ROBERT HOPKINS
St. Peters
Summary
Results-driven hospitality and maritime professional with over 28 years of experience across cruise, hospitality, food & beverage, and maritime sectors. Expertise in enhancing guest experiences through meticulous operations and strategic branding. Holds a captain's license and possesses extensive knowledge in leading high-performing teams. Committed to high standards of quality, safety, sanitation and cost control while fostering staff morale through effective leadership.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Explorus: Echo Bluff Hospitality
Eminence
06.2022 - Current
- Direct comprehensive operations for 20-room lodge including event and conference venues, 13 cabins (2-4 bedrooms), a restaurant seating 120 guests, retail store, and amphitheater.
- Lead a team of over 60, including administration, front desk, sales, housekeeping, maintenance, and food and beverage operations.
- Managed new ROI projects while upholding rigorous inventory, cost, and product quality standards
- Organize and oversee all facility maintenance, PMs, and inspections in collaboration with maintenance manager
- Directed P&L oversight, CapEx allocation, and annual budgeting prioritizing labor and purchase controls.
- Implemented strategies resulting in a 16% savings on labor costs and an 18% reduction in food and beverage cost of goods sold (COGS).
- Sourced and facilitated live entertainment experiences
Director of Operations
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
St. Louis
07.2018 - 04.2022
- Directed and synchronized general operations for a team of 65+ across two 300-passenger fine and casual dining cruise boats, a 75-seat dockside restaurant, and a retail store.
- Elevated revenues by 18% through innovative marketing strategies, community engagement, heightened guest loyalty, and enhanced quality of service and products.
- Coordinated efforts with all licensing entities, encompassing Missouri state, St. Louis city, FDA, and United States Coast Guard, maintaining compliance, safety, sanitation, and operational integrity.
- Implemented rigorous inventory controls and product quality standards, achieving 11% reduction in food & beverage cost of goods sold (COGS)
- Engineered and enforced Preventative Maintenance Plans for both facility and vessel maintenance in coordination with Marine Operations Manager.
- Oversaw financial operations, encompassing P&L management alongside capital and annual budgeting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
- Organized and facilitated live entertainment, collaborating with the creative team to implement a successful outdoor concert series that enriched the guest experience and increased revenue.
- Oversaw the implementation of new technology solutions designed to streamline processes.
- Evaluated and negotiated contracts with vendors for compliance with regulations, terms and conditions, while securing optimal pricing options.
- Facilitated meetings with key stakeholders to discuss progress towards objectives.
Captain | Pilot
American Cruise Lines
Guilford
03.2013 - 06.2018
- Directed shipboard, hotel, and navigational operations for 200-passenger, 6,400 gross ton cruise ship
- Upheld the highest standards of guest service and safety, guaranteeing memorable experiences for all passengers.
- Collaborated and engaged with management team across five departments.
- Supervise navigation and vessel operations, employing advanced navigational tools and techniques.
- Orchestrated training and mentorship for new crew members, leading a team of over 50 to promote effective operations and uphold safety regulations.
- Addressed mechanical and operational problems efficiently, limiting downtime and promoting uninterrupted voyages.
- Oversaw and captained the delivery of a new vessel from Chesapeake Bay to New Orleans, showcasing proficiency in long-haul navigation.
Owner | Chef
Flatter Me Provisions
Orlando
01.2012 - 07.2014
- Created and operated a start-up food truck and catering company.
- Created and promoted the concept, developing unique recipes that attracted a loyal customer base.
- Designed and implemented effective branding and marketing campaigns to increase visibility and drive sales.
- Led staff recruitment, training, and management to ensure high-quality service, and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated product ordering, licensing, and P&L management; maintaining strict financial controls, and compliance.
- Achieved status as a Walt Disney World-approved concessionaire, making the food truck one of only a few permitted to operate on WDW property.
Managing Partner | General Manager | Captain
Romance Cruise Lines
Sanford
04.1999 - 02.2012
- Directed operations and managed team of over 40 staff on 400-passenger fine and casual dining cruise boat
- Increased revenue through innovative marketing strategies and guest loyalty programs.
- Developed and executed creative advertising campaigns across television, print, digital, and social media platforms.
- Collaborated with regulatory bodies, including the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the United States Coast Guard.
- Implemented stringent product and cost controls, enhancing process efficiencies, and overseeing P&L management.
- Coordinated with internal departments to ensure efficient workflow.
- Identified potential risks associated with projects or investments.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, vendors, and clients.
Operations Manager | Lead Cook
Gator Landing Riverside Grille
Sanford
02.1995 - 01.1999
- Managed the startup of a 175-seat riverfront restaurant and entertainment venue.
- Oversaw all front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations with a team of 15+.
- Established inventory management, ordering, and purchasing protocols to enhance operational efficiency.
- Analyzed data from daily reports to identify trends in production performance metrics.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction remains at optimal levels.
- Maintained exceptional guest service standards, fostering a strong base of repeat clientele.
- Directed operations staff by providing guidance, training, and support in order to meet company objectives.
Education
Business Management -
University of South Florida
Tampa, FLHospitality & Culinary Management -
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FLCaptain - Radar, Navigation
Maritime Professional Training
Ft. Lauderdale, FLSkills
- Exemplary Guest Hospitality
- Risk assessment
- F and B management
- Quality and cost controls
- Facility and vessel maintenance
- Cost analysis and savings
- Cross-functional team management
- Creative campaigns
- Maintaining high safety standards
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Purchasing and planning
- Budget development
- Profit and loss accountability
- Budgeting
- Contract negotiation
- Project management
- Advertising and marketing
Distinctions And Accomplishments
- 200-ton United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain
- Board Member - Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Sanford, FL
- Seminole County Tourism Development Counsel
- Project Paws Pet Rescue (501c.3)
- Attraction of the Year | Romance Cruise Lines - Seminole County Tourism Development Counsel
- Founding Member | Visit Florida
- Eagle Scout | Boy Scouts of America
- TWIC card | TSA
- Certified Food Manager
- CPR | First Aid Certification
- Unlimited Radar Endorsement
- FCC Radio Operator License
Accomplishments
200-ton United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain Board Member Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Sanford, FL Seminole County Tourism Development Counsel Project Paws Pet Rescue (501c.3) Attraction of the Year | Romance Cruise Lines Seminole County Tourism Development Counsel Founding Member | Visit Florida Eagle Scout | Boy Scouts of America TWIC card | TSA Certified Food Manager CPR | First Aid Certification Unlimited Radar Endorsement FCC Radio Operator License
Timeline
General Manager
Explorus: Echo Bluff Hospitality
06.2022 - Current
Director of Operations
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
07.2018 - 04.2022
Captain | Pilot
American Cruise Lines
03.2013 - 06.2018
Owner | Chef
Flatter Me Provisions
01.2012 - 07.2014
Managing Partner | General Manager | Captain
Romance Cruise Lines
04.1999 - 02.2012
Operations Manager | Lead Cook
Gator Landing Riverside Grille
02.1995 - 01.1999
Business Management -
University of South Florida
Hospitality & Culinary Management -
Daytona State College
Captain - Radar, Navigation
Maritime Professional Training
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