Derek Tait
Hattiesburg,MS
Summary
Creative Business Owner with exceptional background spent in real estate brokerage and hospitality/tourism. Proven leader with engaging demeanor and success working in most demanding environments. Talented in recruiting and mentoring successful teams.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner
Real Estate Paradise (REP) LLC
Paradise, MI
04.2010 - Current
- Delivered consistent profitability with comprehensive expense tracking and prudent financial decision-making practices.
- Established a loyal customer base through targeted marketing campaigns and personalized customer experiences.
- Implemented business strategies to increase revenue and develop new markets.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Employed prompt decision-making to resolve issues.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
Managing Real Estate Broker
REP LLC (Superior Shores Realty)
Paradise, MI
04.2010 - 02.2024
- Collaborated with attorneys, mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and other professionals involved in real estate transactions to ensure successful outcomes for clients' needs.
- Developed strong relationships with title company professionals including title researchers, escrow agents and closing coordinators.
- Facilitated smooth closings by managing all aspects of contract negotiations, including offer presentation, counteroffers, inspections, appraisals, and title work coordination.
- Analyzed local real estate market conditions and trends to identify profitable investment opportunities.
- Increased client retention through consistent follow-up and ongoing communication, addressing concerns promptly and providing valuable industry insights.
- Mentored junior agents, sharing knowledge of successful sales techniques and fostering professional growth within the team.
Hotel Owner/Business Operations Manager
REP LLC (Tahquamenon Suites Lodging)
Paradise, MI
03.2012 - 06.2023
- Renovated, launched and managed day-to-day operations of a new, 8-unit lodging facility.
- Oversaw the hiring process, selecting highly skilled candidates who contributed significantly to company success.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Solicited and reviewed guest feedback and promptly resolved complaints to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
- Increased hotel occupancy rates by implementing targeted marketing strategies and collaborating with local businesses.
- Trained, managed and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
Restaurant Experience
Various
Chicago, IL
10.1996 - 10.2008
- Varied front of the house experience (front waiter, bartender) at top-rated Chicago restaurants: Tuttaposto, Mantuano Mediterranean Table, Avenues at the Peninsula Hotel, Zinfandel, West Town Tavern.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities during peak hours without sacrificing quality of service or attention to detail.
- Displayed excellent teamwork skills while working alongside fellow team members in a fast-paced environment.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Consistently met or exceeded sales goals through upselling techniques and genuine product knowledge recommendations.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business-Marketing
University of Michigan - Flint
Flint, MINo Degree - Geography And Environmental Studies
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, ILSkills
- Contract Management
- Title Examination
- Agent and seller communications
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Customer Retention
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Task Delegation
- Start-Up Operations
- Relationship Building
- Business Management
- Business Administration
Timeline
Hotel Owner/Business Operations Manager
REP LLC (Tahquamenon Suites Lodging)
03.2012 - 06.2023
Business Owner
Real Estate Paradise (REP) LLC
04.2010 - Current
Managing Real Estate Broker
REP LLC (Superior Shores Realty)
04.2010 - 02.2024
Restaurant Experience
Various
10.1996 - 10.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Business-Marketing
University of Michigan - Flint
No Degree - Geography And Environmental Studies
Northeastern Illinois University