District Manager
Resume:
Ken Houck
Director of Operations, CFE
303-***-**** • Virginia Beach, VA
Qualifications
Summary
Result oriented executive offering proven leadership and franchise expertise. Provides guidance and leadership to enable exceptional customer service and operations. Demonstrates creativity and business savvy to ensure financial and operational success. An effective leader and communicator who thrives in the creation of training resources that enable individuals grow businesses and deliver quality services.
Multi-Unit Operations
Strategic Planning
Budget Administration
Cost Containment
Staff Training & Leadership
P&L Management
Inventory & Distribution
Customer Service
Financial Reporting
Market Analysis
Communication
Collaboration
Career
Experience
District Manager
Both, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA 2017 to 2020
Supported franchise restaurant group operating 20 restaurants over three states that produced over $100M in annual revenue. Directed operations and oversaw all aspects of business to support expected quality of service and business growth by providing training and expertise in staff development and training, business acumen, communication, performance management, and marketplace knowledge.
Improved food cost to lowest of all divisions and decreased guest complaints 50% by training and mentoring staff and promoting professional development.
Increased revenue 150% in a single year at an underperforming restaurant.
Division President
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, Cincinnati, OH 2015 to 2016
Provided consulting and management services for a $480M division that included 22 company and 128 franchise restaurants. Evaluated and analyzed restaurants and identified opportunities for growth and improvement. Designed and implemented action plans to transform underperforming locations, ensure continuity of service and operations, reduce expenses, and increase revenue. Improved overall efficiency of operations by redesigning systems and processes and improving employee trainings.
Served as co-chair of the Franchise Advisory Council and contributed to development of senior leadership strategic plan.
Spearheaded marketing plan providing financial support to struggling franchisees, resulting in increased revenue, and improving entity cash flow.
Regional Vice President of Company Operations
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, Cincinnati, OH 2012 to 2015
Spearheaded merger of 29 franchise locations to company operated restaurants as part of the development of a new company division. Hired, trained, and mentored high-performing team to meet division objectives, increasing sales, quality scores, and guest feedback across the region.
Filled 500 positions in 90 days. Decreased turnover 50% by launching staffing and training processes.
Implemented succession plan and promoted two managers into district management positions.
Decreased food costs 5% by training focus on account summary improvements.
Regional Vice President of Franchise Operations
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, Denver, CO 2006 to 2012
Drove business results throughout region by leading 46 franchise business entities that included 130 restaurant locations. Facilitated and delivered effective coaching to improve customer experience, grow sales, control expenses, and enhance the effectiveness of marketing. Reviewed and analyzed sales performance and guest feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and develop solutions.
Implemented annual divisional franchise workshops, improving margins and guest experience.
Trained and mentored franchise consultant for promotion into VP of Franchise Operations role.
Increased franchise sales and profit by creating and conducting entity business reviews with franchisees and their teams.
Additional Experience:
Senior Franchise Service Consultant, Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
Director of Operations, Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
Professional
Training
International Franchise Association
Franchising Basics
Franchise Development and Diversity
Franchise Law Basics
Profit Mastery
Franchise Relations
Management 2000
How to be a Better Field Consultant
Franchisor/Franchisee Relations
Franchisee Engagement
Mike Abrashoff
Achieving Breakthrough Performance Leadership Roadmap
Jerry Bell Leadership Training
Professional
Associations
Certified Franchise Executive, International Franchise Association
Franchise Advisory Council Operations Committee Co-Chair
Published in the Franchise Times
Contact this candidate