Michael Estes
Mission Viejo,California
Summary
Experienced team leader adept at efficiently operating departments to meet goals. Proven track record of effectively matching employees with roles to optimize performance. Proactive and diligent individual dedicated to continuous operational improvement. Strong problem-solving abilities, a thirst for knowledge, and excellent communication skills. Positioned to make significant contributions to team success and attain positive outcomes. Eager to take on new challenges and drive organizational objectives with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Fantasyland Food & Beverage - Disneyland Park
11.2021 - Current
- Leading salaried and hourly leaders to ensure consistency, optimum Guest experience, and employee development
- Increased total annual sales each year by 10% or greater
- Partnering with the culinary team to produce and sustain relevant and profitable menu items
- Envisioned the first daily reporting system for revenue and item movement tracking
- Teams achieved several daily sales records across multiple locations.
Project Manager
Disneyland Park
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Executing Disneyland Park executive strategies and ad-hoc projects.
Labor Relations Manager
Disneyland Resort
02.2021 - 08.2021
- Managing and providing resolution to multiple union grievances between Entertainment, IATSE 923, Master Services and the Disneyland Resort
- Active participant in contract negotiations and arbitrations
- Partnering with Employee Relations and Human Resource Business Partners to ensure consistency
- Providing feedback on ongoing business practices to ensure contract adherence.
Operations Manager
Fantasyland Attractions - Disneyland Park
07.2020 - 02.2021
- Effectively leading salaried leaders to ensure consistency, optimum Guest experience, and employee development
- Facilitating team discussions to solicit feedback to stimulate organizational growth and development.
Labor Relations Manager
Disneyland Resort
02.2020 - 07.2020
- Managing and providing resolution to multiple union grievances between Local 50 and the Disneyland Resort
- Providing feedback on ongoing business practices to ensure contract adherence.
Operations Manager
Frontierland and Fantasyland Attractions - DLP
07.2016 - 02.2020
- Collaborating effectively with support teams to move the operation forward on projects including scheduling group realignment, Storybookland Canal Boats rehabilitation, CDS implementation at nine attractions, Thunder interior queue re-design, Dumbo Queue Redesign and Peter Pan queue merge transformation
- Managing multiple projects at once while prioritizing and balancing daily workload to exceed Cast and Guest expectations
- Creating annual operating plans that efficiently meet business demand while remaining fiscally responsible
- Reduced safety claim incidents by revising operating procedures.
Events Manager
Disneyland Resort
05.2016 - 07.2016
- Managing special events Resortwide to ensure client needs are met while balancing the integrity of a daily operation with a worldwide reputation for hospitality
- Successfully completed several key events including two Hollywood motion picture premieres, Frozen at the Hyperion Press Event and Cast preview, and Board of Directors visit.
Project Manager for Disneyland Park Operations
Disneyland Resort
07.2014 - 05.2016
- Planning and managing recognition events including meals and collateral distributions that reach over 20,000 Cast Members Resortwide
- Coordinating reward and recognition efforts across the Disneyland Resort supporting multiple lines of business with resources, knowledge, and time to ensure Cast are recognized for their hard work
- Developing and teaching content for salaried training courses and workshops to establish Disney guest service standards
- Managing the relationship between the Disneyland Today social media team and operational teams daily ensuring content posted to Facebook and Twitter is accurate.
Manager for Park Operations - Attractions
Disneyland Resort
11.2010 - 07.2014
- Collaborating effectively on a nine manager team through open communication and dialogue
- Leading over 350 Cast Members, including fifty Leads and Trainers in the safe and efficient operation of eight diverse attractions and the Fantasmic! Guest Flow Team
- Selected twice consecutively as the Emerging Leader mentor for New Orleans and Critter Country Attractions
- Improved the Guest experience as the Fantasmic! point of contact as evidenced by over one hundred Guest compliments in 2013 through Cast Member empowerment and positive reinforcement.
Communications Professional for Public Affairs
Disneyland Resort
09.2006 - 11.2010
- Creating, executing, and marketing internal communication in a department that communicates company information, events, programs, and policy changes to over 20,000 employees
- Champion and co-creator of the Public Affairs reward and recognition program
- Showcased and marketed the newest releases with the Disney Interactive Media Group at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Education
Masters of Business Administration -
Chapman University
Orange, CA12.2010
Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Communications -
Saint Mary's College of California
Moraga, CA05.2005
Skills
Problem-Solving
Team Leadership
Operations Management
Customer Service
Diversity and Inclusion
Labor Relations
Strategic Planning
Quick Learner
Community involvement and personal interests
- Executive Leadership Member of the Disneyland Resort PULSE Black Business Enterprise Resource Group
- Led efforts to launch multiple workstreams to impact the Black Cast Member experience throughout 2020-21
- Represented The Walt Disney Company at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture
- Member of the Disneyland Resort Speakers Bureau
- Current LEADing BIG Board Member with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange County
Awards
- Earned the "Spirit of Disneyland" award in 2008 for the precedent-setting "History & Heritage" communication plan.
- Earned the prestigious Disney Parks "Walt Disney Legacy Award" by inspiring Cast while teaching Walt's guiding principles.
Timeline
Operations Manager
Fantasyland Food & Beverage - Disneyland Park
11.2021 - Current
Project Manager
Disneyland Park
08.2021 - 11.2021
Labor Relations Manager
Disneyland Resort
02.2021 - 08.2021
Operations Manager
Fantasyland Attractions - Disneyland Park
07.2020 - 02.2021
Labor Relations Manager
Disneyland Resort
02.2020 - 07.2020
Operations Manager
Frontierland and Fantasyland Attractions - DLP
07.2016 - 02.2020
Events Manager
Disneyland Resort
05.2016 - 07.2016
Project Manager for Disneyland Park Operations
Disneyland Resort
07.2014 - 05.2016
Manager for Park Operations - Attractions
Disneyland Resort
11.2010 - 07.2014
Communications Professional for Public Affairs
Disneyland Resort
09.2006 - 11.2010
Masters of Business Administration -
Chapman University
Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Communications -
Saint Mary's College of California
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