MELISSA MERSE
Cincinnati,Ohio
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in operational management and strategic planning at PharmaCann, LLC. Proven track record in driving performance metrics and regulatory compliance, achieving a 12.2% in labor costs across 3 states. Adept at team leadership and fostering community connections, consistently enhancing customer service and operational efficiency across diverse environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Partner- Retail
High Spirits Cannabis,LLC. /Ascension Bio medical
Cleveland, Ohio
01.2023 - Current
- Lead the team in establishing a new dispensary, opening in May 2025, with 12 staff members and 3 managers.
- Designed mandatory state security training, ensuring compliance, and safety.
- Collaborated with the team to achieve operational readiness and regulatory adherence in preparation for opening.
- Created the entire operational framework for ROAM Dispensary operations. Including SOPs, training, and onboarding.
Multi State Regional Manager
PharmaCann,LLC / Verilife
Cincinnati, Ohio
03.2019 - 12.2024
- Led strategic expansion across three states, orchestrating operations for a 300+ member team, while establishing cohesive regional standards and performance metrics.
- Portfolio management direct report for nine retail locations, and established relationships with three grow facilities.
- Implemented innovative solutions, driving continuous service improvements, leading to a combined portfolio of 1.5 million per month in sales.
- Analyzed processes to streamline workflows, achieving measurable results.
- 2024 results overall: Labor 12.2%, AT 88.31, UPT 2.8, Google reviews average 4.6, and 1 successful new store opening in Silver Springs, Maryland.
- Addressed operational challenges with creative strategies, fostering improvement and community connections under current marketing limitations.
- Partnered with all arms of the company to communicate effectively and foster teamwork among divisions
Director of Culinary
Northgate Park
Cincinnati, Ohio
11.2017 - 02.2019
- Orchestrated comprehensive menu management in accordance with strict dietary, state, and financial guidelines.
- Enhanced patient care by collaborating with Nursing Care to ensure we offered a fruit and water station daily in the facility.
- Managed this facility for assisted living, providing 24/7 patient care for 120 residents, 50 staff members for daily nutrition, and multiple health needs.
Director of Culinary
Fort Wayne Children’s zoo
Fort Wayne, Ind.
03.2016 - 11.2017
- Orchestrated a comprehensive menu redesign across multiple zoo venues, enhancing visitor satisfaction while optimizing food cost management.
- Implemented sustainable food service practices and local sourcing initiatives, reducing waste, and strengthening community partnerships.
- Led cross-functional teams of culinary staff and vendors to ensure seamless operation during peak seasonal events and special exhibitions.
- Developed specialized themed menu concepts aligned with zoo exhibits, creating unique dining experiences that enhanced visitor engagement
Director of Sales/Project Manager
Wyndham Garden
Fort Wayne, Ind.
02.2014 - 03.2016
- Managed the budget and safety codes for property conversion, ensuring timely project completion. completion
- Led insurance reporting post-fire, aiding recovery, and transition to a new sales director role.
- Coordinated multiple contractors effectively, achieving project goals within deadlines.
- Oversaw financial planning, delivering measurable improvements in project efficiency.
- Managed critical incident response during a major facility emergency, documenting and coordinating insurance claims while ensuring thorough compliance with reporting protocols.
General Manager
Brueggers Bagels.
Cincinnati, Ohio
05.2012 - 12.2014
- Led P&L initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency, and team morale.
- Implemented staff training, reducing turnover, and boosting customer service.
- Optimized inventory, cutting waste, and operational costs.
- Monitored daily sales metrics and customer feedback to adjust menu offerings and promotional strategies, enhancing store performance and guest satisfaction.
Operations Manager
McHale’s Events and Catering.
Park Hills, Kentucky
03.2011 - 04.2012
- Led catering operations for six venues, bringing efficiency to the operations by reducing setup time by 30 minutes per event, boosting service efficiency, and lowering labor by 2%.
- Managed budget and vendor relations, optimizing costs while maintaining top-tier service quality.
- Enhanced organizational capabilities, improving conflict resolution, and operational effectiveness for a small, family-owned business.
Regional Manager
Five Guys Burger and Fries, llc.
Cincinnati, OH
04.2009 - 06.2010
- Pioneered a market entry strategy for the Cincinnati region, successfully launching five locations in eleven months while achieving recruiting and growth goals.
- Spearheaded recruitment and comprehensive training programs for 215 employees, ensuring consistent service standards, and operational excellence across multiple locations.
- Negotiated and managed vendor contracts for all locations, optimizing costs, and establishing sustainable supply chain relationships for long-term growth.
- Orchestrated brand development initiatives, resulting in significant media coverage and market recognition, strengthening Five Guys' presence in the Cincinnati area.
General Manager/Local Store Marketing- Ohio Market
BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC.
Cincinnati, OH
03.2003 - 04.2009
- Managed complete P&L operations for numerous high-volume restaurant locations, implementing cost controls and revenue strategies to drive business growth.
- Developed and executed local store marketing initiatives as a specialist consultant, creating targeted campaigns to increase community engagement and store visibility.
- Orchestrated comprehensive P&L operations for a high-volume location, implementing strategic cost controls and revenue initiatives to drive sustained business growth.
- Led the recruitment, training, and development of a 50-member team, fostering a performance-driven culture that aligned individual contributions with restaurant objectives.
- Created the agreements partnering BWW and the first NFL agreement (Cincinnati Bengals), and the first televised agreement with the UFC and the Cincinnati locations.
Education
Radio And Television Broadcasting
Southern Ohio College
Skills
- Operational management
- Regulatory compliance
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Financial analysis
- Customer service
- Strategic planning
- Performance metrics
- Conflict resolution
- Market strategy
Awards
- American Red Cross Humanitarian Award
- Channel 12 Hometown Hero
- Buffalo Wild Wings Local Store Marketer of the Year 04, 06, 08
- Top 25 Performer sales growth- 4 years consecutive 2004-2008
Timeline
Managing Partner- Retail
High Spirits Cannabis,LLC. /Ascension Bio medical
01.2023 - Current
Multi State Regional Manager
PharmaCann,LLC / Verilife
03.2019 - 12.2024
Director of Culinary
Northgate Park
11.2017 - 02.2019
Director of Culinary
Fort Wayne Children’s zoo
03.2016 - 11.2017
Director of Sales/Project Manager
Wyndham Garden
02.2014 - 03.2016
General Manager
Brueggers Bagels.
05.2012 - 12.2014
Operations Manager
McHale’s Events and Catering.
03.2011 - 04.2012
Regional Manager
Five Guys Burger and Fries, llc.
04.2009 - 06.2010
General Manager/Local Store Marketing- Ohio Market
BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC.
03.2003 - 04.2009
Radio And Television Broadcasting
Southern Ohio College
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