James “Jim” Lengel
Fenton, Michigan *****
310-***-**** ************@*****.***
www.linkedin.com/in/jim-lengel-b2a97413a/
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Discovers untapped growth opportunities with proven sales methods that maximize the bottom line.
Blends entrepreneurial and corporate experience across the food & beverage, marketing, insurance, and legal industries.
Consumer-focused sales leader with an impressive record of building, managing, and expanding growth for brands across several industries. Sparks new business by leveraging a relationship-marketing approach and an expertise in reaching audiences in new and/or verticle markets. An agile leader who brings with him a history of overcoming business-survival challenges, and a master at the art of problem-solving the most unexpected business challenges.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
-Sales Operation, Strategy, & Execution
-Business Development & Strategic Planning
-Entrepreneurial Leadership
-Lead Generation & Conversions
-B2B/ B2C Selling & Deal Closures
-Advertising & Marketing Programs
-Data Analytics & Business Reporting
-Relationship & Partnership Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Scotch Bonnet Management, LLC Venica, California 2011 to Present
OWNER / OPERATOR
Established a corporate entity to manage operations for a single-family rental home. Research rental and market trends to ensure competitive pricing. Direct 2 contract partnerships (legal and financial) and eight vendors to maintain the property. Drafted/negotiated annual lease terms; qualified leads and designed active funnel to maintain continual occupancy.
ÊGrew revenue 24% by boosting property value (renovations), boosting profits from $3K+ to ~$5K per month.
ÊRenovated property on a conservative 5-figure budget; maintained state and federal regulatory requirements.
ÊCollaborated with legal and city officials to recover $13K+ in unpaid rent following the peak of the COVID-impacts
Bridge 117 Café and Market Linden, Michigan 2013 to 2019
GENERAL MANAGER/OWNER
Translated culinary background to offer a unique dining option. Built business and operations infrastructure – including advertising, outreach, events, and menu design – including a team of four and $150,000 operational budget. Served an average of 750 patrons/ week.
ÊGrew successful brand for 6 solid years – a record yet to be surpassed by other owners (average ~6 months). Drove sales through digital, print, promotional, and relationship marketing.
ÊConcentrated on relationship development with local organizations, business owners, and city government officials. Secured partnerships and used space to host events (charity, political, social).
ÊIncreased foot traffic and visibility with the local community by leveraging non-traditional marketing strategies and community-driven content to boost awareness and engagement.
Christopher James Design Venice, California 2002 to 2011
LEAD CARPENTER / OWNER
Tapped into a robust network of contacts and the power of relationship building to strategically reach a high-end target audience, delivering luxury construction and furniture company. Scaled 500% over 10 years utilizing an aggressive lead generation plan leveraging in-person/online demonstrations to attract new clients. Integrated a white-glove service to stand out among competitors. Developed website and brand design with a high-impact portfolio to engage and excite new leads.
ÊNotable clients: Ron Burkle (owner of Yucaipa Companies), and David Giffin (Record Producer), Jonathan Dayton (Director), Ken Watanabe (Japanese Actor).
ÊActivated sales funnels across 3 market segments, increasing business 125% YOY with a client conversion rate of 75%.
ÊIntegrated system automation and streamlined processes, generating a consistent 75% conversion rate.
ÊNotable projects:
-Delivered millwork and cabinetry projects across 7 Popcornopolis franchise locations in California.
-Tripled the original value of a Queen Anne Victorian home (4.2K sq. ft.) after completing a major renovation on a tight budget. Updated 3 bathrooms, the kitchen, landscaping, roofing, doors/windows, and paint.
EARLY WORK HISTORY
SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST Answer Financial Encino, California (1 year)
Developed deep market and business insights to bolster strategic decision-making for an auto- and home-insurance agency. Delivered reports to and in support of 60 mid/senior level managers. Tapped for special projects to further evaluate business data and contribute to partner development opportunities with entities like AIG Insurance.
MARKETING ANALYST BizBuyer.Com Santa Monica, California (2 years)
Hired to extract key marketing KPIs to support decision-making for an internet start-up brand. Built technical reports that introduced deeper insights into product sales and performance. Standardized reporting system and equipped the Director of Marketing with high-level presentations for stakeholders, including angel investor Meg Witmen. Interpreted product and sales data for preferred vendors in vertical markets, boosting new business leads and revenue YOY.
LEGAL ASSISTANT HUFF, POOLE & MAHONEY, LLC Virginia Beach, California (6 years)
Supported daily operations of legal department and court cases. Evaluated, assessed, and reported key information. Developed solid foundation in assessing risk and liabilities and served as the Lead Investigator for accident-related litigations.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Michigan State Representative (David Lossing), 2018 Volunteer
Michigan State Senate Campaign (David Hartell), 2022 Volunteer
Presidential Election, 2020 Poll Worker – Detroit, Michigan
Michigan Democrats Member
Regular participant at Fenton, Michigan City council meetings and active membership in a local, online political group.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Arts, Economics Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia
Associate of Art, Culinary Arts Baltimore Culinary Institute Baltimore, Maryland
Microsoft Suite Certificate Certified Kitchen Health Manager
Construction Services
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI.
Re: Job ID: 241806
Construction Services Associate Supervisor
Dear Sir or Madam:
This letter is in response to the above-mentioned position which I recently gleaned from the University of Michigan career website.
As a former owner and operator of a custom cabinet and furniture company I found this job to be of particular interest. My experience in operating a customer oriented high-end construction business provides me with the skill required to excel at this position. By working with a variety of clients including contractors, designers, commercial, residential and institutional groups I gained invaluable experience in project management. Additionally, I have developed operations skills in the fast past food industry developing work schedules, menus and construction and maintenance of the facilities.
I am looking to bring these skills to a more established environment with the hopes of adding to the success of the department.
Thank you for your consideration and please feel free to contact me with any questions whatsoever.
Sincerely,
James Lengel
78% profit growth in first 12 months.
Secured high customer satisfaction, with 0 negative ratings in 6 years.