Larry Brunson-Smith
Norton,VT
Summary
Dynamic management professional with over 27 years of experience in the hotel and retail sectors, excelling in roles such as Assistant General Manager, General Manager, and Regional Manager. Expertise includes regulatory compliance, budgeting, sales forecasting, and P&L accountability, alongside comprehensive oversight of payroll and cost controls. Proven track record in human resources encompasses recruitment, training program implementation, and staff motivation, supported by strong communication skills through effective reporting and public relations. Proficient in various computer applications, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced productivity across all departments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Team Manager
BELK, INC.
Jacksonville, FL
05.2016 - 09.2019
- Responsible for managing the ROCC team that performs non-selling duties to support the selling function of the store. This includes but is not limited to merchandise presentation, timely floor setup with signing of promotional events and seasonal activities, and maintains floor and stock areas to be consistent with store standards. Ensure the team completes all markdowns, sales sets, processing transfers, RTV’s, damages, and MOS’.
Operations Team Manager
BELK, INC.
Raleigh, NC
09.2014 - 05.2016
- Responsible for managing the ROCC team that performs non-selling duties to support the selling function of the store. This includes but not limited to merchandise presentation, timely floor setup with signing of promotional events and seasonal activities, and maintains floor and stock areas to be consistent with store standards. Ensure the team completes all markdowns, sales sets, processing transfers, RTV’s, damages, and MOS’.
Operations Team Manager
BELK, INC.
Cary, NC
03.2014 - 09.2014
- Responsible for managing the ROCC team that performs non-selling duties to support the selling function of the store. This included but not limited to merchandise presentation, timely floor setup with signing of promotional events and seasonal activities, and maintains floor and stock areas to be consistent with store standards. Ensured the team completed all markdowns, sales sets, processing transfers, RTV’s, damages, and MOS’.
Sales Team Manager
BELK, INC.
Gastonia, NC
01.2013 - 03.2014
- Was able to execute the training received in the STMDP program. Areas of responsibility were Ladies Moderate, Accessories and Ladies Shoes, while exceeding sales plan in Accessories and Ladies Shoes as well as credit goals. Started and completed the “Accelerated Leadership Program” while in Gastonia then transferred to Cary, NC shortly thereafter.
Sales Team Manager
BELK, INC.
Wilmington, NC
11.2011 - 01.2013
- During training, spent quality time in each department understanding the merchandizing procedures and what drives their individual business.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
PREMIER HOSPITALITY GROUP
Charleston, SC
05.2001 - 06.2011
- As Regional Director of Operations, I was in charge of multiple hotels within the portfolio. Provided support, resources, and guidance to the General Managers within the region. I was in charge of the overall operations of hotels within the region. This position required extensive travel.
- Monitored performance of hotels in the region through verification and analysis of guest satisfaction and, quality audits. Work with General Managers and Regional Director of Sales, Revenue Management to initiate corrective action.
- Maintained knowledge of product and service quality standards for each brand and conduct ongoing evaluations of property adherence to brand standards.
- Developed and leverages internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals.
- Ensured acquisition of competitive talent for a region, partnering in development of company human resources initiatives and promoting opportunities to attract and retain a high performing diverse workforce.
- Analyzed and mitigates risk to the region by proactively monitoring internal and external risk opportunities to the company, developing action plans, and utilizing the regional team to execute the plan(s).
- Provided overall direction for a region by analyzing business objectives and guest needs; developing, communicating, building support for, and implementing business strategies plans, and practices.
- Managed overall financial performance of the region by analyzing and reconciling financial reports, determining trends and areas of opportunity, advising others on cost control methods, Payroll and resolving budgetary issues.
- Developed and implements multi-year business and profitable growth strategies for a region to deliver increased market share by managing financial performance, assessing economic factors, demographics trends, and competitive strategy, enhancing the brand and leveraging relationships.
- Added value to PHG by focusing on improving total revenues and RevPAR.
- Focused on local sales efforts and QA improvement.
- Evaluated the performance of each property.
- Created strategies for region that align with the company's strategies and lead to the achievement of business priorities. Pursues initiatives and opportunities that will support the company’s strategies.
- Built and sustains an environment where adherence to and reinforcement of the highest standards of integrity and ethics are the norm.
- Demonstrated creativity and strength in the face of change, obstacles and adversity.
- Worked with the Regional Director of Sales, Vice President of Operations, Director of Revenue Management, & and property sales teams, to ensure each property in the region is performing to company revenue expectations for the market.
- Conducted property visits to review financial performance, asset protection and service standards. Set and review management team progress on assigned goals and objectives, and work to maximize total asset performance.
- Conducted GM performance reviews & approve performance reviews for management team members. Review & approve changes to wage guidelines & merit increases.
- Worked with properties to identify capital requirements ensuring adherence to company and brand standards, and oversees disbursement of capital as project is completed.
- Ensured unbeatable excellence in all brand and PHG standards utilizing the PHG standard Regional Audit Checklist.
- Lead and directs the efforts to ensure successful transitions during acquisitions of hotels.
- Able to train, motivate, coach, mentor, and set an example to direct reports while creating a cultivated management workforce.
- Completed and returned expense reports in a timely manner.
TRAINING/INSTALLATION SPECIALIST
CHOICE HOTEL INTERNATIONAL
Scottsdale, AZ
06.1999 - 04.2001
- Provided training to general managers and hotel staff on operational skills, software and revenue management activities to help affect guest service and business efficiency. Also provided installation services and on-site support to properties that purchase the proprietary property management systems. Delivered training through on-site visits, regionalized training workshops and other training vehicles such as online webinars.
- Conducted training for hotels, support personnel, field service staff, and management company personnel either on-site or in regional learning workshops; utilizes company-developed curriculum and training plan
- Installed hardware and software
- Assist hotel staff in building both systems and operational skills to help the property better utilize the technology tools
- Worked with new training staff, preparing them to work on their own in the field
- Provided input on training materials and course content, working with other trainers and management personnel as needed
- Acted as liaison between the hotels and Technical Services during the training process and for a time period after training
- Provided administrative or project support as needed
- Completed and returned expense reports in a timely manner
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Vocal Major, Piano, Biblical Studies
Lee University
Cleveland, TN06.1986
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Data-driven decision making
- Workforce planning
- Cross-functional coordination
Timeline
Operations Team Manager
BELK, INC.
05.2016 - 09.2019
Operations Team Manager
BELK, INC.
09.2014 - 05.2016
Operations Team Manager
BELK, INC.
03.2014 - 09.2014
Sales Team Manager
BELK, INC.
01.2013 - 03.2014
Sales Team Manager
BELK, INC.
11.2011 - 01.2013
REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
PREMIER HOSPITALITY GROUP
05.2001 - 06.2011
TRAINING/INSTALLATION SPECIALIST
CHOICE HOTEL INTERNATIONAL
06.1999 - 04.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Vocal Major, Piano, Biblical Studies
Lee University