Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
2010 - John H. Schwartz, Manager of the Year
Timeline
Shelley Lish

Shelley Lish

Kirkland,Washington

Summary

Results-driven sales and operations professional with extensive experience in the food and beverage, catering, and restaurant industries. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, streamlining operations, and fostering exceptional customer experiences. Adept at leading high-performing teams, managing budgets, and building strong client relationships. Skilled in cultural and market adaptability, with intermediate proficiency in Italian.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Sales

Schwartz Brothers Restaurants
08.2019 - Current
  • Spearheaded sales initiatives, qualified clients, and customized proposals to secure contracts and drive revenue growth
  • Increased annual business revenue through strategic relationship management and innovative sales strategies
  • Represented the company at regional trade shows, enhancing brand visibility and market penetration
  • Managed a 2-member sales team, achieving over $4.3M in new sales in the first year
  • Streamlined sales operations by analyzing weekly performance reports and implementing corrective actions
  • Directed team training to reduce knowledge gaps, boost performance, and increase overall efficiency

Senior Sales Manager

Schwartz Brothers Restaurants
04.2009 - 08.2019
  • Tracked and reported weekly sales metrics to senior leadership for strategic business development
  • Exceeded sales targets, achieving an 8% monthly growth in revenue through effective lead conversion
  • Collaborated with marketing to align sales strategies with brand messaging across all channels
  • Grew client base by 12% through tailored revenue strategies and targeted customer engagement tactics

Food and Beverage Director / Human Resources Manager

Seattle Golf Club
02.2006 - 03.2009
  • Oversaw food and beverage operations, ensuring superior guest experiences and operational excellence
  • Designed innovative menus, sourced high-quality goods, and optimized team performance through training
  • Directed hiring, training, and performance evaluation processes to build a cohesive and skilled team
  • Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, particularly in alcohol service

Director of Catering

Daniel's Catering
07.2004 - 01.2006
  • Managed catering operations for four premier venues in the Seattle area, achieving $4M in revenue
  • Led a 6-person sales team to deliver exceptional events, exceeding client expectations
  • Controlled labor and food costs, collaborating with chefs to design cost-effective yet high-quality menus
  • Attended 70% of events personally, ensuring flawless execution and client satisfaction

Regional Operations Manager

Schwartz Brothers Restaurants
07.1997 - 06.2004
  • Supervised four full-service restaurant locations, ensuring operational efficiency and staff performance
  • Reduced overhead costs and improved profitability through stringent budgetary controls
  • Facilitated training for locations in Japan, aligning operations with corporate standards
  • Oversaw HR functions, including workforce planning, performance management, and benefits administration

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration and Human Resources

Western Governors University
05.2025

Bellevue College
01.1982

High School Diploma -

Bellevue High School
01.1979

Skills

  • Revenue Growth Strategies
  • Sales Team Leadership
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Operations Optimization
  • Budgeting and Cost Controls
  • Event Planning and Execution
  • Cross-Cultural Communication

Certification

  • WGU Certificate: Human Resource Management
  • WGU Certificate: Leadership
  • WGU Certificate: Strategic Thinking and Innovation

2010 - John H. Schwartz, Manager of the Year

The John H. Schwartz Award is a prestigious leadership honor presented annually to a General Manager who demonstrates exceptional ability in leading their team to achieve outstanding results across financial performance, human resources management, and overall operational excellence.

Timeline

Director of Sales - Schwartz Brothers Restaurants
08.2019 - Current
Senior Sales Manager - Schwartz Brothers Restaurants
04.2009 - 08.2019
Food and Beverage Director / Human Resources Manager - Seattle Golf Club
02.2006 - 03.2009
Director of Catering - Daniel's Catering
07.2004 - 01.2006
Regional Operations Manager - Schwartz Brothers Restaurants
07.1997 - 06.2004
Bellevue College - ,
  • WGU Certificate: Human Resource Management
  • WGU Certificate: Leadership
  • WGU Certificate: Strategic Thinking and Innovation
Western Governors University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Human Resources
Bellevue High School - High School Diploma,
Shelley Lish