JOHN MEYER
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Kansas City,MO
9
years of professional experience
Results-oriented operations leader with experience in hospitality, food service, manufacturing, and product development. Builds high-performing teams, scales manufacturing, and enhances operational efficiency to drive business growth. Expertise in production management, franchise development, strategic sourcing, and business development. Focused on developing emerging leaders and translating vision into measurable outcomes through a culture of ownership and service.
Work History
PRODUCTION MANAGER / DIRECTOR OF FLAVOR DEVELOPMENT
1 Year 9 Months- Product Innovation: Researched, developed, and successfully brought more than 60 new flavors to market, expanding product offerings and creating new opportunities for business growth.
- Production Growth: Increased annual production from approximately 70,000 gallons to 125,000 gallons, representing nearly 79% growth.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduced production cost per gallon from $3.20 to $1.89, achieving an approximately 41% cost reduction while substantially increasing annual production.
- Leadership Development: Fostered culture of employee development and accountability, achieving four Employees of the Month recognitions in the department.
- Franchise Development: Implemented production operations at franchise partner facilities and trained staff to ensure consistent production practices across locations.
- Wholesale Operations: Oversaw wholesale grocery accounts and coordinated development and execution of wholesale business operations.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Provided supplemental leadership and operational support to warehouse and logistics divisions to strengthen coordination and execution.
- Leadership Development: Fostered a culture of employee development, accountability, and recognition, resulting in four Employees of the Month recognitions within the department.
- Industry Recognition: Selected as an industry panelist at the 2026 ConeCon conference, contributing professional insight on flavor development and execution.
CULINARY DIRECTOR
1 Year 1 Month- Consulted with new business owners to develop and launch successful casual restaurant concepts.
- Developed comprehensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, including original recipes and distributor relationships.
- Trained and mentored kitchen employees, establishing clear operational expectations to enhance team performance.
- Directed daily back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent quality and execution of menu items.
GENERAL MANAGER
9 Months- Led recruitment and onboarding initiatives, enhancing team integration and retention.
- Developed tailored employee development plans, aligning individual strengths and goals with organizational needs.
- Developed individualized employee development plans based on individual strengths, needs, and professional goals.
- Evaluated business operations to facilitate smooth transition to new property management group.
MIDWEST FOODSERVICE MANAGER
3 Months- Managed relationships and operations for three largest distribution accounts, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.
- Led wholesale coffee sales and developed customer relationships, contributing to regional market expansion.
- Collaborated with the operations team to implement a new coffee shop at Kansas City International Airport.
- Supported foodservice growth through strategic account management and collaboration with operational teams.
GENERAL MANAGER & MULTI-SITE DIRECTOR
1 Year 2 Months- Directed operations and management of two Parisi retail locations, enhancing overall customer experience and team cohesion.
- Oversaw daily café operations, scheduling, customer service, recordkeeping, and employee relations.
- Created operational procedures for employee dress code, cell phone policies, and structured training plans, ensuring consistent standards and training for all staff.
- Created operational procedures, including employee dress code, cell phone policies, and structured training plans.
- Implemented elevated quality assurance standards for espresso and coffee preparation.
- Developed and maintained partnerships with Sporting Kansas City and Kansas City Chiefs, increasing community engagement and brand visibility.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
4 Years- Directed front-of-house operations, leading scheduling, training, and development for 20+ employees to enhance team performance and service quality.
- Oversaw restaurant operations across multiple business functions, from customer experience and service execution to kitchen operations and production.
- Oversaw restaurant operations across customer experience, service execution, and kitchen operations, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence.
- Supported business growth through strategic operational leadership and employee development, emphasizing execution and quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Christian Studies
Culinary Essential - Culinary Skills
Skills
Manufacturing & Production Management
Flavor innovation
Cost efficiency
Quality improvement
Sourcing strategy
Supply chain management
Wholesale Strategy
Revenue development
Franchise Operations
Operational Training
Leadership excellence
Leadership training
Accomplishments
- Selected Industry Panelist – 2026 ConeCon
- Panel Topic: Flavor Development & Execution
- Multiple Leadership Conferences
- Ongoing Professional Development
Personal Information
Title: Operations & Manufacturing Leader | Product Innovation | Business Growth & Organizational Development
Timeline
PRODUCTION MANAGER / DIRECTOR OF FLAVOR DEVELOPMENT
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
02.2025 - CurrentRead More
CULINARY DIRECTOR
The Springs
01.2024 - 02.2025Read More
GENERAL MANAGER
KC Hopps – T-Shotz
04.2023 - 01.2024Read More
MIDWEST FOODSERVICE MANAGER
Paris Brothers Specialty Foods
01.2023 - 04.2023Read More
GENERAL MANAGER & MULTI-SITE DIRECTOR
Paris Brothers Specialty Foods
11.2021 - 01.2023Read More
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
SLAP’s BBQ
11.2017 - 11.2021Read More
Calvary University
Bachelor of Arts from Christian Studies
Read More
L’Ecole Culinaire
Culinary Essential from Culinary Skills
Read More