Jeremy Hecht
Orlando,FL
Summary
Franchise professional with proven ability to drive growth and support franchisees in achieving their business goals. Known for strong focus on team collaboration and delivering consistent results. Skilled in market analysis, strategic planning, and relationship management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager, Non Traditional Development
Taco Bell
04.2025 - Current
- Lead development, strategy, and operations for Taco Bell's North American Non Traditional Development Division.
- Develop and execute franchise sales strategies to achieve targeted unit growth.
- Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic insights that shaped operational strategies.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Real Estate, and Brand teams to align development goals with overall business objectives.
- Oversee all aspects of restaurant design, ensuring brand consistency, operational efficiency, and guest experience excellence. Ensure on budget development.
- Developed and implemented long term development strategy to double current portfolio size through building strategic relationships with new licensee's and partners in new non traditional channels and venues.
- Attend industry trade shows and conferences.
Senior Director, Global Franchise
WeWork
09.2021 - Current
- 2024 Franchise Developer of the year.
- Lead Q1 2025 with 12 signed franchise agreements within the first 90 days.
- Scaled global franchise network to 400+ locations in 8 markets by negotiating and executing multi-country franchise agreements.
- Implemented a strategic training program for franchisees, resulting in improved operational consistency and enhanced guest satisfaction across all locations.
- Facilitated continuous improvement in franchise operations by developing performance metrics that drove accountability and operational excellence across all locations.
- Established global real estate design standards, global workplace experience standards, and global operating processes to promote collaboration, consistency, and scalability.
- Led site selection and lease negotiations on behalf of franchisee's.
Regional General Manager, Florida
Vacasa Hospitality
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Managed 600-property portfolio, improving guest satisfaction by 15% through process reengineering.
- Reduced complaints by 30% via redesigned maintenance and property management protocols.
- Increased owner retention by 12% through enhanced onboarding and engagement strategies.
- Facilitated continuous performance improvement by developing and enforcing KPIs that drove accountability and operational excellence across all locations.
- Managed budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring financial targets met while maintaining high operational standards.
- Fostered relationships with local vendors and partners to enhance service offerings and improve overall guest experience.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms for the company.
- Spearheaded cross-functional projects that addressed key organizational challenges or opportunities for growth within the region.
Director, Franchise Development & Operations
Red Lion Hotels Corporation
11.2018 - 11.2020
- Directed $200M P&L across 120 franchised hotels in 46 states, achieving sustained operational and financial growth.
- Led the full sales cycle — from lead generation and financial vetting to franchise negotiation and contract execution.
- Developed a General Manager Training Program standardizing leadership practices across eight brands.
- Drove cross-functional collaboration among senior leadership, resulting in a 15% increase in guest satisfaction scores through targeted improvement plans within 6 months.
- Oversaw asset management for a portfolio of 80+ hotels, achieving a 20% increase in guest satisfaction scores through enhanced operational protocols within 6 months.
- Represented brand and industry trade shows.
Director of Rooms
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
09.2008 - 11.2018
- Participated in long-term hotel planning, including budgeting, CAPEX projects, and innovation initiatives.
- Monitored labor costs, operating expenses, and revenues—ensuring financial targets were met through effective planning and decision-making.
- Represented the Rooms Division at the Executive Committee Level, contributing to the hotel's strategic direction.
- Provided strategic and hands-on leadership to all Rooms Division departments.
- Supervised, coached, and developed managers and teams, fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism.
- Ensured that all guest interactions were handled with the highest level of care, service, and personalization.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to enhance room occupancy rates and revenue generation.
Education
Master Certificate - Hospitality Marketing & Business Administration
Cornell University
IthacaAssociate of Arts - Business Administration
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CASkills
- Development
- Leadership
- Operations
- Real Estate Development
- Strategy
- Team Building
- Problem resolution
- Lease Negotiation
- Multi Unit Leadership
- Franchise Development
- Franchise Operations
- RFP Management
Certification
- Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)
- Certified Rooms Division Executive (CRDE)
- Six Sigma Green Belt
Timeline
General Manager, Non Traditional Development
Taco Bell
04.2025 - Current
Senior Director, Global Franchise
WeWork
09.2021 - Current
Regional General Manager, Florida
Vacasa Hospitality
11.2020 - 09.2021
Director, Franchise Development & Operations
Red Lion Hotels Corporation
11.2018 - 11.2020
Director of Rooms
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
09.2008 - 11.2018
Master Certificate - Hospitality Marketing & Business Administration
Cornell University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Moorpark College