James Bush
Williamsburg,MI
Summary
Results-driven General Manager with expertise in operational efficiency, staff training, and vendor negotiation. Proven track record of exceeding financial goals and optimizing productivity in high-pressure environments. Seasoned General Manager of Operations with background in overseeing daily operations, developing strategic plans and improving revenue generation. Strong leadership skills with focus on team cohesion and operational efficiency. Demonstrated success driving growth in aligned business goals through process improvement strategies. Made significant contributions to previous roles by implementing innovative solutions that increased overall productivity and profitability.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager of Operations
RRJP, North Shore Inn Condo Resort
Traverse City , MI
02.2023 - Current
- Oversee daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and productivity in our very busy market.
- Managed staff training programs to enhance team skills and performance.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends and inform strategic decisions.
- Assessed employee performance and provided feedback regarding areas of strength or improvement opportunities.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for goods or services needed by the organization.
- Monitored inventory levels, placing orders as necessary to maintain adequate supplies.
- Recruited, hired, and trained new staff members according to organizational standards.
- Took over the resort with no staff, hired, trained, and maintained an excellent staff, ensuring condo owners that we have the right team in place.
- Exceeded all expectations for annual occupancy goals, financial goals, and guest satisfaction.
- Continue to see better numbers, occupancy and efficiency levels
Owner/Operator
Up North Cottage Care
Traverse City , MI
01.2021 - 02.2023
- Contract cleaner for 2 dozen vacation rental homes in Traverse City. Provided efficient and effective cleaning, maintenance, and service on vacation homes.
- Controlled multimillion-dollar condo complex responsible for cleanings, maintenance, and minor mechanical needs.
- Dissolved the business when recruited to manage a condo resort.
Owner/Operator
Blue Sky Rentals and All Seasons Storage
Traverse City, Michigan
01.2002 - 07.2020
- Founded Blue Sky Rentals to provide boat, jet ski, and snowmobile rentals in 2002.
- Provided five rental locations and delivery for boats, jet skis, kayaks, and more for tourists in the Traverse City area.
- Hired, trained, and maintained a staff of 20 to 25 employees.
- Purchased land, and built a boat and RV storage facility on 8 acres in Fife Lake, Michigan, in 2010.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Sold the business in 2020, the current owner still retains all locations due to the reputation we built over 18 years.
Regional Sales Manager / National Sales Trainer
Pacesetter Corporation
Grand Rapids relocated to Traverse City, MI
09.1995 - 06.2002
- Started with in-home direct sales. Selling windows, siding, and cabinets.
- Promoted to Assistant Sales Manager after 8 months.
- Promoted to Regional Sales Manager, relocating to Traverse City in 1999
- Brought the Traverse City office from $550,000 in annual sales to $1.9 million in sales in just three years.
- Won many sales awards, including Sales Manager of the Year in 2000 and 2001, competing with 130 offices nationwide.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to streamline product launches and sales initiatives.
- Managed sales team performance through regular training and motivational sessions.
Quality Engineer
Prince Corporation/Johnson Contrils
Holland , MI
10.1994 - 09.1995
- Conducted quality inspections on production lines to ensure compliance with standards.
- Analyzed data from quality tests to identify trends and potential improvements.
- Trained team members on quality control processes and best practices.
Education
Safe Serve Certification - Hospitality And Tourism Management
National Hospitality Training
Traverse City, Michigan02-2024
BBA - Sales, Marketing And Accounting
Baker College of Business
Muskegon 06-1995
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Staff training
- Vendor negotiation
- Inventory management
- Effective communication
- Financial oversight
- Strategic planning
- Business process re-engineering
- Regulatory compliance
- Workforce training
- Report generation
- Budgeting and cost control
- Data evaluation
- Business strategy development
- High-pressure environments
- Problem-solving
- Cost control
- Contract management
- Capital investment planning
- Staff retention
- Budgeting and forecasting
Timeline
General Manager of Operations
RRJP, North Shore Inn Condo Resort
02.2023 - Current
Owner/Operator
Up North Cottage Care
01.2021 - 02.2023
Owner/Operator
Blue Sky Rentals and All Seasons Storage
01.2002 - 07.2020
Regional Sales Manager / National Sales Trainer
Pacesetter Corporation
09.1995 - 06.2002
Quality Engineer
Prince Corporation/Johnson Contrils
10.1994 - 09.1995
Safe Serve Certification - Hospitality And Tourism Management
National Hospitality Training
BBA - Sales, Marketing And Accounting
Baker College of Business