Stephen Pausma
Sun Prairie,WI
Summary
Dynamic operational leader with proven track record of optimizing processes and delivering impactful results. Expertise in team leadership, strategic initiative implementation, and agile navigation of changing environments. Proficient in project management, process improvement, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient operations and maximized productivity. Recognized for fostering effective collaboration and consistently achieving reliable outcomes that drive organizational success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Operations
SERVE Hospitality– Franchisee of Tropical Smoothie Café
01.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
- Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Enhanced employee engagement by developing training programs, fostering a collaborative culture, and promoting professional development opportunities.
- Established and monitored quality assurance standards to achieve operational excellence.
- Mitigated risks by developing comprehensive contingency plans that ensured business continuity during unforeseen events or challenges.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
Senior District Manager
SERVE Hospitality– Franchisee of Tropical Smoothie Café
07.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize operations, streamline processes, and enhance overall business performance.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by fostering strong relationships with key clients and addressing concerns proactively.
- Mentored junior managers in leadership development programs, resulting in accelerated career progression for top talent.
- Optimized inventory management processes to minimize waste while maintaining adequate stock levels for all locations in the district.
- Enhanced safety standards across all locations by implementing updated protocols and conducting regular audits of facilities.
- Ensured strict compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards at all district locations by providing ongoing training and support for employees.
District Manager
SERVE Hospitality– Franchisee of Tropical Smoothie Café
01.2023 - Current
- Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures as well as federal/state regulations by conducting regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district.
- Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
- Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
- Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.
- Streamlined operations by establishing efficient processes and communication channels between stores, leading to reduced costs and increased productivity.
Area Operating Partner
Panera Bread
02.2018 - 12.2022
- Managed budgets and financial performance, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
- Determined appropriate financial goals and administered budgets to control expenses.
- Enhanced employee retention rates by creating a positive work culture with open communication channels and career development opportunities.
- Oversaw recruitment efforts selecting top talent contributing to a diverse workforce capable of addressing complex business challenges.
General Manager
Pizza Ranch – Verona, WI
04.2017 - 02.2018
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
General Manager /Area Coach of Operations
Taco Bell
07.2014 - 04.2017
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Provided exceptional leadership during times of change, successfully guiding teams through transitions and restructuring efforts.
Director of Operations/GM
Sonic Drive-In (Franchise Startup)
04.2013 - 07.2014
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
Agency Owner
Farmers Insurance
01.2012 - 06.2013
- Protected client and co-worker confidentiality, maintained data privacy compliance and adhered to HIPAA restrictions.
- Launched successful referral initiatives which led to significant gains in new client acquisition rates.
- Expanded client base through effective networking, relationship management, and referrals.
Education
Psychology
Trinity Christian College
High School Diploma -
Central Wisconsin Christian School
01.2001
Skills
- Leadership across multiple locations
- Operational turnaround execution
- Training program development
- Leadership skills enhancement
- Financial performance oversight
- Shift optimization strategies
- Expansion project management
- Strategic budget planning
- Financial monitoring
- Cultural transformation
- Collaborative marketing initiatives
- Operational efficiency
Certification
- Certifications: ServSafe
- Tools: Microsoft (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, To-Do, Outlook, Teams) Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Gmail), Micros, Aloha, EZCater, Ordermatic, Enfor, Restaurant365, Delaget, Guard, SynergySuite, PAR Brinks,
Timeline
Director of Operations
SERVE Hospitality– Franchisee of Tropical Smoothie Café
01.2025 - Current
Senior District Manager
SERVE Hospitality– Franchisee of Tropical Smoothie Café
07.2023 - Current
District Manager
SERVE Hospitality– Franchisee of Tropical Smoothie Café
01.2023 - Current
Area Operating Partner
Panera Bread
02.2018 - 12.2022
General Manager
Pizza Ranch – Verona, WI
04.2017 - 02.2018
General Manager /Area Coach of Operations
Taco Bell
07.2014 - 04.2017
Director of Operations/GM
Sonic Drive-In (Franchise Startup)
04.2013 - 07.2014
Agency Owner
Farmers Insurance
01.2012 - 06.2013
Psychology
Trinity Christian College
High School Diploma -
Central Wisconsin Christian School
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