ERIC HELM
COVINA
Summary
With over 35 years of experience in logistics, production, hospitality, restaurant, and sales operations, I am well-equipped to excel in a role that values strong communication, training, leadership, and financial skills. Team-oriented leader with a track record of success seeking a company that offers opportunities for growth and advancement. Expertise in strategic leadership, operational excellence, multi-site operations, banquet/event planning, profit and loss management, interpersonal communication, turnaround strategies for troubled locations, retail sales, budget management, promotions/community involvement, and food preparation/menu planning. Ability to source and procure effectively adds value to any organization.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
The Walt Disney Company
Anaheim, CA
11.2012 - Current
- Responsible for daily operations of a high-volume multi-unit locations that generates an average of $60 million in sales annually. Controlling costs, Sales Building, Manager Development, staff of over 600
- Streamlined business processes by analyzing current procedures and implementing necessary improvements.
- Increased overall efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflow.
- Profitability
- Leader of Leaders
- Business acumen
- Products/Food and beverage inventory
- Training/Development
- Champion of safety and environmental culture
- Operating systems
- Culture management
- Staffing and labor strategies
- Labor cost
- Efficiency
- Reviewed company's strategic plans and developed departmental goals and standards to support vision.
Director of Food and Beverage
Big League Dreams Chino Hills, Riverside, West Covina
Chino Hills, Riverside, West Covina
09.2003 - 08.2012
- Responsible for daily operations:
- Menu development/planning
- Profitability
- Manager training and development
- New store openings
- Operating systems
- Inventory control
- Labor cost control
- Test Manager for new products
- Scheduling/staff/management
- Created and implemented Facility Inspection and Regional Walk Through
Co owner / General Manager
ADVANTAGE GRAPHICS
West Covina
02.2001 - 09.2003
- Responsible for daily operations which included:
- Production and graphic design
- Marketing and sales
- Customer relations
- Inventory and cost control
- Staff development
- Financial planning
- Community involvement
General Manager
DAVE & BUSTER'S INC.
Ontario, Orange, Irvine, CA
01.1997 - 09.2001
- Responsible for daily operations of a high volume Establishment that generates an average of $375,000 a week in sales. Controlling costs (Amusements and Food and Beverage), manager development, and a staff of 325 employees and 20 managers.
- Interviewed, trained, developed manager team
- Productivity: labor budget, and training labor
- Maintenance, physical appearance, R&M budgets
- Banquet planning and staffing for up to 1500 guest
Senior Managing Partner
CHILI'S/BRINKER INTERNATIONAL
West Covina, La Verne, Claremont, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, CA
01.1987 - 01.1997
- Responsible for the daily operations, manager development, Labor management, financial records, inventory control, food preparation, Quality control, and customer service-related issues.
- Hired, trained, supervised, scheduled staff
- Established, set, and maintained budgets; ensured managers stayed within budgets; prepared labor, food, and supply cost analyses
- Managed in-store Training Team
- Ordered food and supplies
- Worked with purveyors to develop bar promotions
- Resolved customer problems
Education
Business Administration And Management
CITRUS COLLEGE
Glendora, CA01.1989
Skills
- Analytical problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
Accomplishments
- Maintained top 2 positions in sales volume in the company from 2007 to 2012.
- Increased profitability by 1.25% each year from 2005 to 2012.
- Maintained Best Operational Facility in company from 2004 to 2012.
- Increased Per Person Average by five cents each year from 2004 to 2012 by coaching, sales contests, and strategic sales planning.
- #1 Midway Qtr.4, 2000, #1 Midway Qtr.1, 2001, Best Operations Qtr.1, 2001. Created Training Modules for all levels of managers (P&L, R&M, Operations). Increased employee moral by providing effective leadership. Also received 11 sets of wings (customer service awards).
- Reassigned to La Verne store to turnaround financials, increased sales 15% and customer count by 8% each month compared to prior year, Achieving and maintaining a top 10 ranking in region in profits.
- Reassigned to Moreno Valley; increased liquor mix by 6% in a four Month period.
- Reassigned to Claremont and San Bernardino to reduce food costs, Increase productivity and ensure food quality assurance.
- Selected as Unit Training Manager in each unit worked.
- Consistently received "A" ratings on health inspections.
- As Employee, functioned as Regional Trainer for both Cook and Server and opened stores across the country.
Affiliations
- La Verne Chamber of Commerce, Member
- San Dimas Chamber of Commerce, Member
Timeline
Operations Manager
The Walt Disney Company
11.2012 - Current
Director of Food and Beverage
Big League Dreams Chino Hills, Riverside, West Covina
09.2003 - 08.2012
Co owner / General Manager
ADVANTAGE GRAPHICS
02.2001 - 09.2003
General Manager
DAVE & BUSTER'S INC.
01.1997 - 09.2001
Senior Managing Partner
CHILI'S/BRINKER INTERNATIONAL
01.1987 - 01.1997
Business Administration And Management
CITRUS COLLEGE