Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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Kayla Ann Nieman

Minneapolis,MN

Summary

Chief Operating Officer and Principal with experience leading a multi-state property management company and overseeing 1,000+ units. Proven track record in driving strategic growth, operational leadership, and financial management, with prior success as a Regional Director in the retail and food industry. MBA graduate recognized for driving efficiency, profitability, and team excellence

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Operating Officer & Principal

KOST MGMT
Minneapolis, Minnesota
05.2024 - Current
  • Founded and scaled a multi-state property management company overseeing 1,000+ residential units, establishing a growth, renovation and investment strategy.
  • Designed and implemented organizational structure, standardized operating procedures, and performance systems to drive operational excellence and consistency across all markets.
  • Recruited, developed, and led a high-performing team of 20 employees, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and resident-first service.
  • Directed financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, expense management, and revenue growth initiatives to optimize profitability and asset value.
  • Leveraged technology platforms and process automation to enhance efficiency, streamline reporting, and enable data-driven decision-making.
  • Built and maintained strategic partnerships with investors, vendors, and stakeholders, positioning the company for sustainable expansion and long-term success.

Director of Operations and Sales

The Connor Group
Minneapolis, Minnesota
12.2022 - 05.2024
  • Strategize and train sales and maintenance teams to meet monthly targets while ensuring operational efficiency
  • Develop and implement maintenance and turnover schedules to efficiently manage daily operations and expenses across a 453-unit community
  • Coach and evaluate sales associates to drive goal achievement, retention, and high-quality customer service
  • Oversee execution of operational systems and processes to optimize net operating income through driving rental rates and minimizing expenses
  • Manage advertising ROI, contracts, payroll, and capital expenditures for financial efficiency and accountability
  • Maintain strong customer relationships with residents, external agencies, and maintenance vendors to enhance satisfaction and service quality
  • Analyze market trends and adjust rental pricing strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue

Regional Director of Operations

OPAA! Food Management
Omaha, Nebraska
05.2020 - 12.2022
  • Manage a team of 11 District Managers who are responsible for the operating 36 School Nutrition Programs
  • Procure supplier relations through supply chain shortages, ensuring all schools received product
  • Promote profitability by tracking budgeting, inventory management, labor control and weekly P&L analysis
  • Recruit, train, coach, and develop all layers of staff and leadership while increasing retention of team
  • Enhance operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems, and procedures
  • Develop relationships within school administration to increase communication between Food Management Company and the School Districts, providing security through COVID transitions
  • Led teams through COVID regulations, health department expectations, and continual change management

District Manager

Bosselman Enterprises
Omaha, Nebraska
01.2018 - 06.2020
  • Provided leadership, direction, and developmental goals for 9-12 convenience stores, generating 60 million dollars in revenue, with 80-130 team members. Increased year end operating income by over $750,000
  • Responsible for procuring, executing, and coordinating programs within assigned categories to meet division sales and gross margin growth initiatives. Led and trained a variety of franchise food concepts
  • Identified a gap in inventory controls and implemented a companywide inventory system
  • Conducted weekly conference calls, quarterly manager meetings and regular performance reviews. Motivated direct reports and respective teams to ensure a positive growth environment
  • Analyzed operational reports to provide feedback to proactively improve store conditions and customer loyalty. Identified gaps and developed objectives with daily and weekly action plans to increase sales

Marketing & Store Opening Lead

Eat Fit Go Healthy Foods
Omaha, Nebraska
07.2017 - 01.2018
  • Oversaw payroll, hiring, training, sales, and six store conditions. Crafted local marketing and events
  • Traveled as a Corporate Representative to franchise store openings to head start operations at four locations

District Manager

Aldi Foods
Olathe, KS
06.2015 - 07.2017
  • Managed the operations, development, and growth of a district made up of 3-6 stores, producing 35-55 million dollars in annual sales, with a total of 40-70 team members. Discussed and planned growth initiatives
  • Recruited, developed, and maintained a high-quality district of employees. Continually gave open feedback
  • Trained management on team building, employee buy-in, financial goal setting and achievement. Executed loss prevention strategies, time management tactics, and store employee routines
  • Communicated regularly with Real Estate, Warehouse and Logistics, Purchasing, and Administration departments, as well as act as the liaison between my district, store managers, and corporate
  • Created a culture of leadership, excellence, and accountability within the district

Education

MBA - Project Management

Midland University
Fremont, NE
05-2019

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
05-2016

Timeline

Chief Operating Officer & Principal

KOST MGMT
05.2024 - Current

Director of Operations and Sales

The Connor Group
12.2022 - 05.2024

Regional Director of Operations

OPAA! Food Management
05.2020 - 12.2022

District Manager

Bosselman Enterprises
01.2018 - 06.2020

Marketing & Store Opening Lead

Eat Fit Go Healthy Foods
07.2017 - 01.2018

District Manager

Aldi Foods
06.2015 - 07.2017

MBA - Project Management

Midland University

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Truman State University

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Kayla Ann Nieman