Customer Service Specialist

James W. Flint

**** ***** ****** *****, **** D-*

Chicago, Illinois 60640

Office: 312-***-**** Cell: 312-***-**** Email: *************@*****.*** PROFILE:

Successful entrepreneur with over 55 years as an independent owner of multiple businesses in the entertainment and services industries with franchises found throughout the continental US, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, and France. One of the original business leaders in the River North Area and often credited for helping start the revitalization of the area in Chicago establishing one of the first successful businesses in the then struggling neighborhood and in doing so helped pave the way for numerous other new businesses to move into area which is now one of the most prestigious locations in the city. Excellent organizational, planning and management skills having in-depth knowledge and experience in every aspect of a variety of businesses from owning and managing a Travel Agency to numerous nightclubs each one having their own character and styles from live entertainment venues, cabaret and show bars as well as sports-oriented neighborhood bars. Owner and Producer of four international pageants held annually in Chicago including the management and oversight of more than 50 franchises associated with the pageants for the past 37 years.

AREAS OF CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Public Relations • Basic Accounting and Payroll • Effective Leader

• Public Speaking • Financial Management • Vision for Success

• Sales and Marketing • Investments Management • Hands On Approach

• Advertising and Promotions • Purchasing and Supply Control • Customer Service Specialist

• Project Planning and Execution • Inventory Management • Training and Mentoring

• Event Planning and Execution • Organization Leadership • Exceptional interpersonal communication

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Ubbar LLC dba The Baton Show Lounge February 2019 - present Co-Owner/CEO Chicago, Illinois

Opened the original club in 1969 in the River North Area of Chicago. After fifty years moved the business to the Uptown neighborhood and added a new business partner. Responsible for day-to-day management and daily business operations.

R & K Shack, Inc. dba The Baton Show Lounge March 1969 – February 2019 Owner/CEO Chicago, Illinois

Opened the club in 1969 using beer crates with plywood as a stage, The Baton has offered its Las Vegas-style revue featuring female impersonators since 1969. An icon in the industry, it is the longest running and most esteemed show of its kind in the country and across the globe. The club was the foundation for the return of numerous businesses to the River North Area of Chicago and through the years has become a popular must see show for numerous celebrities and national government officials. Involved in the daily operations and management of the business where I am still the seating host every Friday and Saturday night with a lead by example attitude emphasizing the importance of customer service to my staff and ensuring any issues that may arise be resolved in a professional manner with curtesy and a calm resolve to insure the customer is satisfied. Continental Pageantry LLC dba Continental Pageantry System September 1980 - present Owner/CEO Chicago, Illinois

The Continental Pageantry Systems have become famous for their success in producing the most elite and competitive talent and beauty pageants around the globe featuring the best of the best in the art of female impersonation competing for the coveted titles. Originally began the contest in 1980 when I saw the need for an entertainment event to help display and advance the careers of overlooked yet talented entertainers from across the country. Through continued promotion and positive exposer with hands on management and oversight the contest continues to grow each year not only in quantity but quality as well. Now with over forty Franchised Preliminary Pageants across the globe the contests are providing an avenue for many to pursue their dreams. Currently the system consists of four separate national competitions with preliminary competitions held across the US, Caribbean, Canada and France. The system now features four of the most respected international competitions each year, The Miss Continental Pageant began the system in 1980 with the Miss Continental Plus competition being added in 1991. In 2003 the Miss Continental Elite and the MR Continental contest were added to the system as well. Annex 3 Bar / Chicago 3160 Piano & Cabaret February 1984 - 2014 Owner Chicago, Illinois

