David Gardner
Knoxville
Summary
Professional managerial candidate with deep understanding of operational excellence and team leadership. Proven ability to drive growth and enhance productivity through strategic planning and effective resource management. Emphasizes collaboration and adaptability to meet organizational goals, showcasing excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Panda Express Restaurant Group
03.2018 - Current
- Managed PGF (People, Guest, Financial) with low turnover, record breaking guest experience survey scores, and consistently exceeded expectations with controlled costs.
- Hired, trained, and 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 catering clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Contributed to community initiatives through fundraising and volunteer efforts with organizations such as the East TN Children's Hospital and Boys and Girls Club.
- Monitored financial performance, set expectations and controlled expenses to meet financial results expectations. (Schedule, Product Ordering, Staffing, Inventory, and Team Habits)
- Upheld policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Revitalized low-performing locations, driving significant improvement in operations and performance.
- Successfully opened multiple new locations, overseeing staffing and training to ensure a smooth and efficient launch.
Guest Assistant
Oak Ridge National Lab
01.2015 - 02.2018
- Collaborated with housekeeping staff to ensure timely room turnovers and high cleanliness standards.
- Developed strong relationships with local business partners to offer exclusive deals and promotions for hotel guests, enhancing their overall experience while visiting the area.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing personalized attention.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Pellissippi State Community College
Knoxville, TN04-2026
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Effective leader
- Training and coaching
- Customer relations
#1 Guest Experience Survey in Entire Company
Out of 2500+ locations, our store in Knoxville, TN achieved the highest score in the entire company in Guest Experience Survey. We achieved this by offering the best customer satisfaction through Service with Pride, Ambiance with Heart, and Food with Passion.
Timeline
General Manager
Panda Express Restaurant Group
03.2018 - Current
Guest Assistant
Oak Ridge National Lab
01.2015 - 02.2018
Associate of Science - Business Administration
Pellissippi State Community College
Similar Profiles
Thomas LinThomas Lin
Senior Facilities Manager at Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., Panda ExpressSenior Facilities Manager at Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., Panda Express
Alexis RiosAlexis Rios
Main Cook at Panda Express Restaurant GroupMain Cook at Panda Express Restaurant Group
Xochitl HerreraXochitl Herrera
Area Coach of Operations at Panda Express Restaurant GroupArea Coach of Operations at Panda Express Restaurant Group
Yaneri VazquezYaneri Vazquez
General Manager at Panda Express Restaurant GroupGeneral Manager at Panda Express Restaurant Group
Kimberly LehanKimberly Lehan
Event Coordinator at Women’s Family CenterEvent Coordinator at Women’s Family Center