Gary Blount
Abbeville,AL
Summary
Accomplished General Manager with a proven track record at Nelson's Tents and Events, enhancing operational efficiency and driving a 500% increase in gross sales. Expert in leadership and strategic planning, I excel in fostering team unity and executing cost-control measures. Skilled in negotiations and problem resolution, I consistently achieve high customer satisfaction and employee morale.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Nelson's Tents and Events
07.2013 - 09.2023
- Lead overall business operations.
- Managed 3 separate departments totaling 32 employees.
- Maintaining fiscal responsibility while helping the company grow from 1 million to 6 million in gross sales.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, cutting operational costs while maintaining quality of service.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities in untapped markets.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive communication, timely issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
Assistant General Manager
Elegant Tents & Events
04.2002 - 05.2013
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Collaborated with the General Manager on overseeing daily operations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain proper stock levels and minimize spoilage or waste.
- Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee training, performance, retention and safety programs.
- Monitored facility maintenance needs, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new employees to build a skilled workforce committed to excellence in service delivery.
- Maintained well-controlled business inventory with minimal losses by enforcing solid monitoring and management structures.
- Resolved customer complaints with professionalism, restoring trust and loyalty.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed efficiently and to high standard.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Assistant General Manager
Wiregrass Party Rentals
09.1997 - 03.2002
- Taught employees how to collaborate on daily job tasks and achieve service targets.
- Evaluated department conditions and operations to determine strengths and areas for improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts that benefited the organization.
- Coordinated with General Manager in different operational issues and promotional activities.
Education
Associates Degree - General Studies
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL07-1998
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem Resolution
- Operations Management
- Team Player
- Budgeting and cost control
- Strategic planning
- Operational efficiency
- Time Management
- Inventory Control
- Staff Supervision
- Schedule Management
June 2015 Manager of the Month Award
I received the Manger of the Month award for sales and client growth.
2020 Manager of the Year Award
I received the 2020 Manager of the Year due to employee retention, customer reviews, and industry recognition.
Timeline
General Manager
Nelson's Tents and Events
07.2013 - 09.2023
Assistant General Manager
Elegant Tents & Events
04.2002 - 05.2013
Assistant General Manager
Wiregrass Party Rentals
09.1997 - 03.2002
Associates Degree - General Studies
University of South Alabama
Similar Profiles
ANDREW SANTILLANANDREW SANTILLAN
OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE at AZTEC EVENTS & TENTSOUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE at AZTEC EVENTS & TENTS
Gavin FrankGavin Frank
Head Manager at DuPage Tents & EventsHead Manager at DuPage Tents & Events
Michelly AriasMichelly Arias
Human Resources Supervisor at Classic Tents & EventsHuman Resources Supervisor at Classic Tents & Events