Gene Lara
Amarillo,TX
Summary
Leader with a proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and profitability at Esquire Jazz Club Inc. Expert in contract negotiation and staff management, achieving significant cost reductions and revenue growth. Skilled in fostering team cohesion and driving business development with innovative strategies.
Self-motivated professional successful in seizing viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs, and transforming customer service standards. Experienced in leading and supervising operational and sales teams.
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Bar Owner
Esquire Jazz Club Inc.
09.2020 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Salon Owner/Operator
Project Man
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Learned and remained updated on statutory requirements and regulations.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
- Provided financial management through preparation of bank deposits and settlement of sales, returns, and transaction reports.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
Business Owner
Ruffles and Rust Expo
01.2009 - 01.2018
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
Bar Owner
Concrete Lounge
02.2005 - 01.2009
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
Publisher
Edge Monthly Magazine
01.1996 - 09.2005
- Utilized desktop publisher software to examine printed materials and verify design elements remained intact.
- Participated in meetings and conference calls to gather and communicate document layout and production process information and represent production function.
- Formatted in photoshop and Illustrator and PDF to prepare documents and proposals for review or final submission.
- Communicated with vendors to secure supplies and drive on-time completion of document reproduction.
- Prepared sample layouts for approval using computer software.
- Established project archive management system, enabling staff to locate resources directly and with ease.
Operations Manager
T.J.Maxx
01.1991 - 01.1996
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Education
High School Diploma -
Alamo Catholic
Amarillo, TX05-1988
Skills
- Effective leadership
- Tax compliance
- Menu development
- Licensing regulations
- Health and safety
- Employee scheduling
- Marketing tactics
- Contract negotiation expertise
- Contract management
- Quality management systems
- Staff management
- Team oversight
- Cash flow optimization
- Supply chain optimization
- Negotiation
- Business development
Timeline
Bar Owner
Esquire Jazz Club Inc.
09.2020 - Current
Salon Owner/Operator
Project Man
01.2018 - 01.2020
Business Owner
Ruffles and Rust Expo
01.2009 - 01.2018
Bar Owner
Concrete Lounge
02.2005 - 01.2009
Publisher
Edge Monthly Magazine
01.1996 - 09.2005
Operations Manager
T.J.Maxx
01.1991 - 01.1996
High School Diploma -
Alamo Catholic
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