Gilbert A. Vela
PICO RIVERA
Summary
Disciplined and awarded hospitality leader with a demonstrated history of guest engagement and employee retention. Accomplished and seasoned oversight in the areas of Hotel Operations, F&B cost control, and HR administration.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Palisociety
12.2022 - Current
- Manage all aspects of daily operations, for Silver Lake Pool & Inn (55 rooms), and full-service restaurant, Marco Polo (two outlets).
- Monitored financial performance, and controlled expenses to meet 40% percent GOP while maintaining rate integrity of a $390 ADR
- Drove guest satisfaction by maintaining product and service quality standards, including regular property inspections. As a result, moving hotel rank from #29 to #25 in Los Angeles Hotels-Trip Advisor.
- Hire, train, supervise, coach and counsel all team members to ensure employee performance consistency, diligent follow-through and accountability.
Area General Manager
Sierra Blue Hospitality
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Manage all property operations for Grand Pine Cabins, and Sierra Blue Suites including: Front Desk, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Beverage, Revenue Management, and Sales/Marketing
- Hire & recruit all hotel staff including: On boarding, training, annual reviews, and coaching/counseling
- Launched property's first marketing plan including: Guest email capture, email blast campaign, and social media relaunch
- Sourced and booked business travel with local non-profit organizations, and adjacent corporate clients
General Manager-Task Force
Wylder Hotels
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Served as acting General Manager of resort in transition and provided ownership support for projects as directed
- Responsible for Resort lodging, food & beverage, and accounting/human resources administration
- Trained, coached and mentored staff to support smooth adoption of new company brand standards
- Assumed full responsibilities as the acting GM, managing all revenues, cost controls, team development, staffing, conflict resolution, and all facets of the daily operations and renovations
Director of Operations
LEVEL Furnished Living
01.2019 - 04.2020
- Transitioned business strategy from Residence model to Hotel stays
- Oversight of over 100 employees including 4 department heads
- Oversaw and managed the opening of LEVEL (825) and LEVEL (Hope/Flower)
- Implemented, trained, and transitioned new Hotel PMS and new CRM
- Implemented PDQ steps to Housekeeping department improving RA productivity from 5 suites to 7 suites
Director of Rooms
Hutton Hotel
10.2018 - 01.2019
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of Front Office, Housekeeping/Laundry & Valet for a luxury 4-Star 250-room hotel
- Conducted Forbes 4-Star departmental trainings, including on-site evaluations, internal audits and secret shop surveys
- Brought the property TripAdvisor ranking from #32 to #19 for the Nashville area
Director of Operations
Proper Hospitality
05.2016 - 10.2018
- Directed and coordinated installation of FF&E and OS&E for the Pre-Opening of a luxury residence/hotel high rise
- Established and standardized departmental structure, protocols, SOPs, and training
- Managed day to day operation of 25 employees including: Housekeeping, Engineering, Front Office, Bar, and Security
Rooms Division Manager
The Redbury Hotel
04.2015 - 05.2016
- Managed day-to-day Front office operations including: Reservations, Housekeeping, Engineering, Security, and In-Room Dining
- Brought hotel Trip Advisor ranking into the Top Ten of Los Angeles, previously @ #19
- Increased Room Functionality scores from 75% to 94% percent with Preventative maintenance program
Front Office Manager
Hotel Palomar Los Angeles, A Kimpton Hotel
11.2014 - 04.2015
- Oversaw all front desk operations including Room Service, Concierge, and Valet Staff
- Improved Market Metrix guest satisfaction scores (Market Metrix) from 87% to 89%
- Kept accounts in balance and ran daily reports to verify totals
Executive Housekeeper
Canary Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel
03.2013 - 11.2014
- Supervised 25 employees, including scheduling, training and performance monitoring
- Maintained departmental standards by routinely inspecting rooms, public areas, and laundry facilities to ensure proper working condition
- Developed and implemented employee incentive program to report in room deficiencies (maintenance)
Housekeeping Manager
Hotel Palomar Los Angeles
04.2012 - 03.2013
- Assigned housekeeping staff to specific shifts and room blocks based on abilities and daily requirements
- Utilized chemicals and cleaning equipment in accordance with safety protocols and proper operating standards
- Worked with front desk to respond promptly to all guest requests
- Managed staff of 25 housekeepers
Rooms Supervisor
Westin Los Angeles Airport
10.2010 - 04.2012
- Supervised team of 8 front desk agents and helped to resolve issues arising during shifts
- Uphold high standards for customer service and led by example
- Supervised 40 Room Attendants during weekend opening shifts
- Inspected rooms for damages and sufficient housekeeping practices
- Reviewed housekeeping supply charts and inventories
Front Office Supervisor
St. Regis Monarch Beach
08.2008 - 10.2010
- Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly and confirmed reservations and identification
- Liaised with housekeeping and maintenance staff to address requests and complaints made by guests
- Collected room deposits, fees and payments
- Resolved service-related problems and documented actions in system
Education
Certificate - Hotel Revenue Management
ECornell
Ithaca, NY06.2020
Associate of Science - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut, CA06.2007
Skills
- Expense Management
- Capital Projects
- Performance Evaluations
- Process Improvement
- Budget Planning
- Leadership and team building
- Opening/Transition Experience
Awards
- Manager of the Year, 12/01/16
- Manager of the Year, 12/01/13
Timeline
General Manager
Palisociety
12.2022 - Current
Area General Manager
Sierra Blue Hospitality
01.2021 - 12.2022
General Manager-Task Force
Wylder Hotels
06.2020 - 12.2020
Director of Operations
LEVEL Furnished Living
01.2019 - 04.2020
Director of Rooms
Hutton Hotel
10.2018 - 01.2019
Director of Operations
Proper Hospitality
05.2016 - 10.2018
Rooms Division Manager
The Redbury Hotel
04.2015 - 05.2016
Front Office Manager
Hotel Palomar Los Angeles, A Kimpton Hotel
11.2014 - 04.2015
Executive Housekeeper
Canary Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel
03.2013 - 11.2014
Housekeeping Manager
Hotel Palomar Los Angeles
04.2012 - 03.2013
Rooms Supervisor
Westin Los Angeles Airport
10.2010 - 04.2012
Front Office Supervisor
St. Regis Monarch Beach
08.2008 - 10.2010
Certificate - Hotel Revenue Management
ECornell
Associate of Science - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Mt. San Antonio College
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