Chester Jake Grabowski
New York
Summary
Accomplished leader with a proven track record at Harvest Restaurants, adept in financial management and team leadership. Excelled in strategic planning and operations management, significantly enhancing productivity and efficiency. Skilled in negotiation and trends analysis, consistently driving growth and fostering innovative solutions.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Harvest Restaurants
06.2011 - Current
- Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals.
- Mentored team members by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and providing constructive feedback; fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization.
- Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and systems, leading to increased productivity and cost savings.
- Formulated strategic plans aligning with overall company vision; setting achievable short and long-term goals to drive growth and profitability.
- Established key performance indicators for each department to track progress towards organizational goals effectively.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by developing policies in line with industry best practices to mitigate risks associated with legal or ethical violations.
- Managed crisis response to minimize potential negative impacts on company.
- Monitored and analyzed industry trends to identify opportunities for organizational growth and competitiveness.
Chief Financial Officer
Harvest Restaurants
06.2011 - 02.2022
- Developed strategic financial plans to support company growth and achieve long-term objectives.
- Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits.
- Implemented cost reduction initiatives and process improvements to optimize efficiency and productivity.
- Directed budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
- Directed budget development, creation of budgetary controls and recordkeeping systems and investment management.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the finance team, encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Prepared accurate financial statements at end of quarter to summarize financial health and business performance.
- Devised systems to monitor, evaluate and track operational achievements.
- Increased cash flow by optimizing working capital management and reducing outstanding receivables.
Startup Founder Software
The Business Shifts LLC
11.2019 - Current
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
- Led the strategic planning process to define business goals and ensure alignment across all departments.
Founder
Friday Vibes Distribution
06.2023 - Current
- Built a positive organizational culture that fostered creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.
- Led the strategic planning process to define business goals and ensure alignment across all departments.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts within the organization, streamlining operations for increased efficiency.
- Identified business development challenges and customer concerns for proactive resolution.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Secured sufficient funds to cover business obligations by tracking expenses and budgeting accurately.
Managing Member
Crop Hospitality Consulting LLC
09.2020 - Current
- Increased overall productivity by implementing efficient management strategies and streamlining processes.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings and open communication channels, resulting in improved project outcomes.
- Developed and maintained client relationships, leading to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Managed financial operations, including budgeting and forecasting, ensuring company stability and growth.
- Oversaw employee recruitment, training, and evaluation to build a highly-skilled workforce committed to company success.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing high-quality products at competitive prices while maintaining positive relationships.
- Streamlined workflow processes to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase overall profitability for the company.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying potential business opportunities and establishing strong partnerships with key industry players.
- Led cross-functional teams towards successful project completion within established deadlines and budget constraints.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Managerial Economics
Union College
Schenectady, NY06.2011
Online Certificate - Launching Tech Start Ups
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA07.2023
Skills
- Succession Planning
- Financial Management
- Operations Management
- Trends Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Negotiation
- Team Leadership
Union Lacrosse
Played Lacrosse and club hockey while at Union
Timeline
Founder
Friday Vibes Distribution
06.2023 - Current
Managing Member
Crop Hospitality Consulting LLC
09.2020 - Current
Startup Founder Software
The Business Shifts LLC
11.2019 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Harvest Restaurants
06.2011 - Current
Chief Financial Officer
Harvest Restaurants
06.2011 - 02.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Managerial Economics
Union College
Online Certificate - Launching Tech Start Ups
Harvard University
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