Jason A. Neely
Summary
Performance-driven Vice President with 25 years of experience aligning systems with business requirements, policies and regulatory requirements. Passionate about applying excellent organization and communication skills to manage and lead teams. Results-oriented individual well-versed in interfacing and consulting on business processes to drive results based on sound overall business judgment. Offers strategic planning abilities, background in change management and forward-thinking mindset with a progressive industry background in multiple facets of the retail industry. Ready for challenges and focused on meeting future demands.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President, Acquisitions & Development
Mattison Avenue Salon Suites & Spa
05.2023 - Current
- In collaboration with the Leon Capital Group (PE), strategic oversight of the entire real estate process from initial site selection to store design and construction.
- Directed market expansions to propel business forward, meet changing customer needs and central point of contact for new market development and site selection, planning and managing the identification of all new sites.
- Used market insights to capitalize on key business opportunities for new advantageous partnerships.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance and expense optimization.
- Prepare and maintain budgets, forecasts and report financial performance relating to all construction, architectural, and final execution of all store construction functions.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Within first 6 months, Letters of Intent to grow the business by 50% through acquisitions and organic growth.
- Helped consult with private equity on a 240+ dental brand concept potentially savings them over $4M in lease savings over the next 10 years.
- Growth strategy of 20-30% annually over the next 3 years via acquisitions and new store development while entering new markets and reinforcing existing markets.
Vice President, Real Estate and Store Development
Suds & Shiny, LLC (dba Buff City Soap)
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Increased company growth through collaboration with sales and marketing departments.
- Ensure that all stores meet the needs of customers with an appealing and sustainable look and feel and exceed corporate expectations and guidance.
- Establish regular cadence and collaborate with operators and executives to assess location financials and create strategic plans for stores with underperforming assets and optimization of fiscally strong assets.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity and collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Increased company profits through performance optimization strategies and efficiency improvements.
- Performed regular job site observations to provide direction for general contractor personnel and subcontractor laborers.
- Development, implementation, and oversight of the IT infrastructure within the stores.
- Worked with corporate design team to be first to test out prototype design in upcoming locations and ensuring space optimization for each location footprint is maintained and balanced to maximize use of space and profitability.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Helped facilitate business growth through finding new locations and oversee build-outs ranging from $600,000-$900,000 build out range while reducing costs by up to 20% on all future locations.
- Helped incorporate over 20 design concepts immediately within each location to optimize use by operators and prevent catastrophic losses.
- Growth strategy of 46 locations with an additional 16 ROFR locations over 5-7 year span to fulfill franchisor agreement. Successfully oversaw 5 construction build-outs including 2 prototype locations which were first in the country and identified 11 new locations within 7 months.
Vice President, Real Estate and Store Development
Palm Beach Tan, Inc.
11.2002 - 10.2021
- In collaboration with CEO and CFO, strategic oversight of the entire real estate process from initial site selection, store design and construction including new store development and acquisitions.
- Work with other executives and C-Suite to assess location financials and create strategic plans for stores with underperforming assets.
- Maintain and manage company's key business strategies by acting as liaison with company's legal resources regarding lease negotiations and lease revisions; oversee and provide insight into the negotiations and document lease extensions and other lease amendments.
- Oversee real estate team, acquire & review demographics to make informed analysis acquiring, obtaining and disposal of leased properties.
- Map industry competitor locations and population statistics to help develop and execute detailed market development plans throughout the country for corporate and franchise.
- Act as central point of contact for Landlords and project manager for new market development.
- Source, hire and manage general contractors, superintendents, subcontractors and partners for stores as well as consultation from various franchisees in their home markets.
- Lead and direct the facilities department, purchasing/maintenance of fleet vehicles, and oversee additional storage facilities location strategically around the US to optimize storage and reduce market costs.
- Ensure that all stores meet the needs of customers with an appealing and sustainable look and feel following LEED principles.
- Developed 215 locations in 12 different MSAs across the US.
- Helped facilitate business growth and remodels scaling from $50K to $500K while also Implementing the first LEED certified tanning salon in the nation, achieving a LEED Silver Certification.
- Negotiated $15 million in lease savings by touring and mapping existing markets to negotiate significant rental rate reductions, lower renewals, and/or buy-out-of-leases since mid-2008.
- In 2020, successfully negotiated 200+ COVID-19 Agreements with Landlords throughout the US to defer and/or abate rental payments to achieve long term financial health and strategic mission. Design and roll-out appropriate PPE for all 550+ locations in the US prior to re-opening.
- Lead a team of 17 individuals, ensuring their performance is in line with department strategies and corporate objectives, maintaining brand quality and awareness nationwide.
Education
Masters of Arts - School Psychology -
Fairfield University
Fairfield05.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology -
University of Oklahoma
Norman12.1998
Skills
- Real Estate Development & Transactions
- Location Intelligence & Asset Management
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Contract Negotiation
- Results-Driven
- Strategic Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Team Leadership
- Industry Best Practices
- Process Improvement
- Operations Management
- Partnerships and Affiliations
- Relationship Building
- Well-versed in real estate/construction software platforms in both Mac and PC operating systems
Main Highlights
- Extensive experience delivering large scale growth in negotiated lease services through market expansion strategies, including touring and mapping existing markets and negotiating significant rental rate reductions and lower renewals.
- Working relationship with largest Real Estate firms & REITs across the country, especially in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Memphis-Northern Mississippi, Boston, Fairfield County CT, Florida Panhandle and DC markets from Baltimore to Richmond.
- Effective generator of innovation and employee enablement. Committed to inspiring and empowering team members to think outside the box and achieve set targets.
- Articulate communicator with exceptional time management, organizational, and relationship skills and a proven ability to deliver culture change and manage challenging projects.
- Able to operate effectively at Board level alongside senior management and support key decision making across the business. Experience with family run businesses, privately held companies, and private equity.
Certification
- LEED Green Associate Certification, In Progress, Q2 2024
- Project Management Profession Certification, In Progress, Q4 2024
Timeline
Vice President, Acquisitions & Development
Mattison Avenue Salon Suites & Spa
05.2023 - Current
Vice President, Real Estate and Store Development
Suds & Shiny, LLC (dba Buff City Soap)
11.2021 - 05.2023
Vice President, Real Estate and Store Development
Palm Beach Tan, Inc.
11.2002 - 10.2021
Masters of Arts - School Psychology -
Fairfield University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology -
University of Oklahoma
- LEED Green Associate Certification, In Progress, Q2 2024
- Project Management Profession Certification, In Progress, Q4 2024
Similar Profiles
Sarah LauderbackSarah Lauderback
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER at Leon Capital Group DBA Mattison Avenue Holdings LLCREGIONAL SALES MANAGER at Leon Capital Group DBA Mattison Avenue Holdings LLC
Allison JacksonAllison Jackson
Hair Stylist at Fourteenth Avenue Salon And Day SpaHair Stylist at Fourteenth Avenue Salon And Day Spa
Kylie GrattonKylie Gratton
Housekeeper at Comfort Inn & Suites King AvenueHousekeeper at Comfort Inn & Suites King Avenue