James Defeo
Myrtle Beach,SC
Summary
Entrepreneurial CEO and General Manager offering progressive experience in operations leadership. Skilled at identifying and implementing process improvements to drive efficiency and productivity. Motivating leader with proven success managing cross-functional teams. Forward-thinking Administrator offering advanced experience in overseeing operations, driving business strategy and overhauling distribution networks. Highly proficient in business development and strategic planning resulting in consistent growth and profitability. Proven leader with track record of successful communication, client relationship building and achievement of sales goals. Accomplished Chief Executive Officer bringing expertise in business planning, revenue development and change management. Offering 38 years of experience in Hotel Resort and Camping Resort industries. Offers entrepreneurial, forward-thinking mindset and demonstrated track record of achievement. Multi-talented business leader bringing 38 years of experience as successful a General Admisitrator. Strategic problem solver and change manager. Visionary executive implements plans that meet current and future needs.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO
Guestmate Hotel Systems
Myrtle Beach, SC
03.1982 - Current
- Directed long-term research initiatives to identify new markets for growth opportunities.
- Oversaw corrective action plans to remedy structural, organizational and departmental issues.
- Spearheaded internal initiatives designed to foster collaboration among staff members.
- Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure competitive pricing for goods or services.
General Manager
Sea Crest Resort Hotel
Myrtle Beach, SC
01.2014 - 10.2015
- Directed long-term research initiatives to identify new markets for growth opportunities.
- Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
- Drove revenue up by 13% by cultivating successful client relations.
- Hired, trained and mentored 28 staff members to maximize productivity.
- Reviewed employee reports before submission to recommend changes or give approval.
- Maintained open communication channels between departments to maximize efficiency and productivity.
- Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
- Led organization by establishing business direction and actualizing operational plans to meet goals.
- Brought in more than $650,000 in new business each quarter
- Reviewed current systems and processes regularly for potential improvements or upgrades.
VP General Manager
Lakewood Camping Resort
Myrtle Beach, SC
03.2006 - 01.2009
- Hired new managers to drive sustainable business growth.
- Implemented robust policies and organizational structures to underpin successful expansion and drive continuous growth.
- Drove revenue up by 24% by cultivating successful client relations.
- Balanced organizational and employee needs when developing fair and equitable human resources policies.
- Spearheaded new sales and marketing strategies, resulting in 24% sales increase over 2 years.
- Expanded company sales and service reach beyond traditional continental boundaries, beginning transformation from regional to global organization.
- Devised effective business strategies to capitalize on emerging market trends.
- Briefed executive leadership every month on operations activities, collected feedback and incorporated new directives resulting from strategy meetings.
- Hired, trained and mentored 220 staff members to maximize productivity.
- Led complete review of operational costs and potentially wasteful practices, resulting in minimal cost increases as company headcount and business volume skyrocketed.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change by managing transitions effectively.
- Brought in 8 new managers to drive business growth.
- Organized and oversaw capital improvement projects to maintain business viability.
- Implemented cost reduction initiatives to enhance profitability.
- Promoted brand awareness by increasing market penetration across 12 markets.
- Monitored internal controls to protect assets against loss or misuse while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Resolved conflicts between employees in a timely manner while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration.
- Developed strategic plans to align business objectives with the company's long-term goals.
- Facilitated meetings among senior executives from different divisions to share best practices.
- Monitored business trend forecasts and adjusted budgets and operational plans to maximize growth and opportunities.
- Analyzed competitive landscape to develop strategies for maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.
- Delivered speeches and attended industry conferences to promote company image and engage with buyers.
- Drove business development by pursuing partnerships, funding and revenue streams.
- Brought in more than $4.8 million in new business each quarter.
- Improved profitability by accurately maintaining P&L to meet prime fiscal responsibility.
- Elevated employee and customer safety emphasis by adding staff specialists and required training, resulting in 25% decrease in lost-time injuries.
- Increased company revenue by $8 million within first year.
- Created program to promote new managers from within, leading to cohesive leadership structure.
General Manager
Surf and Dunes Resort
Myrtle Beach, SC
04.1986 - 10.1989
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Forecasted customer demand to set prices or credit terms for goods or services.
- Conducted employee evaluations to provide adequate feedback and recognize quality performance.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
- Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
- Maximized time and employee productivity, consolidating data, payroll and accounting programs into centralized systems.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Assisted in the recruitment process by interviewing potential candidates for open positions.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
- Directed or coordinated financial or budget activities to fund operations and maximize investments.
- Supervised employees through planning, assignments, and direction.
- Structured HR consulting services to support clients during organizational developments and changes.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Sciences
University of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD06-1973
Associate of Science - Computer And Data Management
Spring Garden College
Philadelphia, PA06-1970
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance
- Stakeholder Relations
- Cash Management
- Sustainable Business Models
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- Policy Development
- Consulting
- Contract Management
- Change Management
- Organizational Management
- Fiscal Management
- Staff Management
- Business Planning
- New Market Penetration
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Oversight
- Profit & Loss
- Market Trend Expertise
- Capital Expenditures
- Business Management
- Negotiation
- Operations Management
- Revenue Growth
- Account Management
- Recruiting and Hiring Top Talent
- Operational Oversight
- Business Development
- Financial Administration
- Public Relations
- Organizational Leadership
- Executive Leadership
- Financial Leadership
- Administrative Leadership
- Program Leadership
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Business Administration
- Operating Budgets
Affiliations
I am a Red Cross disaster volunteer and blood donor. I also did the radio broadcast play by play for our local High School Football program for 9 years. Also aided our local hospital during the 2020 Corona 19 crisis.
Accomplishments
Received several awards for volunteer work at St James elementary and Socastee High School. Broke a 34 year record at Lakewood Camping Resort for Revenue and cost reductions.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Sea Crest Resort Hotel
01.2014 - 10.2015
VP General Manager
Lakewood Camping Resort
03.2006 - 01.2009
General Manager
Surf and Dunes Resort
04.1986 - 10.1989
CEO
Guestmate Hotel Systems
03.1982 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Sciences
University of Baltimore
Associate of Science - Computer And Data Management
Spring Garden College
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