JOEL KELL
Waxahachie,TX
Summary
Dynamic Hospitality Director of Operations with extensive experience as a General Manager, Food & Beverage Manager, and Banking Manager, adept at implementing strategic initiatives that enhance profitability and boost sales. Proven track record in operational management and customer service, consistently recognized for delivering outstanding results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resort General Manager & Project Manager
Sky Resorts
Parker Dam, CA
06.2025 - 02.2026
- Managed P&L responsibilities and developed 2026 budget to align with $2.25 million annual revenue goals.
- Developed redevelopment and improvement plan addressing $7.5 million in deferred maintenance.
- Oversaw project management for infrastructure updates, ensuring completion within two to three years.
- Directed operations of full-service RV resort with 400 RV sites, motel, park model units, diner, general store, gas station, and marina, enhancing guest experience.
- Served transient guests during spring and summer with average stays of three to four nights.
- Fostered community among approximately 350 winter guests with stays exceeding four months.
Resort General Manager-Opening Team
Firefall Ranch Yosemite Resort
Groveland, CA
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Played key role in opening Firefall Ranch, a 300-acre resort in Groveland, California, ensuring operational readiness.
- Supervised and coached 10 managers and 85 associates, leading to improved guest satisfaction scores.
- Oversaw operations for 55 high-end villas and cabins along with two dining venues.
- Managed seven lines of business by coordinating resources, including labor, equipment, and budgets.
- Implemented processes that reduced downtime by over $200,000 annually.
- Designed and analyzed metrics for service cost and quality improvements.
General Manager
Front Street Grill & Rhumbar
Beaufort, NC
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Led team of 5 managers and 60 associates to elevate guest experiences, fostering a guest-centric culture.
- Transformed restaurant culture and repositioned brand based on community feedback.
- Developed and launched two new revenue streams: a bakery and merchandise shop, enhancing overall profitability.
- Developed new lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch menus featuring South Florida and Caribbean flavors.
Director of Operations-General Manager
Useppa Island Club
Bokeelia, FL
04.2021 - 09.2023
- Managed daily operations of luxury resort complex, overseeing 125 private homes, utility plant, hotel/inn, 25 rental homes, restaurant, boutique store, and fleet of three boats.
- Managed seven lines of business by coordinating labor, equipment, and budgets, achieving annual savings of over $125,000 in downtime.
- Coached team of 10 managers and 82 associates to improve member satisfaction for over 1,250 clients.
- Designed and analyzed metrics for service cost and quality while developing process maps for current and future workflows.
- Conducted quarterly audits and compliance reviews, ensuring adherence to policies and effective utilization of $7.5 million operating budget.
Support Staff & Manager on Duty
Useppa Island Club
Bokeelia, FL
02.2018 - 04.2020
- Managed property after hours and assisted where needed.
- Led a team of 46 hospitality professionals in delivering exceptional reservations, concierge services, special events, mail services, guest services, and maintenance operations.
Restaurant General Manager
Texas Great Country Cafe
Whitney, Texas
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Oversaw daily operations of fast-paced restaurant, leading team of 55-60 members to achieve operational goals.
- Formulated and implemented strategies that facilitated annual revenue growth of $200,000 to $300,000.
- Managed annual operating budget exceeding $300,000 to ensure financial stability.
Financial Center Manager
Bank of America
Baltimore, MD
10.2013 - 12.2015
- Developed strategies for growth, improving team development processes and efficiencies, resulting in annual loan increases of approximately $1.2 million.
- Drove client relationship management, supporting sales and service leadership initiatives to strengthen client loyalty.
- Cultivated team environment prioritizing client-centric sales and risk culture, enhancing client satisfaction and engagement.
- Enhanced associate performance in operations, sales, and service through structured weekly check-ins and targeted coaching.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell05-2005
Skills
- Operations management
- Fiscal responsibility
- Project management
- Budget development
- Revenue forecasting
- Team development
- Leadership skills
Certification
- Food Protection Manager Certification, 04/01/23, 04/01/28
- Executive Leadership, 09/01/23
- Hospitality Management, 05/01/23
Timeline
Resort General Manager & Project Manager
Sky Resorts
06.2025 - 02.2026
Resort General Manager-Opening Team
Firefall Ranch Yosemite Resort
05.2024 - 05.2025
General Manager
Front Street Grill & Rhumbar
09.2023 - 04.2024
Director of Operations-General Manager
Useppa Island Club
04.2021 - 09.2023
Support Staff & Manager on Duty
Useppa Island Club
02.2018 - 04.2020
Restaurant General Manager
Texas Great Country Cafe
01.2016 - 01.2018
Financial Center Manager
Bank of America
10.2013 - 12.2015
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Montgomery County Community College
Honors And Awards
NY Times Top 5 Remote Luxury Resorts