Drew Zaras
Maiden,NC
Summary
Motivated proven leader with experience in customer service, sales and hospitality. Skilled in building customer relationships and understanding customer needs. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for providing superior customer service while driving businesses to increase performance and profitability, through implementing systems and processes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Franchise Business Consultant /Business Analyst
LINE-X, LLC
Charlotte, NC
06.2023 - Current
- Assisted new franchise owners in establishing successful businesses from initial setup through ongoing support and guidance.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Stayed current on company offerings and industry trends.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Analyzed data and developed actionable recommendations to drive growth.
- Supported business growth by identifying opportunities for expansion within existing markets or entry into new ones.
- Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing.
- Streamlined processes for improved efficiency, implementing standardized procedures across all franchise locations.
- Utilized strong problem-solving skills to address complex challenges faced by franchisees, offering effective solutions tailored to their specific needs.
- Ensured compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements across franchises, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.
- Increased overall revenue with targeted marketing strategies tailored to local markets.
- Implemented a robust data analysis approach to inform decision-making processes within the organization at both strategic and tactical levels.
- Enhanced franchisee performance by providing comprehensive training and support in various business operations.
- Reduced costs through effective negotiations with vendors, securing favorable pricing for products and services used across the network of franchises.
Area Director of Operations
Inspire Brands
Orlando, FL
04.2018 - 05.2023
- Led the Southeast Division in lowest management turnover in consecutive years, 2021 & 2022.
- Introduced innovative solutions that modernized operations while reducing overhead expenses across departments.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
- Provided leadership in crisis situations, effectively addressing issues and guiding teams toward resolution.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction with regular performance reviews, mentoring programs, and team-building events.
- Analyzed customer feedback and identified areas for improvement to drive business success.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Championed change initiatives throughout the organization by effectively communicating benefits while addressing stakeholder concerns.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
Market Director
PDQ Restaurants
Tampa, FL
03.2015 - 04.2018
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for improvement and created action plans to capitalize on those opportunities.
- Developed and implemented successful sales strategies to drive growth and exceed revenue targets.
- Created customer loyalty programs to increase repeat business.
- Improved brand visibility through effective advertising campaigns and public relations efforts.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with the development of innovative product offerings and services.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team members to seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Aligned company goals with customer outcomes and increased satisfaction by automating contact management systems.
Managing Partner
PDQ Restaurants
Tampa, FL
04.2013 - 03.2015
- Established clear communication channels within the organization, fostering collaboration among team members towards shared goals.
- Drove innovation initiatives that resulted in unique service offerings for clients while differentiating our firm from competitors in the industry.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Mentored junior staff members, resulting in a more cohesive team and increased overall performance.
- Built strong networks with key stakeholders both internally and externally to support business growth objectives.
- Oversaw financial management including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members to ensure alignment with company goals and foster professional development.
Golf Professional
Old Memorial Golf Club
06.2008 - 04.2013
- Old Memorial Golf Club is a pure, undisturbed sanctuary of golf where Members and Guests can get away from the hectic pace of life to enjoy friendly competition, the camaraderie of golfers from diverse backgrounds and the free exchange of ideas.
- In the fall of 1994, Outback Steakhouse founders Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham and Bob Merritt decided to move ahead with their dream of building a private, national golf club in their hometown of Tampa, FL.
- Researched latest industry trends and developments to keep abreast of best practices.
- Collaborated with fellow professionals to create interdisciplinary programs that combined fitness training with swing mechanics improvement.
- Fostered strong relationships with members through consistent engagement, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Developed junior golf programs that fostered skill development, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.
- Organized successful golf tournaments, ensuring smooth operations and positive experiences for participants.
- Managed pro shop inventory efficiently, maintaining optimal stock levels and attractive merchandise displays.
- Coordinated special events such as charity fundraisers, corporate outings, and member-guest tournaments to enrich club offerings.
- Developed relationships with clients to provide ongoing support and encouragement.
Education
Sports Administration -
St. Thomas University
Miami, Florida05.2008
Skills
- Business Analysis
- Franchise Development
- Operations Management
- Organizational Skills
- Customer Relations
- Active Listening
- Team building
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Conflict Resolution
Affiliations
- Florida Humane Society of Lakeland, Board Member, 2014, 2015
- Big Brother / Big Sisters, Mentor, 2018, Present
Timeline
Franchise Business Consultant /Business Analyst
LINE-X, LLC
06.2023 - Current
Area Director of Operations
Inspire Brands
04.2018 - 05.2023
Market Director
PDQ Restaurants
03.2015 - 04.2018
Managing Partner
PDQ Restaurants
04.2013 - 03.2015
Golf Professional
Old Memorial Golf Club
06.2008 - 04.2013
Sports Administration -
St. Thomas University