marketing of the property in the local community.

  Created the menu, including the drinks and food, that would resonate with patrons.

  Managed daily activities of the restaurant, providing support to team members.

  Hired musicians to entertain guests on a periodic basis.

Co-Owner/General Manager, Kenny & Ziggy s New York Delicatessen Houston, TX 1999-2004

  Led daily operations of this popular Uptown area deli that boasts four-star ratings on Yelp and TripAdvisor.

  Played an integral role in the overall design of the establishment, including layout.

  Designed the original menu, which has been keeping guests coming back.

  Spearheaded all advertising and special promotions to attract or retain customers.

  Built the team from the ground up, including hiring all front of the house staff and managers.

  Educated staff on the menu, service guidelines and policies and Point of Sale (POS) system.

  Maintained positive relationships with multiple vendors as well as the house bookkeeper.

General Manager (promoted from Bartender), Under the Volcano Houston, TX 1989-2001

  Gained the trust, confidence and respect of the Owner to earn a promotion at the age of 23 to GM.

  Created this four-star bar and grill from scratch and became the fist bar to secure a full liquor license in the Kirby-West University/Inner Loop area of the city (previously, area was restricted to beer/wine only license).

  Opened the establishment within three weeks of being handed the keys by the Owner.

  Turned the business from an empty building to a business that generated $5,000 per night in sales.