Karen Gwynne

• Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
• Developed strong relationships with guests, addressing complaints promptly and ensuring a positive dining experience.
• Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
• Developed and implemented marketing initiatives to increase sales and revenue. Including Cocktails & Canvases, holiday events, Lil' Cub kids program, and promotion of Loyalty Club.
• Coordinated special events, including private parties, corporate functions, and holiday events to meet guests needs while maximizing profits.
• Implemented and preformed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
• Learned and adapted quickly to new, custom POS system. Programmed new menu items into system for in-house and online ordering.

• Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality landscaping designs and maintaining clear communication throughout the project.
• Educated clients on proper care and maintenance of landscaping projects.
• Provided exceptional customer service during consultations to assess property needs accurately and recommend suitable landscaping solutions.
• Researched and identified appropriate plants and materials for landscaping projects.
• Scheduled all crews for timely completion of projects, working around weather issues, material delivery schedules and subcontractors.
• Became proficient at Realtime Landscape Architect program and LMN Pro (Landscape management program that created proposals, tracked inventory and pricing, facilitated scheduling and invoicing)
• Coordinated with subcontractors such as electricians or plumbers when necessary to complete complex installations seamlessly.
• Maintained all local business registrations and licensing requirements, including all of our fleet vehicles.

American Marketing Association bought out my contract due to a company wide reorganization in April, 2015. However they extended my contract until December 2015 so that I could assist with the reorganization.

I took a 2 year break to assist my elderly father with various health issues.

During this time I also worked with a local pet rescue as a volunteer, assisting with their social media and office management.

I began my tenure at the AMA as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Liaison to the Board of Directors. A year later the AMA began developing a formal sponsorship program as an additional revenue stream. I was chosen by our CEO to assist IEG, a sponsorship consultancy, in the development of assets and programs. I was appointed Manager of the program when it launched, and promoted to Sr. Manager, then Director as the program grew and additional staff were added to the department.

• Collaborated with cross-functional departments to optimize product offerings and pricing strategies, increasing overall profitability.
• Managed a high-performing sales team, providing regular coaching and training to enhance their skills and performance.
• Aligned company goals with customer outcomes and increased satisfaction with sponsorship and advertising programs.
• Increased profit margins by effectively controlling budget and overhead. Included partnering with software companies on a barter basis to eliminate platform costs for programs.
• Forged strategic alliances with complementary businesses to expand customer base via co-marketing efforts or bundled offerings. Including Member Perks Program and job board alliances.
• Conducted market research to identify potential areas of growth for future product development initiatives.
• Utilized CRM software to track sales progression and communicate project needs. (Oracle, SalesForce, HubSpot)

I began my tenure as a Restaurant Account for their Hobart, IN location. Soon after, I began training as a manager and corporate trainer.

I worked closely with our executive office on new store openings and implemented corporate training programs for staff and management. The company grew rapidly, opening several new restaurants across the state of Indiana in the space of a few years.

In 1994 I was appointed their first Human Resources Director, responsible for hiring, training and HR policies for all of Levinson's TGI Friday's and Fast Fridays restaurants in the State of Indiana. I also acted as the Regional Operations Director for restaurants in the northern Indiana area.