John Vaughn
Austin,TX
Summary
Results-oriented professional with expertise in digital marketing and project management. Proven ability to drive successful campaigns and projects. Strong computer literacy enhances analytical and strategic capabilities for impactful results in dynamic environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO
Woodsman's Creations
Austin, TX
07.2022 - Current
- Successfully taught myself woodworking skills and established Woodsman's Creations, a product-based company specializing in furniture and home goods.
- Lowered Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) through strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, and efficient operational processes, resulting in profitability within 6 months.
- Cultivated and nurtured relationships with local businesses and individuals, converting them into valuable sales opportunities. Implemented effective communication strategies to foster long-term partnerships resulting in four reoccurring accounts, and over $7,000 of gross profit in 5 months.
- Conducted thorough market research and strategically scouted workspaces, potential clients, and event locations to optimize Return on Investment (ROI) for markets, resulting in a remarkable 20% increase in overall sales.
- Developed and implemented key business strategies to enhance operational efficiency, streamline production processes, and boost overall productivity.
- Oversaw entire product life cycle, from ideation and design to production and in person delivery, ensuring high-quality products and customer satisfaction.
- Managed financial aspects, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, to drive informed decision-making and sustainable business growth.
Director of Operations
Woof Downtown Pet Care
08.2021 - Current
- Advising owners in, and conducting matters concerning HR such as employment law, recruitment, termination, documentation, and coaching conversations
- Recruitment, including identifying future hiring needs, job descriptions/requirements, job postings, screening, interviewing and skill assessment, hiring, on-boarding and training
- Developed and continuously maintain the employee handbook, employee related procedures/best practices, and training programs
- Lead business development efforts of this white-glove start-up, including creating strategic business relationships (example University of Texas, and, current and new buildings coming into the downtown area), identifying new expansion opportunities (creating doggie daycare in condo and apartment buildings as an amenity, creating events for marketing and new business), budget/forecast per project, follow up meetings, conceptualize the working spaces and creating commercial space floor plans, providing detailed operational expansion plans (number of staff, hours), advising owners on ways to develop their business in a sustainable and profitable direction
- Manage incoming inquiries from Austin's elite residents, handle pet concerns, staff scheduling
- Conduct client vetting procedures to ensure the client's needs and our services are compatible.
Senior Area Director
NFC Amenity Management
12.2018 - 08.2021
- Served as the first line of HR within my region overseeing the entire employment lifecycle. This included pre/onboarding, payroll and benefit coordination, disciplinary action and documentation, and separation documentation. I was recognized by NFC as having the best documentation in the company amongst other Area Directors.
- Oversaw a $1M portfolio of six urban concierge and lifestyle properties in the DFW Metroplex, then a $1.5M portfolio of ten urban concierge properties in the Austin and San Antonio area, maintaining strong relationships with clients, and coaching/guiding property directors by establishing expectations and accountability
- Participated in Disney Institute Leadership training
- Set standards, implemented new practices, and guided site leaders in their efforts to recruit, interview, and hire new employees while creating empowered and proactive talent, inspiring loyalty
- Created and facilitated mentorship program for site leaders creating camaraderie, providing professional and emotional support, and improving culture and retention
- Monitored, maintained and achieved property and regional budgets, adding value through revenue growth and operational efficiencies, evaluating all financial indicators
- Partnered with the business development team to procure references, find new business leads, attended sales meetings, and followed up with them as needed
- Assisted Regional Director of Texas, in on-boarding new properties across Texas region, by establishing property team, developing standard operating procedures, and alternating with Regional to fully support new team
- Adjusted all business practices accordingly with CDC and company guidelines in regard to Corona Virus pandemic; coordinated new protocols to clients and team members, ordered and created safety equipment, instituting A and B team scheduling, and securing essential worker documentation, in case of lockdowns
- Created and implemented virtual trainings for local and regional leaders
- Attended meetings and provided feedback to upper-level corporate positions regarding property performance, then championing the company core values back to the properties in delivering goals and initiatives in crafting the future of region
- Collaborated with site leaders to improve culture, created an environment of collaboration between client and property teams, fostering customer focus and exceeding customer expectations; consistently evaluating processes and procedures to design a unique experience at each property
- I enjoyed cultivating a team of 60 employees. I set one on one meetings, encouraged career development, identified areas to maximize growth and learning by meeting each team member where they were, rewarding performance and providing constructive feedback resulting in 10 internal promotions to leadership positions.
Lifestyle and Concierge Director
NFC Amenity Management
12.2015 - 12.2018
- Chosen to lead the concierge department of Lifestyle brands, a new Texas venture for NFC, the first of many
- Opened property from construction; worked with the Regional Asset Manager to conceptualize the working spaces and evaluate the dimensions, security, and flow process for vendors, residents, and associates; established expectations to regulate vendors; ascertain technology package; collaborated on creating realistic procedures while limiting building and operational liability and protecting residents' security
- Created all workflow procedures; created all procedural and staff S.O.Ps and conduct expectations
- Maintained and balanced annual budget which included all payroll (overtime, shift coverage, regular wages) and benefits, loss prevention, training, marketing, employee retention, vendor relations
- Created engaging on-boarding and interactive training systems, including written documentation and training videos; conducted training sessions
- Managed staff of 11 people which consisted of a manager, concierge staff, security staff, pool attendant, and fitness instructor
- All associate relations, recruitment, hiring, coaching, counseling, documentation
- Optimized schedule to ensure coverage, customer service, efficiencies and productivity, and fiscal conservation
- Created and implemented mentoring program for managers and part time associates
- Communicated and interacted with residents/regional/team/property management systematize resident move in; regulate resident package processes; handle high value guest items
- Created monthly events; determined the theme, inclusions, and vendors; negotiated pricing; presented to leadership team for approval; sourced items; created marketing to advertise the event; conduct the event including set up, hosting, clean up and follow up; prepared the invoices for payment staying within budget
- Lead efforts to standardize Standard Operating Procedure manual for all properties in the state of Texas.
Education
High School Diploma -
Boyd Highschool
McKinney, TX06.2013
Skills
- Marketing
- Budget Control
- Brand Management
- Negotiation
- Schedule Preparation
- Emotional Intelligence
- Written Communication
- Project Management
- Communications Management
- Campaign Development
- Market Tracking
- Creative Direction
Timeline
CEO
Woodsman's Creations
07.2022 - Current
Director of Operations
Woof Downtown Pet Care
08.2021 - Current
Senior Area Director
NFC Amenity Management
12.2018 - 08.2021
Lifestyle and Concierge Director
NFC Amenity Management
12.2015 - 12.2018
High School Diploma -
Boyd Highschool
Affiliations
- Extreme sports
- Backpacking
- Aquarist (fish)