Edward A. Brunt
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-driven hospitality executive with extensive experience in full and select service hotel operations. Demonstrated success in budgeting, forecasting, and revenue maximization, leading to significant profit enhancements. Recognized for elevating guest satisfaction through effective team development and leadership strategies. Proven General Manager adept at improving operational efficiencies and driving revenue growth while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Ambassador Chicago
Chicago, IL
04.2024 - Current
- As the General Manager of this 281-room property in Chicago's Gold Coast, I oversee all operations, ensuring adherence to both Hyatt and First Hospitality brand standards.
- I manage over 9,000 square feet of event and meeting space, and implement strategic goals to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with Sales and Revenue Management to develop and implement strategies that maximize daily revenues, while focusing on optimizing pricing, inventory management, and promotional efforts to enhance overall profitability. We are currently ranked 3rd out of 7 in the comp set for RevPAR Index, and year-over-year total revenues exceeded $800K.
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Finance and Department Heads to establish effective controls for managing expenses that maintain profitability while upholding operational standards
- Ensure a positive guest experience that demonstrates our commitment to excellence by actively listening to guests needs and taking prompt action to address any service failures. Year-over-year Customer Service Scores increased by 15 pts.
- Our YTD Hysat Scores for Customer Service are up 12pts YOY
- Collaborate closely with Human Resources to expedite the recruitment process for open positions, minimizing any lapses in service and ensuring we maintain high operational standards and continue deliver excellent guest experiences
General Manager
Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare
Rosemont, IL
06.2015 - 10.2023
- Responsible for leading the implementation and execution of the property's strategic Business Plan along with all other Marriott Brand and Corporate Initiatives for this 256 room all suite property with full service bar, restaurant and 3200 square feet of meeting space located near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport
- Worked closely in conjunction with our Director of Sales and Revenue Manager to establish Room Revenue Targets and to set Selling Strategy for the property
- Reviewed weekly funnel and forecast with our on property Sales Team and Revenue Manager and made adjustments as needed to achieve / exceed our Room Revenue Targets
- Year over year Room Revenue growth was achieved along with growth in Occupancy and ADR
- The property ranked 2 of 9 in the Comp Set with Occupancy and RevPar and 1 of 9 with ADR
- Analyzed property's Restaurant and Events Menus to ensure we remained competitive with the Comp Set Hotels, while looking for new opportunities to drive additional F&B Revenues as well as to rollout new F&B Offerings
- Worked closely with all Department Heads to establish yearly Guest Satisfaction targets
- I personally review all guest verbatims and scores on a daily basis and challenged the team to establish action plans to ensure yearly targets were achieved
- I also followed up with team members personally identified in Social Media and GSS Verbatims to thank them for exceeding our guests expectations
- GSS and Social Media Guest Engagement Score exceeded Brand Scores
- Worked closely with our Transportation Provided to solidify a new Transportation Agreement saving the property over $100K per year
- Reviewed BSA Audit with all Department Heads to ensure we were prepared and to identify areas of non-compliance, as a result of GSS performance and preparation we are able to avoid in person audits
- Collaborated with Marriott's Design Team, Ownership, Contractor and Revenue Management to complete the property's $15 Million Dollar Rooms Renovation
General Manager
Chicago Courtyard by Marriott O'Hare
Des Plaines, IL
04.2011 - 06.2015
- Responsible for setting and leading the property's performance around Marriott's balance score card for this 180 room airport property, while ensuring F&B, Cleanliness Standards, Guest Satisfaction and Associate Engagement Targets were maintained
- Worked closely with Marriott Sales Team and our on property Sales Coordinator to ensure all opportunities received were followed up on and contracts initiated
- Trained Front Office Host to assist with site visits and property tours
- Partnered with Rivers Casino to establish daily room blocks to help maximize occupancy
- Total Revenues for the property grew along with ADR and Occupancy
- Worked closely with Marriott's Design Team, Regional AVP, Revenue Manager and Marriott's Sales Team to complete the property's $11 million Dollar Lobby and Guest Rooms Renovation
General Manager
Residence Inn Waukegan / Gurnee
Waukegan, IL
02.2007 - 04.2011
- Responsible for setting the strategic direction of the hotel to ensure Marriott's brand strategies and initiatives are implemented while driving financial performance and achieving associate and guest satisfaction targets
- Other responsibilities included preparing and submitting the operating and capital expenditures budget for the property
- Worked closely with Marriott Sales Team and Revenue Manager to maximize Revenues for the property by establishing Occupancy, Extended Stay Occupancy and ADR Targets for the property
- Partnered with Abbott Laboratories Intern Relations Team to host their annual Intern Program which generated 12 weeks of Extended Stay Occupancy for the property annually
- Connect U Training Hotel for the Residence Inn Brand
- Finished 2010 with the highest RevPar Index in the region 197.5%
- Recognized as Training Hotel GM of the Year for the second year in a row
Education
Business Administration
TALLADEGA COLLEGE
Skills
- Financial Budgeting
- Market Trend Analysis
- Culinary Event Coordination
- Negotiation and Mediation Skills
- Customer Experience Management
- Culinary Management
- Property Upgrades
- Revenue Optimization
- Rooms Operations
- Team Development
Projects
Guests Rooms / Meeting Space Renovation Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare, 11/01/15, 03/31/16 Guest Room / Lobby Renovation Chicago Courtyard O'Hare, 11/01/11, 04/30/12 RFID Lock Installation Ambassador Chicago, 07/01/24, 08/31/24
Awards
- Marriott International, Nominated for General Manager of the Year, 01/01/11
- Residence Inn Waukegan / Marriott International, Training Hotel of the Year, 03/01/08
- Residence Inn Waukegan / Marriott International, Training Hotel General Manager of the Year, 03/01/08
Activities
Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, Board Member, 01/01/18, 10/31/23
Timeline
General Manager
Ambassador Chicago
04.2024 - Current
General Manager
Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare
06.2015 - 10.2023
General Manager
Chicago Courtyard by Marriott O'Hare
04.2011 - 06.2015
General Manager
Residence Inn Waukegan / Gurnee
02.2007 - 04.2011
Business Administration
TALLADEGA COLLEGE
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