Open To Work
Noah Katz
Norwalk,CT
Work Preference
Summary
Results-driven operations executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in operational strategy and organizational growth within service-based and entrepreneurial environments. Expertise in multi-unit operations, team development, process improvement, and financial management. Experienced in cross-functional leadership, change management, and business transformation, focused on building scalable operations and enhancing accountability for sustained growth.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Operating Executive
Lava Sono
Norwalk, CT
06.2025 - 05.2026
- Launched and managed consumer-facing business, overseeing all operations and financial performance.
- Directed budgeting, hiring, purchasing, and vendor partnerships to optimize service delivery.
- Established company vision and mission to guide strategic direction and growth.
- Developed systems and standards to ensure operational consistency and scalability.
- Led a diverse team, fostering collaboration and encouraging innovative solutions.
- Initiated market research to identify trends and inform product strategies.
- Implemented training programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge base.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for optimal pricing structure.
Senior Operations Leader
Polpo Restaurant and Saloon
Greenwich, Connecticut
04.2010 - 08.2025
- Oversaw high-volume service operations, ensuring effective workforce planning and inventory purchasing.
- Supported new business launches, stabilizing operations to enhance team effectiveness and meet goals.
- Implemented operating procedures and performance standards, improving consistency in service delivery.
- Managed vendor relationships and operating budgets, prioritizing profitability and alignment with objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align daily operations with long-term strategic goals.
- Maintained compliance with food safety standards, achieving ServSafe food protection manager certification.
Owner & Lead Dog Trainer
Behave Dog
Westport, Connecticut
09.1989 - Current
- Established strong reputation for service quality, recognized as best dog trainer in Westport, Connecticut in 2020 and 2022.
- Sustained business growth through effective relationship management and client loyalty initiatives.
- Managed customer acquisition, retention, scheduling, and daily operations to drive business development.
- Built referral-based service business serving clients throughout Fairfield County.
- Developed customized training programs tailored to various dog breeds and temperaments.
- Conducted one-on-one obedience training sessions with owners and their dogs.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to promote desired behaviors in dogs.
- Facilitated group classes to improve socialization skills for dogs and their owners.
Life Insurance Agent
Preserved Wealth
Norwalk, Connecticut
01.2017 - 06.2024
- Surpassed company sales goals for new policies, driving revenue growth.
- Cultivated strong client relationships through personalized insurance consultations to enhance retention.
- Analyzed clients' financial needs to recommend tailored life insurance products.
- Developed targeted marketing strategies to attract new clients and expand market reach.
- Communicated with clients to assess needs and identify optimal policies.
- Provided ongoing support for policy management to ensure client satisfaction.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to remain informed on industry trends.
- Executed administrative tasks including filing paperwork and updating databases.
Mortgage Loan Originator
First Connecticut Financial
Fairfield, Connecticut
01.2004 - 09.2013
- Advised clients on mortgage options and credit improvement strategies for enhanced loan applications.
- Evaluated financial documents to assess loan eligibility and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated with underwriters to expedite loan processing and improve turnaround times.
- Reviewed borrower documentation for accuracy and completeness in tax returns, bank statements, and employment history.
- Researched loan products to identify optimal solutions tailored to customer needs.
- Facilitated closing processes by verifying all necessary documentation was complete.
- Provided training to junior staff on mortgage procedures and compliance requirements.
- Analyzed financial information to determine eligibility for various loan options.
Project Manager / Contractor
Residential Construction & Project Management
Westport, Connecticut
07.1990 - 11.2010
- Managed residential construction projects from initiation to completion, ensuring quality standards were met.
- Coordinated subcontractors and suppliers to achieve timely project delivery.
- Monitored project progress, aligning deliverables with established timelines and quality benchmarks.
- Allocated resources and managed budgets across multiple projects to meet financial objectives.
- Resolved conflicts and issues during construction phases to maintain timelines and quality.
- Developed solutions to project risks, successfully meeting quality and timeline goals.
Financial Advisor
American Express
Norwalk, Connecticut
04.2001 - 12.2003
- Developed tailored financial strategies for diverse client portfolios, ensuring alignment with objectives.
- Conducted thorough market analysis to guide personalized investment recommendations.
- Facilitated regular client meetings to review and adjust financial goals and performance.
- Analyzed economic trends, providing clients with informed financial advice.
- Explained benefits and drawbacks of financial products to enhance customer understanding.
- Monitored client portfolios to maintain alignment with evolving objectives.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries about accounts or services.
- Participated in marketing initiatives to boost brand awareness within the community.
Founder /Retail Business Owner
Noah's Bark
Wilton, Connecticut
03.1993 - 02.1997
- Oversaw financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation processes to enhance fiscal responsibility.
- Established vendor partnerships to ensure sourcing of quality products and services.
- Implemented process changes that increased efficiency and reduced costs.
- Created customer feedback loops to gather insights for continual improvement of products and services.
- Maintained client relationships through superior customer service and support.
Skills
- Training strategy and development
- Team leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Business growth
- Financial management
- Budgeting and analysis
- Service excellence
- Performance management
- Process improvement
- Operational excellence
- Change management
- Workforce optimization
- Partnership management
- Customer experience enhancement
- Dog training techniques
- Vendor negotiation
- Visionary leadership
- Strategic thinking
- Succession planning
Executive Highlights
- 20+ years of leadership experience across operations, financial services, customer-facing businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Demonstrated success launching, stabilizing, and improving business performance through operational strategy, process improvement, and disciplined execution.
- Proven ability to build teams, strengthen accountability, and drive profitability improvement across service-based organizations.
- Extensive experience leading customer-facing organizations with a strong focus on service delivery, operational excellence, and client satisfaction.
- Entrepreneurial operator with deep expertise in business development, organizational growth, and team development.
Timeline
Founder & Operating Executive
Lava Sono
06.2025 - 05.2026
Life Insurance Agent
Preserved Wealth
01.2017 - 06.2024
Senior Operations Leader
Polpo Restaurant and Saloon
04.2010 - 08.2025
Mortgage Loan Originator
First Connecticut Financial
01.2004 - 09.2013
Financial Advisor
American Express
04.2001 - 12.2003
Founder /Retail Business Owner
Noah's Bark
03.1993 - 02.1997
Project Manager / Contractor
Residential Construction & Project Management
07.1990 - 11.2010
Owner & Lead Dog Trainer
Behave Dog
09.1989 - Current