Benjamin E. Neff
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Experienced in karate with a solid background in martial arts instruction and curriculum development. Effective in guiding classes and workshops, creating a supportive and disciplined environment. Instrumental in fostering teamwork and ensuring high levels of student engagement and progress. Skilled in conflict resolution and motivational techniques to address challenges and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.
Experienced with strategic planning and statewide program management. Utilizes leadership skills to drive operational efficiency and team collaboration. Track record of enhancing community engagement through targeted initiatives.
Professional in multi-unit management, equipped to optimize operations and drive business growth. Consistently exceeded targets through effective resource allocation and strategic planning. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to dynamic business needs with focus on achieving results.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Karate teacher
National Karate Wisconsin
10.2024 - Current
- Assisted students in setting personal goals, guiding them towards achieving their desired level of proficiency in karate.
- Established strong rapport with each student, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that encouraged perseverance and camaraderie among classmates.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to implement program improvements, fostering a culture of continuous growth within the dojo.
- Offered comprehensive support to students during their journey towards earning a black belt, providing guidance on physical requirements and mental preparation.
General Manager
WingsOver Milwaukee
10.2024 - Current
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Oversaw successful launch of new product lines, coordinating between departments to ensure unified approach and timely delivery.
State Director of Wisconsin
NKJF
10.2024 - 03.2025
- Oversaw statewide operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance service delivery and improve community impact.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Managed crisis resolution strategies to maintain operational continuity and stakeholder trust.
- Spearheaded training programs for skill development and employee empowerment.
- Optimized communication channels for improved information flow and decision-making.
- Led teams of professionals in achieving organizational goals through clear communication, collaboration, and guidance.
- Served as a subject matter expert in policy development efforts, contributing insights to inform legislation impacting the state director''s purview.
State Director of South Carolina
NKJF
08.2022 - 09.2024
- Oversaw statewide operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance service delivery and improve community impact.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Managed crisis resolution strategies to maintain operational continuity and stakeholder trust.
- Spearheaded training programs for skill development and employee empowerment.
- Optimized communication channels for improved information flow and decision-making.
- Led teams of professionals in achieving organizational goals through clear communication, collaboration, and guidance.
- Served as a subject matter expert in policy development efforts, contributing insights to inform legislation impacting the state director''s purview.
General Manager
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Oversaw successful launch of new product lines, coordinating between departments to ensure unified approach and timely delivery.
Area Manager
Teriyaki Madness
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
- Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
- Conducted training sessions to educate employees on best practices and procedures to increase profitability.
- Assessed reports to evaluate performance, develop targeted improvements, and implement changes.
- Continuously improved operational procedures through ongoing evaluation of existing practices, incorporating feedback from team members and adopting industry best practices.
- Transformed underperforming teams into productive, profitable teams.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining detailed records and documentation as required.
- Resolved conflicts promptly to promote positive environment for customers.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve customer service and increase sales.
- Optimized staffing levels by closely monitoring workload demands and adjusting schedules accordingly.
General Manager
Cosmic Pizza
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Oversaw successful launch of new product lines, coordinating between departments to ensure unified approach and timely delivery.
General Manager
Original Big Tomato
09.2017 - 09.2021
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Oversaw successful launch of new product lines, coordinating between departments to ensure unified approach and timely delivery.
Chief Instructor
Way of Life Martial Arts Academy
01.2009 - 08.2021
- Assisted students in setting personal goals, guiding them towards achieving their desired level of proficiency in karate.
- Established strong rapport with each student, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that encouraged perseverance and camaraderie among classmates.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to implement program improvements, fostering a culture of continuous growth within the dojo.
- Offered comprehensive support to students during their journey towards earning a black belt, providing guidance on physical requirements and mental preparation.
- Evaluated and refined course content regularly, maintaining relevance and accuracy in an ever-changing industry landscape.
- Served as a subject matter expert within the organization, assisting colleagues with technical questions or concerns related to course content or instructional strategies.
- Mentored junior instructors, guiding them in best practices for effective instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
- Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.
Chef
Cheesecake Factory
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
Instructor
ShinjinBukan Karate Do and Kabuto of South Florida
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Assisted students in setting personal goals, guiding them towards achieving their desired level of proficiency in karate.
- Established strong rapport with each student, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that encouraged perseverance and camaraderie among classmates.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to implement program improvements, fostering a culture of continuous growth within the dojo.
