Don Laviano
Naugatuck,CT
Summary
Diligent Operations and Communications Manager with an over 20-year progressive career spanning the media and management communications. Offers excellent leadership and organizational skills to coordinate multiple concurrent projects. Articulate writer with a talent for creating engaging written and video content.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Black Horse Garage
12.2022 - Current
- Promoted to Sales Manager and moved within company portfolio back to Black Horse Garage
- Promoted again in August 2024 to Operations Manager
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures
- Manage sales department and multi-million-dollar inventory of classic and exotic automobiles
- Analyze market data, promote vehicles and brand through social media, and act as lead salesperson
- Produce, write, and host videos for YouTube channel that market products, services, and lifestyle
General Manager
Brewery Collective
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Promoted to General Manager and moved to another company within the new business portfolio when Black Horse Garage was sold
- Project manager for creation and development of multiple brewery and taprooms
- Managed creation and opening of Velvet Libations in Wolcott, CT
- Market and promote three taprooms at the same time
- Developed Hometown Heroes Series to increase customer base in taproom
- Serve as media relations specialist
- Market and sell events space at breweries with goal of bookings everyday
Communications Manager
Black Horse Garage
10.2017 - 08.2021
- Project manager for clients' auto restoration projects amongst $40 million inventory, all while maintaining client budget
- Supervisor to company's staff and act as human resources
- Produce and write all company communications, external and internal
- Provide top customer service to all current and new clients and introduce them to world of Black Horse Garage by giving detailed and historic tours through facility
Sports Producer/Multimedia Video Journalist
WVIT NBC Connecticut
10.2002 - 10.2017
- Produced four New England Emmy nominated half-hour specials
- Awarded Connecticut Associated Press Best Sportscast
- Awarded Connecticut Associated Press Best Sports Show
- Awarded Connecticut Associated Press Best Sports Special
- Content creator: Shot and edited video, wrote scripts, conducted interviews, and created graphics for multiple news shows daily
- Produced 20-minute weekly sports show, Sunday Sports Replay
- Field produced, shot, wrote, and edited long feature stories
- Project manager of large events: Olympics, Super Bowl, NCAA Tournament, PGA Tour event, etc.
- Managed sports staff of talent and videographers in coverage of sports news and features
Associate Editor/Staff Writer
Shore Publishing
03.2002 - 10.2002
- Wrote news stories and features for East Haven Courier
- Edited content for company's multiple newspapers
- Talent for weekly Shore Report on WELI 960AM
- Designed layout for East Haven Courier
- Photographer and photo editor
Sports Producer
WTNH News Channel 8
10.2000 - 01.2002
- Produced three daily sportscasts
- Edited video, wrote scripts, and conducted interviews
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Communication Sciences
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT, 05.1997
Timeline
Operations Manager
Black Horse Garage
12.2022 - Current
General Manager
Brewery Collective
08.2021 - 12.2022
Communications Manager
Black Horse Garage
10.2017 - 08.2021
Sports Producer/Multimedia Video Journalist
WVIT NBC Connecticut
10.2002 - 10.2017
Associate Editor/Staff Writer
Shore Publishing
03.2002 - 10.2002
Sports Producer
WTNH News Channel 8
10.2000 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Communication Sciences
University of Connecticut
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