Kevin Baker
Broomfield,CO
Summary
Dynamic manager with 19 years of leadership in hospitality, enhancing guest services and operational efficiency. Successfully increased meals served from 900,000 to 1.125 million while maintaining cost effectiveness. Proven ability to foster teamwork and build strong relationships, driving employee engagement and organizational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Guest Services and Hospitality
Denver Rescue Mission
Denver
12.2024 - Current
- Provided visionary leadership and strategic direction for guest services across DRM sites.
- Oversaw recruitment, hiring, training, onboarding, and evaluation of guest services staff.
- Implemented hospitality standards for guest interactions and conflict resolution techniques.
- Developed sustainable systems for guest services, adaptable across various locations and staffing levels.
- Recruited and developed cohesive leadership team with no prior ministry experience.
- Fostered positive work environment that enhanced teamwork and empowered staff.
- Managed departmental budgets and performance metrics for resource efficiency.
- Established partnerships to broaden work readiness and enhance guest service opportunities.
- Ensured data integrity through accurate entry into HMIS/Scribe systems for compliance.
Director Denver Food Service
Denver Rescue Mission
Denver
09.2018 - Current
- Lead the food service department, consisting of Food Service Managers, Chef-Leads, and chefs; the total department size increased from 10 to 29 staff members.
- Oversaw team of leaders that increased meals served from 900,000 to 1.125 million in three years, maintaining plate cost of $2.03 despite fewer donations.
- Created and implemented catering operation without delivery, warming, or re-heating equipment, enabling service of an additional 1,200 meals per day.
- Created and oversaw the implementation of all COVID-19 health and safety protocols for food service to follow for the Denver and Northern Colorado markets within Denver Rescue Mission.
- Coached and trained the entire department on food quality, service standards, and food safety.
- Developed high-performing teams through mentorship, guidance, and professional growth opportunities.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
- Oversaw supply chain functions to verify inventory levels and budget adherence.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline the scope of positions for new organizations.
- Reported issues to management, providing detailed context for each situation.
General Manager
Smokin Fins
Arvada, CO
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Reviewed profit and loss statements, increasing labor productivity by 4% through daily, weekly, and monthly analysis.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Managed budget implementation, employee reviews, training, and scheduling to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Oversaw training, development, daily operations, and staffing for all locations within the restaurant.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
Restaurant Manager
Walt Disney World
Lake Buena Vista, FL
12.2003 - 07.2017
- Manage a 27.9 million dollar a year operation.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Increased restaurant revenue by optimizing table turnover rates and enhancing menu offerings.
- Improved overall customer satisfaction by implementing new service standards and staff training programs.
- Created a positive atmosphere, ensuring each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Reorganized training process for all Cast, enhancing understanding of Walt Disney World Table Service standards.
- Conducted regular staff training sessions and facility inspections to ensure compliance with local health department regulations.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Mentored and developed staff members for career advancement opportunities, leading to a more skilled and motivated workforce.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Successfully added 220 seats and 3 outdoor bar locations for a Super Bowl party (ESPN Club).
District Manager
Extended Stay America
Denver, CO
11.1999 - 10.2003
- Exceeded Operating Revenue for entire 5 hotel districts yearly.
- Achieved consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding existing client base within the district.
- Partnered with district managers and regional directors to share best practices, achieving sales goals and enhancing guest room utilization.
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.
- Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
- Conducted regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district to ensure compliance with company policies and federal/state regulations.
- Championed continuous improvement culture by soliciting employee feedback and implementing changes based on their suggestions.
- Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented a mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Coordinated regional marketing initiatives to boost brand visibility in target markets, attracting new customers and retaining existing clientele.
- Worked diligently to resolve unique and recurring complaints, promoting loyalty, and enhancing operations.
- Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX12-1992
Skills
- P&L management
- Budget management
- Data analysis
- Operational efficiency
- Quality assurance
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Risk management
- Team leadership
- Mentorship development
- Staff development
- Performance management
- Hiring strategies
- Human resources generalist
- Continuous improvement
- Coaching
- Conflict resolution
- Team building
- Time management
- Non-profit management
- OSHA 10-hour general industry safety certification
- ServSafe certified (expires 2028)
- Performance evaluation
- Problem solving
- Risk management
Accomplishments
- Calm Every Storm, CCG LLC, Certified Facility Facilitator, 12/01/22
- ServSafe Certified Facilitator / Proctor, Since 2022
- Level 1 Cicerone- Certified Beer Server, 12/01/16
- Best Team Builder - Extended Stay America - West and Mountain Region, 12/01/99
- Walt Disney World Partner In Excellence Recipient, 12/01/98
Timeline
Director Guest Services and Hospitality
Denver Rescue Mission
12.2024 - Current
Director Denver Food Service
Denver Rescue Mission
09.2018 - Current
General Manager
Smokin Fins
08.2017 - 08.2018
Restaurant Manager
Walt Disney World
12.2003 - 07.2017
District Manager
Extended Stay America
11.1999 - 10.2003
Bachelor of Science - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Texas Tech University