Commercial Construction Associate Manager

ROBERT Y. KAO

Irvine, CA 310-***-**** **********@*****.***

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kao-066606a3/

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven Director of Construction with over 10 years of experience leading multi-state retail expansion projects, specializing in project management, regulatory compliance, and IT infrastructure. Proven ability to oversee cross-functional teams, streamline operations, and implement strategic initiatives that drive efficiency and profitability. Experienced in navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal requirements.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Directed the successful launch of 24+ licensed cannabis retail stores across four states, overseeing end-to-end project delivery from site selection, pre-construction, and conceptual design to construction execution, Certificate of Occupancy, and operational readiness.

Collaborated with real estate and licensing teams to secure over 30 retail licenses, many cultivation licenses, managing CUP packages and cannabis license applications.

Coordinated with architects and designers to implement value engineering strategies, reducing construction budgets by up to 40% and accelerating project timelines.

Partnered with Certified Access Specialists (CASp) to proactively identify and resolve ADA compliance issues across multiple locations to mitigating legal risk.

Standardized procurement of materials and construction processes to enhance consistency, reduce project timelines, and improve cost-effectiveness across all builds.

Led cross-functional teams including investors, architects, designers, contractors, and legal counsel to ensure seamless project execution and alignment across all stakeholders.

Utilized data analytics tools like Locate.AI to assess site selection, market trends, customer behavior, analyzing traffic patterns, consumer demographics, and income levels.

Scoped, planned, and developed IT infrastructure security protocols, access control, and camera surveillance. Executed required security plans while ensuring network compliance.

Fostered strong vendor and client relationships, serving as a liaison to ensure project objectives were met and sites achieved operational readiness and regulatory compliance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Culture Cannabis Club/Bloomstone Irvine CA 2020 - Present

Managing Director, Director of Construction

Oversaw all construction and facilities management for multi-state retail expansion, ensuring projects were completed on time and operationally ready.

Prepared project scopes, managed budgets, negotiate and coordinate with contractors and finance teams, and aligned construction plans with overall business objectives

Ensured project site safety and regulatory compliance; executed required security plans, passed all inspections, and obtained CofO and state-specific cannabis permits.

Standardized operational procedures for procurement, vendor management, and construction workflows to improve efficiency and scalability in multi-site expansion efforts.

Promote data-driven decision-making to improve processes and customer experience.

IGNITED SPACES Hollywood, CA 2018 - 2020

Facilities Manager

Managed facility maintenance, space planning, project execution, and event coordination across four locations totaling over 150,000 sq. ft.

Led office expansions and reconfigurations by coordinating with architects, designers, engineers, and contractors to optimize layout efficiency and workplace functionality.

Developed and implemented cost-effective buildout strategies to reduce construction expenses while maximizing usable meeting areas and rentable space.

Ensured compliance with fire codes, ADA regulations, and workplace safety standards.

Coordinated IT infrastructure buildout to ensure dual high-speed internet connectivity with automatic failover, maintaining 100% uptime and uninterrupted client experience.

VISHNU PERFORMANCE, INC. Danville, CA 2008 - 2017

Operations Manager & Technician

Planned, coordinated, and led the construction and setup of an automotive shop and service department, ensuring full operational readiness.

Managed daily business operations, overseeing sales orders, fulfillment, technical diagnostics, logistics, and workflow optimization to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Supervised customer inquiries, bookings, and service appointments to ensure an exceptional client experience; developed and implemented standard operating procedures for vehicle tuning services.

Oversaw budgeting, invoicing, and implemented cost-saving initiatives to ensure the financial health of operations.

Coordinated with suppliers for timely delivery of essential equipment and maintained up-to-date compliance documentation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Planning & Execution

Construction & Facilities Management

Team Leadership & Development

Vendor, Client, and Stakeholder Relations

Budgeting & Cost Optimization

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

IT Security & Infrastructure

Operations & Process Improvements

EDUCATION

University of Phoenix, Arizona – 2010 PMP in progress

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

ADDITIONAL SKILLS/PROFICIENCIES

Bilingual – English and Chinese (Mandarin)

Slack

Procore

Bluebeam Revu

AIA Contract Documents

Microsoft Suite

Google and Adobe Suite

Zoom & Loom

AutoCAD

Buildertrend and QuickBooks

Locate.AI

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