JAMES P. PULVER
Summary
30 years of progressive leadership roles in dynamic hotel environments including; golf resorts, convention/business, hotel/casino, luxury independent, lifestyle/boutique, and vacation ownership properties.
Servant leadership style fostering positive organizational change, delivering results via innovation. Adept at communicating with all stakeholders.
Six Sigma Black Belt with exceptional organizational and planning skills driving continuous improvement.
Financial acumen related to budgeting, forecasting, and P&L analysis.
Distinctive consensus building management style (results oriented) leading to enhanced profits .
Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive project management, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Director
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate
12.2023 - Current
- Two winery resorts spanning 192 rooms.
- Visit Temecula Valley Board member.
- Increase overall performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
- Optimize resource allocation for improved efficiency and profitability across all departments.
- Develop comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Drive process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
General Manager
DoubleTree Hilton Golf Resort & Spa
12.2022 - 12.2023
- 289 room resort including 23,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Oversee P&L while exceeding profit margin targets. Manage multiple CapEX projects.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning, Group revenue exceeded room nights by 15%.
- Enhanced operational efficiency, exceeded GOP margins by 15% with 90% flow.
- Improved SALT service scores by 10 points in all areas year over year.
- Established and administered annual budget along with P&L analysis.
Resort General Manager (Task Force)
Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows
09.2021 - 12.2021
- 47 room luxury boutique resort including fine dining restaurant and spa.
- #1 Hotel in the World Conde Nast Reader's Choice Award 2023
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on service principles, industry practices, company procedures and technology systems.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
General Manager
Hyatt Palm Springs
03.2020 - 09.2021
- All suite 4-star resort located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs featuring 197 keys and 25,000 square feet of meeting space
- Inspired and motivated staff to reach their potential and deliver results. Re-hired all staff after property closure.
- Exceeded GOP margins by 17% year over year by maximizing revenue channels and growth.
- Liaise with corporate leadership along with ownership on a weekly basis
- Partnered with Hyatt Corporate and ownership to ensure all brands standards are met or exceeded.
General Manager
Hotel Max
02.2017 - 03.2020
- A Provenance independent Music & art inspired 163 room lifestyle boutique property located in the heart of downtown Seattle
- Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations.
- Developed effective business plans to align strategic decisions with long-term objectives. Reduced staff turnover by 50%.
- Exceeded GOP goals during my 3 year tenure, averaging 15% year over year improvement.
Assistant General Manager
Wyndham Grand Desert Resort
07.2015 - 12.2016
- Wyndham vacation ownership flagship property with 787 rooms up to 2,360 square feet; 1 block from the famed Las Vegas Strip
- Led multiple Food & Beverage outlets, 3 pools/9 cabanas & robust activities programming.
- Full P&L responsibility including the HOA Board and F&B departments. Passed all audits.
- Within ten months exceeded F&B revenues by 25% via seasonal menu changes, new grab & go options, and ordering efficiencies
- Worked closely with the HOA Board members and owners to ensure full satisfaction
Multiple Executive Leadership Roles
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
06.2004 - 07.2015
Director of Operations
Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
07.2011 - 07.2015
- AAA Four Diamond Resort featuring 512 rooms & 2 championship golf courses
Director of Front Office
Moana Surfrider, Westin Resort & Spa
02.2009 - 07.2011
- AAA Four Diamond oceanside resort in the heart. of Waikiki. 3 Towers with 780 rooms
Director of Front Office
Sheraton Downtown
03.2008 - 02.2009
- 1232 room property in downtown Denver
Director of Front Office
Westin Maui Resort & Spa
06.2004 - 03.2008
- AAA Four Diamond Oceanfront Resort featuring 759 rooms.
Assistant Hotel Manager
Stratosphere Hotel And Casino
04.1996 - 06.2004
- 2,444 guest rooms; tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States; Acclaimed thrill rides on the Las Vegas Strip.
Front Desk Agent/Night Audit/Supervisor
Hacienda Hotel & Casino
03.1994 - 04.1996
- 1,140 guest rooms; one of the first properties built on the famed Las Vegas Strip.
Education
M.S - Business Management
Colorado State University
Global CampusB.A. - Psychology
St. John Fisher University
Rochester, NYSkills
- Profit and Loss Accountability
- Sales Team Development
- Total Quality Management
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Resource Optimization
- Performance Improvement
- Project Management Expert
- Market Analysis
- Revenue Management & Sales
Certification
- Certified Six Sigma Blackbelt - 2012
Timeline
Managing Director
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate
12.2023 - Current
General Manager
DoubleTree Hilton Golf Resort & Spa
12.2022 - 12.2023
Resort General Manager (Task Force)
Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows
09.2021 - 12.2021
General Manager
Hyatt Palm Springs
03.2020 - 09.2021
General Manager
Hotel Max
02.2017 - 03.2020
Assistant General Manager
Wyndham Grand Desert Resort
07.2015 - 12.2016
Director of Operations
Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
07.2011 - 07.2015
Director of Front Office
Moana Surfrider, Westin Resort & Spa
02.2009 - 07.2011
Director of Front Office
Sheraton Downtown
03.2008 - 02.2009
Multiple Executive Leadership Roles
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
06.2004 - 07.2015
Director of Front Office
Westin Maui Resort & Spa
06.2004 - 03.2008
Assistant Hotel Manager
Stratosphere Hotel And Casino
04.1996 - 06.2004
Front Desk Agent/Night Audit/Supervisor
Hacienda Hotel & Casino
03.1994 - 04.1996
M.S - Business Management
Colorado State University
B.A. - Psychology
St. John Fisher University
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