Experiemced Director

David W. Olson

Wentzville, MO ***** 651-***-**** *****@***.*** LinkedIn

Director of Operations Strategic Leader Growth Driver

Visionary and results-driven operations leader with 25+ years of experience optimizing multi-unit performance, managing large-scale teams, and delivering top-line growth across hospitality, logistics, and service industries. Proven ability to scale operations, improve profitability, and lead cross-functional teams through complex transformations. Blends civilian and military leadership, driving innovation and customer excellence while maintaining operational discipline.

Core Competencies

- Multi-Unit Operations Leadership

- Budgeting, Forecasting & P&L Oversight

- Talent Acquisition & Team Development

- Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth

- Event & Facility Operations (up to 75K capacity)

- KPI & Performance Management

- Procurement & Contract Negotiation

- Customer Experience Strategy

- Technology: Tableau, Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Siebel, Precision Route

Professional Experience

LEVY RESTAURANTS, St. Louis, MO

Assistant Director of Operations 2023 – Present

Lead cross-department operations across Premium Dining, Culinary, Concessions, Purchasing, and HR, managing a staff of 800+ with 14 direct reports.

Oversee planning and execution for large-scale events with up to 75,000 attendees.

Drive operational excellence through financial planning, concept development, and contract negotiation.

Champion a “customer-first” culture, boosting satisfaction and retention.

EMPIRE TODAY, St. Louis, MO

Market Manager 2021 – 2023

Transformed St. Louis market from bottom 5 to top 10 nationally across performance metrics among 77 U.S. markets.

Directed all regional operations, logistics, sales, customer service, and P&L.

Leveraged analytics tools (Tableau, Siebel) to improve service response and drive revenue.

EMPIRE TODAY, Eagan, MN

Market Customer Service Manager

Led customer relations and installation services; propelled market to #1 in customer satisfaction out of 77 regions in 2021.

FORUM COMMUNICATIONS, Red Wing, MN

Production Manager / Multimedia Sales 2019 – 2021

Managed a sales portfolio of 275+ clients in print and digital advertising.

Supervised 30+ staff in production and distribution of over 42 products, achieving weekly distribution of over 3.2 million inserts.

Expert in SLS3000 machinery and direct mail logistics.

GOLDEN CARE, Plymouth, MN

Independent Insurance Agent 2018 – 2020

Licensed agent specializing in Medicare products across MN and WI.

Built a diverse client base through networking and needs-based consulting.

MIDFIELD CONCESSIONS, St. Paul, MN

Director of Operations (Area Manager) 2017 – 2018

Directed five full-service and quick-service restaurants; opened three simultaneously.

Oversaw training, compliance, and vendor management, ensuring top-tier service in high-volume settings.

LANCER HOSPITALITY, Apple Valley, MN

Director of Operations 2014 – 2017

Oversaw 21 diverse operations including catering, concessions, and distribution with 350+ staff.

Drove budgeting, HR, safety compliance, and event execution (up to 2,500 guests).

Launched three new concepts; received NACE Awards in 2015 & 2016.

UNITED STATES ARMY

Senior Battalion Food Operations Sergeant / Platoon Sergeant 1986 – 2015

Managed multi-site food service operations for 1,000+ personnel; led 60+ staff.

Spearheaded dining operations during Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq—serving 6,000+ meals daily.

Selected for elite Army Culinary Teams; honorably retired after 29 years of decorated service.

Education & Credentials

- Business Management, Central Texas College

- Culinary Arts, AAS, Century College

- Serve Safe Certified Instructor & Proctor (2009–2023)

- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

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