Raymond Gonzalez
Summary
Experienced General Manager with over 20 years in hospitality, recognized for leading high-performing teams, executing strategic initiatives, and driving operational excellence. Combines strong project management, process improvement, and resource allocation expertise with a collaborative, adaptable approach. Consistently delivers high-quality results in dynamic environments, bringing clarity, accountability, and momentum to every challenge, and leaving operations stronger, teams more aligned, and goals not just met, but exceeded outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Homewood Suites Charles Historic District
Charleston, SC
01.2024 - Current
- Hampton property sold and offered opportunity to relocate to Homewood Suites Charleston
- Directed budgetary processes to optimize costs and ensure high-quality outcomes.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration and cultivate strong alignment across all departments.
- Ensure brand alignment, achieving high guest satisfaction scores and top ratings.
- Achieved recognition as Tara Hospitality Manager of the Quarter twice, reflecting strong leadership and operational excellence.
GENERAL MANAGER
Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/Ballantyne
Charlotte, NC
04.2022 - 01.2024
- Led operational efficiency initiatives to enhance guest satisfaction and improve overall hotel performance.
- Oversee property improvement plans (PIP) and renovations from concept to completion
- Ranked Top 10 out of 204 hotels in Charlotte on Tripadvisor.
- Improve GOP by 5% through labor optimization, vendor negotiation, and purchasing efficiencies
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Fairfield Inn Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
12.2020 - 04.2022
- Oversee budget planning and cost optimization for efficient hotel operations
- Analyze STR and M3 data to adjust pricing strategies and drive market share
- Streamlined front desk operations to enhance guest satisfaction and improve service efficiency.
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Home2 Suites Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
05.2020 - 12.2020
- Lead hotel launch, aligning operations with brand standards for seamless opening
- Facilitate onboarding for new hires, ensuring swift team integration
- Implemented training programs for staff, resulting in improved performance and team cohesion.
- Managed inventory control processes, ensuring optimal stock levels and reducing waste.
SENIOR RESORT MANAGER
Encore Reunion Resort
Orlando, FL
01.2020 - 06.2020
- Lead operations for 200+ luxury rentals with 3 property restaurants.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring high-quality guest experiences and satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing initiatives to enhance resort visibility and attract new guests.
RESORT HOTEL MANAGER
The Grove Resort & Spa
Orlando, FL
02.2017 - 01.2020
- Led team to surpass objectives in 800+ room resort with 2 restaurants and waterpark, ensuring smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
- Optimized team performance, fostering collaboration and achieving significant service improvements.
- Oversaw daily front desk operations, ensuring high standards of guest service and satisfaction.
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Hampton Inn & Suites
Orlando, FL
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Manage daily hotel operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and driving compliance with brand standards, while leading team collaboration across departments and implementing cost-saving initiatives to ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Lead team collaboration and foster synergy across all departments
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Fairfield Inn Universal Studios
Orlando, FL
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Led a team to enhance guest satisfaction, achieving a 4.8-star rating on review platforms.
- Collaborated with departments to boost occupancy rates, resulting in significant revenue growth.
- Resolved guest issues promptly, fostering a welcoming and positive hotel environment.
HOTEL MANAGER
Hilton Garden Inn
Orlando, FL
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Led daily hotel operations, enhancing guest satisfaction and optimizing staff efficiency.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies, reducing operational expenses while maintaining quality service.
- Developed team training programs, resulting in improved service standards and increased guest loyalty.
NIGHT HOTEL MANAGER
The Queen Mary Hotel
Long Beach, CA
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Oversee overnight operations, ensuring guest satisfaction, safety, and seamless service delivery while resolving issues promptly, coordinating across departments, and motivating staff to maintain high-quality service and guest loyalty.
- Resolve guest issues promptly, fostering a welcoming environment and guest loyalty.
Education
BBA - Business Administration
Florida International University
Miami, FL04-1998
Skills
- Hotel management
- Pre-Opening management
- Project coordination
- Budget control
- P&L management
- Forecasting
- Operations oversight
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic planning and execution
- Relationship building
- Bi-lingual (spanish)
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Homewood Suites Charles Historic District
01.2024 - Current
GENERAL MANAGER
Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/Ballantyne
04.2022 - 01.2024
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Fairfield Inn Charlotte
12.2020 - 04.2022
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Home2 Suites Uptown Charlotte
05.2020 - 12.2020
SENIOR RESORT MANAGER
Encore Reunion Resort
01.2020 - 06.2020
RESORT HOTEL MANAGER
The Grove Resort & Spa
02.2017 - 01.2020
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Hampton Inn & Suites
01.2015 - 01.2017
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Fairfield Inn Universal Studios
01.2013 - 01.2015
HOTEL MANAGER
Hilton Garden Inn
01.2011 - 01.2013
NIGHT HOTEL MANAGER
The Queen Mary Hotel
01.2005 - 01.2008
BBA - Business Administration
Florida International University