James Houchens
Little Rock,AR
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Banquet Captain Manager
Capital Hotel
Little Rock, AR
08.2016 - Current
- Assisted in food & beverage revenue of $2.5 million in 2017, surpassing 2016 revenue by $375K.
- Liaison between chefs and client/host, maintaining client relations and resolving issues promptly.
- Delivering consistent results under complex time-sensitive & stressful conditions with outstanding attention to detail.
- Conducted and tracked monthly inventories to develop cost control strategies decreasing alcohol costs by 17% to increase profitability while maintaining reasonable prices to the clients.
- Create effective schedules for a professional staff of 34 employees, maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
- Reduced labor cost to 19.6% (2017) from 21.8% (2016), resulting in estimated savings of $60K.
- Only department to receive 100% positive score from anonymous employee survey (2017).
- Process invoices and maintain meticulous records across Delphi, MICROS, Excel and Word.
- Ended 2017 $344K ahead of projected revenue resulting in a positive net income $233K above projected.
- Most importantly, consistently demonstrate genuine hospitality through professional, friendly and engaging service.
Server & Trainer
Capital Hotel
Little Rock, AR
08.2013 - Current
- Developed an affluent loyal clientele base by effectively listening to, understanding and clarifying guest concerns both promptly and accurately.
- Guided guests through menus while demonstrating thorough knowledge of the food, beverages and ingredients.
- Appointed to train new hires.
- Received highest score on Level 1 WSET Wine Master certification.
- Consistently exceeded organization goal for sales quotas which led to promotion.
Rental Property Ownership & Management
Self-Employed
Little Rock, Arkansas
09.2011 - Current
- Purchased and self-taught rehabilitation of historic 1896 home and built a second home from the ground.
- Acted as general contractor on both properties, successfully managing all projects to completion.
- Marketed the property, screened tenants, drafted leases.
- Business acumen for precise execution of time-management skills, coordinating repair/maintenance, collecting rent & maintaining meticulous records to maintain maximum profitability while balancing a full-time career.
Resident Assistant
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR
2008 - 2011
- Prepared detailed reports & accurate records as liaison between residents & housing office.
- Facilitated accommodations for international students.
- Attended numerous multi-level trainings on diversity & cultural emersion.
- Built community, assisted students in realizing opportunities for self-development through on-campus activities & organizations.
- Created innovative programs to involve residents and embrace cultural differences.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR2011
Skills
- Superior organizational skills
- Time management
- Resolution-oriented
- Teamwork & interpersonal skills
- Sales expertise
- Excellent communication skills
- Revenue & profit driven
- Friendly, energetic & motivated
Activities
- Passionate world traveler (14 countries and counting).
- Health & fitness fanatic (Crossfit & Orange Theory).
- Finished in the 85th percentile out of 227,595 men worldwide competing in the 2018 Crossfit Open.
- Film and comedy enthusiast. Writer. Classic Jazz. Foodie.
- 170 hour certificate for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).
- Community volunteer ESL (English as Second Language) tutor.
Timeline
Banquet Captain Manager
Capital Hotel
08.2016 - Current
Server & Trainer
Capital Hotel
08.2013 - Current
Rental Property Ownership & Management
Self-Employed
09.2011 - Current
Resident Assistant
University of Central Arkansas
2008 - 2011
Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
University of Central Arkansas