Opened in 1984 as the Annex 3, a local neighborhood venue with an emphasis toward the local sports enthusiast featuring large screen TVs for viewing the sporting events of the season, dart boards and pool tables hosting local league play most nights of the week. Even with twenty years of success, there was a need to adapt to the changing neighborhood and clientele. After a complete renovation, remodel and reorganization including new staff and management the club transitioned to become 3160 Piano and Cabaret with the relaunched in February 2006 featuring some of the top cabaret and piano entertainment in the Chicagoland area with a regular line-up of top performers from Chicago and across the United States. Direct involvement with all daily operations including scheduling new entertainment and event promotions until the sale of the club in 2014. River North Travel February 1989 - 2005

Owner Chicago, Illinois

Opened full-service travel agency building the business to include a large corporate client base as well as specialized personal luxury cruise and excursion travel. Specialized in the promotion of group sales and directly responsible for new sales targeting large group travel and events. Marketing management coordinating celebrity and high-profile events in various locations but with concentration in the Caribbean and the Hawaiian Islands. Ensured outstanding service to customers by monitoring agent phone activities and analyzing daily statistics. Redoubt Bar - Atlanta 1982 - 1984

Owner Atlanta, Georgia

Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar opened as investment: secured licensing, provided startup capital, leases and contract agreements. Managed operations, accounting, staffing, and marketing receiving weekly receipts, payouts, inventory and supply reports, etc. directly from onsite managers. Redoubt Bar - Chicago 1976 - 1984

Owner Chicago, Illinois

Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar opened as investment: secured licensing, provided startup capital, leases and contract agreements. Managed operations, accounting, staffing and marketing receiving weekly receipts, payouts, inventory and supply reports, etc. directly from onsite managers. Professional Distinctions/Accomplishments:

• March 2023 received Special Declaration of Recognition for long standing community service from Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

• July 2021 received Special Declaration of Recognition for lifetime achievement for community service and activist and business leader from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

• “The Boy From Peoria” Subject of the non-fictional book based on my life story; Authors Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen unravel the many mysteries of Chicago community icon Jim Flint in this provocative new biography. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 12, 2011)

• Received Special Declaration of Recognition for his long-standing community service in July 2001 by Mayor Richard Daly, Alderman Ed Burke and the Chicago City Council.

• James W. Flint Day in Chicago – March 19th Presented by Mayor Richard M. Daley – March 16, 1993 Recognized for leading participation in the economic development of Chicago’s Uptown, Lakeview, River West and River North communities and for continually taking leadership roles taken in supporting numerous charitable, business, and athletic organizations benefiting the City of Chicago

• City of Chicago Gay Hall of Fame: Was named to the City of Chicago Gay Hall of Fame by Mayor Daley in 1991 for outstanding community services.

• Organized and chaired the initial meeting in the founding of Chicago House to help those in need due to illness.

• Cook County Board: Was the first openly gay man to run for Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1985 recognized by Mayor Harold Washington for helping open the path for others in the community.

• Numerous lifetime achievement awards from various community groups and organizations: City of Chicago, City and County of San Francisco, Dance for Life, Windy City Athletic Association, etc.

• Member of numerous business and community organizations: River North Business Association, River North Community Association, Lakeview Citizen Council

• Windy City Athletic Association League Commissioner 1986 – 2005

• Vice-President 46th Ward Democratic Organization 1982-1985

• NAGAAA Softball Hall of Fame 2000

• Sponsor of over 100 different athletic teams in sporting activities including men’s and women’s softball, basketball, volleyball, bowling, darts, and flag football Educational:

On Q Protection and Investigation Services, LLC (State of Illinois License #117-001568) 2015

• Certificate of Completion 20-Hour Basic Security Officer- Investigator Course Echols International Travel and Hotel Schools 1988

• Certificate of Certification to Own and Operate a Travel Agency United Airlines Training Services 1988

• Certificate of Certification – United Airlines Apollo Reservation Systems

• Certificate of Certification – Airlines Reporting Corporation (Federal Requirement) Northwestern University 1970 – 72

Undergraduate Studies – Nursing

United States Navy June 1959 – June 1962

Yeoman / Corpsman Honorable Discharged

Manuel High School – Peoria, Illinois 1959

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