Ben Zabala c.h.a.

***** ******** *****

Philadelphia Pa.19154

acpqhg@r.postjobfree.com

717-***-****

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Career Objective

Results-driven Hotel Manager who in a eight year span has been responsible

for the successful turnaround of 56 hotels.

Looking to apply my knowledge and expertise of hotel operations to use for

an organization that places the internal and external guest as the number

one priority.

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Profile

> Offer numerous years of hospitality management experience, with expertise

in directing multi-unit operations, overseeing new location openings and

conversions, and turning around underperforming properties

> Facilitate client-focused, service-oriented environment vital to

maximizing guest satisfaction and retention

> Proactively monitor industry trends and developments, including

competitive services and marketing activities; effectively identify and

capitalize on opportunities to penetrate and develop markets

> Establish standard operating procedures in line with corporate goals;

manage forecasting, budget planning and administration, vendor

negotiations and procurement, and financial reporting

> Strategically plan and coordinate workflow and human resources for

optimal coverage while containing labor costs; recruit, hire, train, and

manage all levels of personnel to grow within the company

> Dynamic communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship

management skills

~ Key Achievements ~

. Completed 20th successful hotel opening with the new Homewood Suites

by Hilton; directed all pre- and post-opening activities, including

oversight of construction, budget planning and project financing,

development of sales and marketing plans, inspecting fixtures and

offering for quality and compliance with brand standards, and hiring

and training all levels of staff

. Played an integral role in re-branding and conversion of Wyndham Hotel

Philadelphia Airport with 308 rooms and 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting

space; worked closely with property owners, hotel management, and

unionized employees to improve across-the-board performance

. Achieved significant gains in all areas of operations at Wyndham Hotel

- increased sales index from 45% to 105%, implemented cost controls

resulting in $500K in annual savings, redesigned restaurant menu and

staffing plans to drive profitability, boosted Guest Service Scores

from 46 to 82 within 6 months, and maximized all indices on STR report

over competitive set

. Proficiently managed 15 acquisitions, 8 conversions, and daily

operations for multiple Hersha Hospitality hotel brands and locations

throughout the Central Pennsylvania region, including Marriott,

Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton,

Homewood Suites, Sleep Inn, Mainstay, Quality Hotel, Comfort Inn,

Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Sheraton properties;

additionally served as an advisor regarding the sale of four

properties

. Traveled extensively to Hersha Hospitality properties as Task Force

General Manager to train and support management teams, and present

lectures on Harassment Prevention, Diversity, and Hotel Policy

. Granted Hersha Most Valued Employee Award for two consecutive years

(2006, 2007) and recognized for dramatically increasing staff and

management retention levels

. Expertly managed all day-to-day activity at two distinct Extended Stay

America hotel properties in the immediate vicinity of Philadelphia

International Airport; achieved 44% increase in sales in first year by

working closely with management staff to actively control variables

affecting P&L and establishing customer service program

. Brought on board at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants to manage

transitional period for the Philadelphia and New Jersey region

following new franchisee takeover; increased sales revenues by 50% in

one year, introduced new corporate policies and increased standards,

and developed and implemented highly effective management training

program

. Successfully drove all aspects of operations for Roosevelt's Pub,

including sales and marketing, procurement and vendor negotiations,

inventory management, menu design, and recruiting, training, and

managing 20-member team

. Increased annual sales revenues at Roosevelt's Pub by more than 233%

to $1M through strategic marketing, targeted advertising, and

innovative promotional campaigns

. In recognition of outstanding business success, selected to serve as a

guest lecturer and business model at Wharton School of Business,

University of Pennsylvania

. As Owner of Management Operations Plus, provided advice on opening new

ventures to leading food and beverage, convenience, and hospitality

companies; clients included Domino's Pizza, Cosmo's Pizza, Cumberland

Farms, Perkins Restaurant, Rally's Hamburgers, Gulf Muffler Shops,

Mobile Gas Stations, Days Inns, Wingate Hotels, and Residence Inn

Ben Zabala Page 2

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Professional Experience

Marshall Management Hotels and Resorts

2008 -

Present

General Manager/Opening Director (Marshall Management)

Including:Wyndham Garden Hotel (Trenton NJ)Hotel Grand Union (NYC)

Holiday Inn/Wyndham Gardens hotel Philadelphia Airport, Philadelphia,(308

rooms 10K mtg space)

Crowne Plaza Hartford Downtown (350 Rooms)

Vero Beach Surf Club/Four Points/Springhill Suites/Hilton Garden Inn

Hersha Hospitality Management, Harrisburg, PA 2004 - 2008

Area Manager / Regional Trainer

General Manager Sheraton Woodbridge NJ. 350 rooms 20k meeting space

Special Projects/Consultant for Reese Hotel Group

Springhill Suites

Consultant/Opening Director

Completed-2010

Homewood Suites by Hilton, Philadelphia PA.

Consultant/Opening Director

Completed-2010

Extended Stay America, Philadelphia, PA 2002 - 2004

General Manager/Training Manager/Area Director

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, New Jersey & Pennsylvania 1999 - 2002

Area Director

Roosevelt's Pub, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 1994 - 1999

Director of Operations / Owner

Management Operations Plus, Philadelphia, PA 1984 - 1994

Director of Operations / Owner

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Education & Credentials

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Hilton certified

Train the Trainer Certification

Restaurant Accounting and Controls, Restaurant Seminar Institute

Business Management, State University of New York at Albany

Contact this candidate