Jason Esterly
Castle Rock,CO
Summary
Highly motivated Regional Director of Operations, whose primary focus is to execute operational excellence though accountability, recognition and alignment of the team. Skilled in leadership and communication to drive profitability, growth and scalability. An engaging, outgoing leader who can inspire excellence and deliver desired results through multiple teams with the vision of the brand as the focus.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations
Finally Restaurant Group
Bozeman, MT
06.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for the operations department.
- Identified opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiencies across all areas of operations.
- Managed daily operations, including budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and scheduling.
- Oversaw the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to operational activities.
- Provided direction to staff on all aspects of operational processes.
- Monitored performance metrics to ensure that established objectives were met or exceeded.
- Established key performance indicators for measuring operational success.
- Coordinated with vendors to obtain goods and services at competitive prices.
- Reviewed financial statements for accuracy and completeness prior to submitting them for approval by executive leadership team members.
Regional Director of Operations
Mission BBQ
Glen Burnie, MD
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Championed the Brand's launch west of the Mississippi into Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, Nevada, Iowa and integrated western Illinois into the Region as well
- Planned daily operational strategies, including delivery routing, team workflows and promotional initiatives.
- Reviewed daily financial reports and reconciled accounts to keep information current and accurate.
- Improved training to reduce knowledge gaps and eliminate performance roadblocks.
- Motivated staff through acknowledgment of hard work, achievements and instilling accountability while leading by example.
- Upheld restaurant standards for food and beverage quality, team member engagement, financial goals, standard operating procedures and guest experiences.
- Performed accurate monthly inventories of supplies and equipment, including food, beverage, glassware and utensils.
- Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs by establishing portion control and quality standards.
- Worked with management team to develop operational goals aligned with business strategy.
- Enhanced customer service and satisfaction through policy and procedural changes.
- Watched consumer trends for new opportunities.
- Established operational guidelines and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Led development of company-wide priorities by implementing operating cadence to manage business performance.
Director of Operations
Garrett Restaurant Group
Denver, CO
04.2020 - 01.2022
- Assessed reports and adjusted workflows to realign with targets.
- Successfully improved employment turnover through creating incentive and training programs.
- Partnered with company stakeholders to align efforts and track goal progress.
- Led development of company-wide priorities by implementing operating cadence to manage business performance.
- Organized and oversaw work schedules of departmental managers.
Director of Operations
Finally Restaurant Group
Bozeman, MT
11.2019 - 04.2020
- Director of Operations for 9 restaurant across 2 brands and 4 states
- Successfully lowered COGS by 3 % by optimizing the menu, negotiating a rebate program with Sysco Food Service and culinary training of all managers
- Partnered with the COO and the culinary managers to revitalize the BBQ menu at the TJ Ribs brand in Louisiana.
- Transitioned both brands to catering, delivery and togo platforms to drive sales and profits during the Covid shutdown of indoor dining
- Motivated and supported field workers completing work to increase work quality and team productivity.
- Planned daily operational strategies, including delivery routing, team workflows and promotional initiatives.
- Implemented training initiatives to coach staff on best practices and protocols for enhanced profitability.
Director of Operations
Chili's Bar And Grill - Brinker International
Charlotte, NC
06.2007 - 11.2019
- Director for various markets in Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and North Carolina.
- Triaged the above markets to drive KPI's out of the bottom 25% of the brand.
- Identified or recruited the General Managers who I could partner with to drive results utilizing the tools provided by the brand
- Reintroduced the people first culture to neglected markets through positive and principled accountability
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science/Criminal Justice
Allentown College of St. Francis De Sales
Skills
- Personable
- Analytical
- Flexible
- Multi-unit operations management
- Systems implementation
- MS Office
- Team building
- Project planning
- Decision-making
- Training & Development
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Successfully created The Garrett Restaurant Group, LLC. from conception to the opening of multiple locations and concepts. I.C. Brewhouse, currently two locations with 4 in the pipeline and Runway 19 Coffee Co., with 4 in the pipeline as well. Responsible for all aspects of Brand creation, concept, design, training etc.
- Responsible for site location, development, construction project management, food and beverage menus, purveyor selection, hiring, training, daily operations, accounting and HR.
- Director of Operations for 9 to 13 restaurants and 45 to 55 managers with Brinker International.
- Consistently maintained high customer satisfaction ratings.
- Negotiated with vendors, saving the company 3% of COGS annually.
Timeline
Vice President of Operations
Finally Restaurant Group
06.2023 - Current
Regional Director of Operations
Mission BBQ
01.2022 - 06.2023
Director of Operations
Garrett Restaurant Group
04.2020 - 01.2022
Director of Operations
Finally Restaurant Group
11.2019 - 04.2020
Director of Operations
Chili's Bar And Grill - Brinker International
06.2007 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science/Criminal Justice
Allentown College of St. Francis De Sales
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