Jacob Lafferty
Shaner Hotel Group | Homewood Suites by Hilton
Daytona Beach,FL
1
Language
1
Certification
11
years of professional experience
General Manager with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, renowned for leading teams to achieve operational excellence and distinguished accolades such as the IHG Torchbearer award. Expert in strategic planning, budget development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, driving revenue growth and enhancing guest satisfaction. Passionate about mentoring and developing high-performing teams, leveraging skills in business operations and employee development to create seamless guest experiences.
Work History
GENEAL MANAGER
1 Year- Coordinated all phases of a multi-million dollar renovation project, focusing on the transformation of both interior and exterior hotel elements.
- Cultivated a high-performing team of more than 30 associates, focusing on talent development and team cohesion.
- Oversaw recruitment, training, coaching, and counseling initiatives. Managed comprehensive HR functions to foster a productive work environment. Developed and implemented training strategies to improve employee skills and engagement.
- Directed daily operations to enhance guest experience and ensure service excellence.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to boost occupancy rates and revenue growth.
- Led staff training programs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer service focus.
- Streamlined operational processes, reducing costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Monitored P&L statements and enforced financial controls to ensure sustained hotel profitability.
- Collaborated in weekly revenue management strategy sessions, spearheading initiatives to improve revenue management decisions.
GENERAL MANAGER
4 Years- Led the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Port St Lucie West to receive the prestigious IHG Torchbearer award in 2023 through effective leadership and operational excellence.
- Led the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Port St Lucie West to receive the IHG Spirit of True Hospitality Excellence award in 2024.
- Assisted with Training of new General Managers joining the NHG team.
- Assisted with task force assignments at Best Western Naples, Holiday Inn Express St. Petersburg, Home2 Suites Miramar, Holiday Inn Express Trinity, and TownePlace Suites Leesburg.
- CMATIC Excellence Manager of the year recipient in 2024.
- Oversees daily hotel operations, including guest services, housekeeping, maintenance, and food and beverage, ensuring seamless experiences for guests.
- Manage a diverse team of 30 employees, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and exceptional guest service.
- Led a multi-million-dollar renovation project, coordinating with vendors and contractors to enhance guest experiences while managing project timelines and budgets.
- Develop and implement strategic business plans, budgets, and forecasts, monitoring performance against key metrics and driving revenue growth.
- Spearhead Human Resources functions, including recruitment, training, performance management, and policy development to ensure compliance with labor laws and company standards.
- Implement data-driven strategies to optimize revenue streams and cost-efficiency. Analyze market trends to refine pricing models and maximize occupancy rates.
- Cultivate strong partnerships with local businesses and tourism boards to boost hotel visibility.
- Meticulously oversee compliance with brand standards and local regulations. Implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent, high-quality guest experiences.
GENERAL MANAGER
2 Years 2 Months- Managed and mentored a team of 45 employees, fostering a productive and motivated workforce.
- Oversaw comprehensive Human Resources functions, including recruitment, disciplinary actions, terminations, benefits administration, and payroll processing.
- Monitored and addressed guest feedback on TripAdvisor, OTAs, and hotel surveys, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Resolved guest complaints and implemented effective service recovery strategies, demonstrating a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.
- Conducted weekly department head meetings to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration, optimizing hotel operations.
- Directed the Food and Beverage Department, achieving increased profits and reduced food costs through effective management.
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
7 Months- Supported the General Manager in all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services, housekeeping, maintenance, and food and beverage, ensuring seamless experiences for guests.
- Managed a team of 9 Front Desk Agents, ensuring efficient and professional guest service, conducting regular training sessions to ensure staff proficiency in hotel procedures and guest service standards.
- Oversaw daily hotel operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences and efficient workflow, implementing standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction.
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
8 Months- Developed and executed comprehensive sales strategies to drive revenue growth, identifying market opportunities and executing promotional activities to attract new clients.
- Managed online presence and pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness, representing the hotel at industry events to expand networks and drive business.
- Facilitated seamless communication within the sales team, promoting cross-training opportunities and ensuring appropriate office coverage to deliver the best client service.
SALES AND EVENTS COORDINATOR
7 Months- Supported sales team in prospecting and lead generation activities, coordinating client inquiries and facilitating booking processes.
- Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify business opportunities, participating in weekly meetings with the sales leadership team and the General Manager, contributing insights and updates.
- Actively sought out group and corporate leads through internet prospecting, networking, and telemarketing efforts, contributing to a steady stream of potential business opportunities.
SALES COORDINATOR
1 Year 8 Months- Served as the primary point of contact for client inquiries and requests, assisting sales manager in generating proposals and contracts.
- Conducted property tours to showcase amenities and secure bookings, implementing a strategic sales approach to maximize hotel revenue and achieve business goals.
- Conducted client meetings independently when Sales Managers were unavailable, conveying sale details professionally and effectively.
Education
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Skills
Financial leadership
Employee development
Team leadership
Strategic planning
Business operations
Operations Management
Goal-oriented multitasking
Employee scheduling
Sales expertise
Coaching
Mentoring
Budget Development
Time management
Goal setting
Certification
- Certified Hilton General Manager - November 2025
- Certified IHG General Manager - August 2019
- Licensed Food Service Manager - 2028
- Certified IHG Director of Sales - August 2019
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
GENEAL MANAGER
Shaner Hotel Group | Homewood Suites by Hilton
08.2025 - CurrentRead More
GENERAL MANAGER
Naples Hotel Group | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Port St Lucie
08.2021 - 08.2025Read More
GENERAL MANAGER
Holiday Inn Daytona Beach at LPGA
06.2019 - 08.2021Read More
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Holiday Inn Daytona Beach at LPGA
11.2018 - 06.2019Read More
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Holiday Inn Daytona Beach at LPGA
03.2018 - 11.2018Read More
SALES AND EVENTS COORDINATOR
Naples Hotel Group
08.2017 - 03.2018Read More
SALES COORDINATOR
Konover Hotel Corporation
10.2015 - 06.2017Read More
Vandercook Lake Highschool
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Read More
SYSTEM PROFICIENCY
M3 • Hotel Effectiveness • iBuyEfficient • Kipsu • Delphi • Silverware POS • Aloha POS • Micros POS • Opera PMS • OnQ • GRO • OnQ R&I • IHG Concerto • Paychex • Spider RevGen • Quore • ProfitSage • UKG • Alice • Transcendant