Benjamin Hiza
Austin
Summary
Pragmatic professional with solid experience in leadership roles. Adept at implementing strategic business plans, driving growth and improving operations. Skilled in financial management and stakeholder relations. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder
Twelve Twenty 1
12.2022 - Current
- Lead integration of new hospitality group, enhancing operations and team collaboration
- Crafted SOPs and job descriptions for 5 outlets, boosting efficiency and clarity
- Launched wellness brand with strategic marketing, achieving notable market presence
- Optimized F&B operations through analysis, resulting in improved performance across outlets
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Led the strategic planning process to define business goals and ensure alignment across all departments.
- Oversaw financial management activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow monitoring for improved financial stability.
- Built a positive organizational culture that fostered creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts within the organization, streamlining operations for increased efficiency.
COO/Co-Founder
Point of Care Health Services
12.2020 - 12.2022
- Led mobile health startup, securing $400k pre-seed funding and $2M revenue in first year
- Developed comprehensive systems for finance, HR, and operations, ensuring smooth company launch
- Implemented compliance and reporting strategies, enhancing operational efficiency
- Co-founded diagnostic testing service, driving business development and growth
- Managed cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and achieving strategic goals
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Dunn Vineyards
07.2016 - 07.2020
- International (14 countries) and national wholesale (44 States) and DTC sales of an iconic luxury brand
- Spearheaded trade show participation to showcase products and services, generating valuable leads and networking opportunities.
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies.
- Assisted the family with land acquisition, estate planning and corporate structuring
- Analyzed industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Developed comprehensive sales plans for business growth, resulting in significant market share expansion
GENERAL MANAGER
The Buffalo Club
06.2015 - 07.2016
- Ran the operations of a fine dining restaurant, event space, and nightclub
- Developed and maintained a rare and allocated beverage program
- Hired and trained staff to provide formal fine dining service
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
SENIOR MANAGER
Bottega Louie
07.2010 - 01.2013
- Mentored junior staff members for skill development and career progression within the organization.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Established strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning through regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions for staff.
CO-FOUNDER/COO
H&H Progressive Cuisine
09.2008 - 11.2009
- Evaluated market trends to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic decision making.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Secured lucrative partnerships by establishing strong relationships with key industry players.
- Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired new staff members and developed training materials for employees.
- Managed financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maintaining profitability during periods of economic uncertainty.
- Drove company expansion into new markets, increasing overall brand visibility and recognition.
GENERAL MANAGER
Nicollet Island Inn
05.2006 - 01.2009
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- 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.
Education
B.A.A.S. - Consciousness and Human Potential
MIU
Fairfield, IA12.2024
A.O.S. - Culinary Arts
C.I.A.
Hyde Park, NY02.2002
Skills
- Business Development
- Team Leadership
- Data Analysis
- Budgeting
- Marketing Strategy
- Contract negotiation
- Organizational structuring
- Strategic planning
- Start-up operations
- Operations management
Certification
Certified Sommelier - Court of Master Sommeliers
Certified Wine Professional - Culinary Institute of America
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Founder
Twelve Twenty 1
12.2022 - Current
COO/Co-Founder
Point of Care Health Services
12.2020 - 12.2022
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Dunn Vineyards
07.2016 - 07.2020
GENERAL MANAGER
The Buffalo Club
06.2015 - 07.2016
SENIOR MANAGER
Bottega Louie
07.2010 - 01.2013
CO-FOUNDER/COO
H&H Progressive Cuisine
09.2008 - 11.2009
GENERAL MANAGER
Nicollet Island Inn
05.2006 - 01.2009
Certified Sommelier - Court of Master Sommeliers
Certified Wine Professional - Culinary Institute of America
B.A.A.S. - Consciousness and Human Potential
MIU
A.O.S. - Culinary Arts
C.I.A.
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