Dynamic multi-unit manager with a proven track record of cultivating high-performing teams and driving operational excellence. Results-driven and consistently focused on executing strategic initiatives that contribute to significant top-line sales growth. Exceptional communication skills and strong leadership capabilities foster the development of long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with customers, vendors, and colleagues. Committed to enhancing organizational performance through innovative solutions and collaborative teamwork.
Work History
Regional Manager
11 Months
Aspen Dental | 11.2025 - Current
Directed multi-site operations to improve patient experience, team performance, and operational consistency.
Coached office leaders on staffing, scheduling, and performance expectations across assigned territory.
Monitored regional KPIs to identify trends and implement corrective actions for underperforming locations.
Partnered with clinical and business teams to strengthen workflow efficiency and patient conversion.
Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency by identifying areas of improvement and implementing necessary changes.
Developed and executed successful business plans that resulted in improved market share and profitability within the region.
Franchise Business Consultant
10 Months
Launch Family Entertainment | 01.2025 - 11.2025
Analyze franchise performance metrics to identify operational improvements and enhance profitability.
Developed training programs for franchise owners to optimize business operations and customer service.
Facilitate communication between franchisors and franchisees to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives.
Conducted regular site visits to assess compliance with brand standards and operational guidelines.
Implemented best practices in marketing strategies leading to increased brand visibility across multiple locations.
Regional Director of Operations
10 Months
Launch Family Entertainment | 03.2024 - 01.2025
Provided oversight to company leaders across the Mid West in operating full scale Family Entertainment Centers.
Led operational strategy development for multi-location family entertainment centers.
Streamlined processes to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency across all sites.
Collaborated with senior management to implement cost-saving initiatives and budget management practices.
Directed staff training programs, improving team performance and service delivery standards.
Field Leader
3 Years 1 Month
Chipotle Mexican Grill | 02.2021 - 03.2024
Oversaw 8 Chipotle Mexican Grill locations in Detroit, generating $20 million in annual sales.
Achieved complete turnaround of all locations.
Developed and hired 32 managers, bringing all locations to full operational capacity within 6 months.
Consistently led in sales and profitability performance
Regional Director of Operations
2 Years 8 Months
COMPASS GROUP-Chartwells K12 | 06.2018 - 02.2021
Spearheaded the oversight of food service programs across 110 school districts throughout Michigan and Ohio. Directly managed a robust team comprising 7 Area Directors and 95 Directors of Dining Services, who in turn led over 5,000 team members. This extensive operation generated an impressive annual sales volume of $80 million.
Successfully secured 6 new business contracts, contributing an additional $7 million in total revenue.
Achieved and exceeded all financial performance targets for the year 2021, demonstrating strong fiscal management.
Participated in an exclusive Accelerator program designed for top-tier talent, further enhancing leadership and strategic capabilities.
Area Operating Partner
3 Years 9 Months
Panera Bread | 09.2014 - 06.2018
Maximized sales and profitability for 10 bakery cafes with over 600 team members and annual sales of $32 million. Responsibilities included full P&L accountability, operational execution, business development, employee relations, human resource policy implementation, recruitment and selection, succession planning, training, leadership development, performance management, and compliance with federal and state employment laws and safety.
Recognized as a top 10% sales comparative market over prior year.
Celebrated as the #3 markets out of 78 in guest satisfaction.
Led the opening of the first Panera in downtown Detroit, MI
Successful roll out of Better Competitive Alternative program improving sales comp to 8%
Improved guest traffic through pioneering for 2.0 IT integration
Increased overall sales comp by piloting Cafe Based Delivery
Contributed to future site selection strategy and new cafe openings.
Area Director
9 Years 1 Month
Applebees | 08.2005 - 09.2014
Directed the operations and human resources functions for 7 full-service Applebee's restaurants with over 450 team members and annual sales of $15.7 million.
Our People Award recipient in 2013
Celebrated as the Number One Balanced Scorecard for 2013
Recognized for having a Restaurant of the Quarter for all four quarters in 2013.
Area Director of the Year for 2013
Mentored two GMs promoted to area director positions.
Recognized as top performer in hourly employee retention in 2006.
Honored as top overall people factor results in 2007.
Strong People Developer with four out of seven GMs promoted from hourly ranks during my tenure.
Recognized as #1 scorecard in Michigan East in 2010 - Area Director of the Region
Seven restaurants under my leadership received GREEN Applebee's Operations Assessment by Franchise Area Directors in 2011 & 2012.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Administration And Management
East Lansing, MI | 05.1997
Skills
Operational improvement
Strategic workforce planning
Execution of strategic initiatives
Analytical decision making
Cross-department collaboration
Leadership development
WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS, PROFILES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-rodgers
Timeline
Regional Manager
Aspen Dental
11.2025 - CurrentRead More
Franchise Business Consultant
Launch Family Entertainment
01.2025 - 11.2025Read More
Regional Director of Operations
Launch Family Entertainment
03.2024 - 01.2025Read More
Field Leader
Chipotle Mexican Grill
02.2021 - 03.2024Read More
Regional Director of Operations
COMPASS GROUP-Chartwells K12
06.2018 - 02.2021Read More
Area Operating Partner
Panera Bread
09.2014 - 06.2018Read More
Area Director
Applebees
08.2005 - 09.2014Read More
Bachelor of Science from Hospitality Administration And Management