- Offered comprehensive support to students during their journey towards earning a black belt, providing guidance on physical requirements and mental preparation.
- Evaluated and refined course content regularly, maintaining relevance and accuracy in an ever-changing industry landscape.
- Served as a subject matter expert within the organization, assisting colleagues with technical questions or concerns related to course content or instructional strategies.
- Mentored junior instructors, guiding them in best practices for effective instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
- Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.
Marketing and Sales Manager
Shorin Center
01.2004 - 12.2009
- Achieved consistent revenue growth by directing efforts towards high-opportunity accounts and industries.
- Strengthened brand identity by overseeing visual elements such as logo design, website layout, and promotional materials consistency.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to align marketing strategies with overall business objectives, ensuring cohesive messaging across all channels.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the marketing and sales teams, promoting innovation and best practices sharing.
- Expanded market share by identifying and targeting untapped consumer segments with tailored messaging.
- Improved customer retention rates, fostering strong relationships through personalized interactions.
- Developed new business partnerships for enhanced market reach and revenue generation.
- Increased brand visibility by implementing strategic marketing campaigns and sales initiatives.
Enlisted Soldier
United States Army
01.2004 - 12.2009
- Collaborated with fellow service members from other branches during joint exercises, demonstrating adaptability and teamwork capabilities.
- Operated and maintained armored vehicles.
- Secured and protected military property, assets, and personnel.
- Ensured mission readiness by maintaining personal weapons proficiency, scoring highly on annual qualification tests consistently.
- Achieved mission success by effectively leading a diverse group of soldiers during high-stress situations.
- Trained new recruits in essential soldiering skills, fostering a strong foundation for their military careers.
- Served as an effective liaison between leadership and subordinates, resolving issues promptly and promoting a positive work environment.
- Participated in numerous humanitarian assistance missions abroad, delivering aid to populations affected by natural disasters or conflict situations.
- Successfully completed multiple deployments in various regions worldwide, adapting to diverse environments and cultures while maintaining peak performance levels.
- Upheld Army dress and appearance regulations for professional appearance.
Assistant Store Manager
Blockbuster Video
01.2004 - 12.2007
- Ordering
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.
- Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
- Mentored new employees on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure their success within the organization.
- Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
- Fostered a positive work culture by promoting teamwork and recognizing individual achievements among staff members regularly.
- Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
Education
Ph.D - Religious Science, Religious Studies
Universal Life Church
01.2016
Safe Service Food Handler Certification, OSHA 10 Certification, CompTIA A+ Certification
Miami Dade College
01.2015
OSHA 29 Forklift and Warehouse certification, Help Desk Analyst 903 hours Certification, Carpenter Helper 483 Hours Certification
State of Florida
01.2015
Basic Combat Training, Admin Specialist, Human Resources Specialist
United States Army
01.2009
Skills
- Patience and empathy
- Goal setting and tracking
- Public speaking
- Physical fitness and agility
- Financial management
- Customer service
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Data entry
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership
- Program management
Hobbies and Interests
- Military
- Sales
- Computers
- Karate
- Marketing
- Reading
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Karate teacher
National Karate Wisconsin
10.2024 - Current
General Manager
WingsOver Milwaukee
10.2024 - Current
State Director of Wisconsin
NKJF
10.2024 - 03.2025
General Manager
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
11.2022 - 12.2023
State Director of South Carolina
NKJF
08.2022 - 09.2024
Area Manager
Teriyaki Madness
06.2022 - 11.2022
General Manager
Cosmic Pizza
08.2021 - 06.2022
General Manager
Original Big Tomato
09.2017 - 09.2021
Chief Instructor
Way of Life Martial Arts Academy
01.2009 - 08.2021
Chef
Cheesecake Factory
01.2009 - 12.2009
Instructor
ShinjinBukan Karate Do and Kabuto of South Florida
01.2009 - 12.2009
Marketing and Sales Manager
Shorin Center
01.2004 - 12.2009
Enlisted Soldier
United States Army
01.2004 - 12.2009
Assistant Store Manager
Blockbuster Video
01.2004 - 12.2007
Safe Service Food Handler Certification, OSHA 10 Certification, CompTIA A+ Certification
Miami Dade College
OSHA 29 Forklift and Warehouse certification, Help Desk Analyst 903 hours Certification, Carpenter Helper 483 Hours Certification
State of Florida
Basic Combat Training, Admin Specialist, Human Resources Specialist
United States Army
Ph.D - Religious Science, Religious Studies
Universal Life Church
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