Customer Service Revenue Growth
Resume:
JAMES R. FREE
*** *. *. ******* ****, LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32024
Experience
Successful leader and business owner of a tourism based adventure company for over 30 years. Specializing in operation of State and County Parks. Since 1990 to 2024 serving over 5 million guest. Operations include all aspects of professional tourism operation, promotion, and growth of the business. I have operated Wekiwa Springs State Park, Poe Springs County Park, and Rainbow Springs State Park. Work History
1971 to 1986 Free’s Telecommunications Owner: Cable T.V. Company 1986 to 1991 Gulf Services Owner: Fiber Optics Contractor 1991 to 2024 Nature Quest, Inc. Owner: Tourism Based Operator of Parks
• Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols
• Results-driven sales, seeking out, and engaging guest for solutions to increase sales and maximizing a economic impact for our company
• Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service
• Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations
• Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities
• Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Nature Quest, Inc. where strategic planning and organizational leadership fueled revenue growth and operational excellence. Skilled in crisis management and staff training. Excel in driving performance and innovation. Achieved significant customer satisfaction, demonstrating integrity with a results-driven approach. Results- oriented tourism executive with a record of accomplishment in streamlining operations, increasing profits, and maximizing market penetration. Decisive leader while promoting operational improvements, market expansion, and a positive culture as keys to success
• Strengths:
Operational Excellence, Integrity and Ethics, Employee Relations, Crisis Management, Operations Management, Staff Training, Sales and Marketing, Contract Negotiation, Business Planning, Operations Oversight, Vendor Sourcing and Negotiations, Revenue Generation, Event Planning, Innovation and Creativity Revenue Growth
Professional Boards & Hospitality Associations
2003 to 2008 Columbia County Tourism Development Council Board Member 2006 to 2008 Florida Supreme Court County Mediator Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism
Visit Florida Member & New Product Development Department Member of The Original Florida
Guest Speaker for Visit Florida in Madison, Wisconsin (Springs & Rivers of North Florida)
Co-Developer of Florida Springs Conference (Marketing Manager) FDEP Member of Alachua County Hospitality Council
Member of Seminole County Hospitality Council
Member of Orange County Hospitality Council
Education
Graduate of Columbia High School Class of 1968
Florida Gateway College (Attended) 1971-1973
Awards
Columbia County Schools Volunteer of the Year
Military Service
Florida National Guard 1968-1974
Honorable Discharge
Contact this candidate