Teresa Hougen
Rockford,IL
Summary
Insightful general manager with over three decades of experience leading daily operations and driving business growth. Adept at developing targeted operational plans and implementing improvements to achieve ambitious goals and maintain high quality standards. Customer-focused and dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences that consistently drive revenue growth. Expert in coordinating resources to meet business and customer demands. Highly skilled in sales, strategic planning, and decision-making, with excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. Committed professional with a proven history of meeting company goals through consistent and organized practices. Thrives under pressure, adapting to new situations and challenges to enhance the organizational brand. Professional leader experienced in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Demonstrated success in fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Excels at navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Ascension Living Saint Anne Place
05.2022 - Current
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
General Manager
Wesley Willows
04.2018 - 04.2022
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Built and maintained loyal, long-term customer relationships through effective account management.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
- Implemented engagement, diversity and cultural enrichment programs to improve productivity and enhance staff morale.
Director of Dining Services
Peace Village Retirement Community
04.2015 - 04.2018
- Completed frequent checks of food production to assess preparation standards, portioning and performance speed.
- Held daily meetings for all staff to cover policy changes, menu updates and upcoming events.
- Oversaw hiring, training and management of more than 80 personnel across all areas of dining services.
- Improved controls to streamline procedures, eliminate waste and control costs.
- Kept facility in compliance with applicable safety and sanitation requirements.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank.
- Built revenue by delivering innovative catering services.
- Worked closely with Exec. chef, sous chef and cooks to determine menu plans for special events or occasions.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Mentored front of house personnel on company policies customer service techniques and professional communication.
Dining Room Manager
Western Home Communities
12.2012 - 04.2015
- Scheduled front of house staff to open, close and work dining room floor daily.
- Reviewed closing reports at end of shifts and corrected mistakes.
- Maintained presence on dining room floor and assisted team to support efficiency of service.
- Adhered to and enforced health and safety standards regarding food preparation, serving and storage.
- Fielded complaints from customers and corrected issues with both front of house and kitchen staff.
- Resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Mentored front of house personnel on company policies customer service techniques and professional communication.
Education
Food Protection Professional Certificate
State of Iowa
1999
Dietary Managers' Association
1992
Clinical Applications of Nutrition
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND1990
Some College (No Degree) - Dietary Manager Certification
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND1989
High School Diploma -
North High School
West Union, IA05-1984
Skills
- Policy Development and Enforcement
- Cost Reduction
- Cross-Functional Team Management
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Quality Management
- Financial Statement Review
- Goal Setting
- Employee Hiring and Training
- Staff Development
- Sales Promotion
- Vendor Evaluation Management
- Workflow Coordination
- Workload Distribution
- Finance and Accounting Oversight
- Staff Scheduling
- Leadership in Team Building
- Leadership and team building
Skills
- Employee Motivation
- Process Improvements
- Supervision and Training
- Originality and Creativity
- Decision Making
- Labor Cost Controls
Certification
Certified Dietary Manager
Timeline
General Manager
Ascension Living Saint Anne Place
05.2022 - Current
General Manager
Wesley Willows
04.2018 - 04.2022
Director of Dining Services
Peace Village Retirement Community
04.2015 - 04.2018
Dining Room Manager
Western Home Communities
12.2012 - 04.2015
Clinical Applications of Nutrition
University of North Dakota
Some College (No Degree) - Dietary Manager Certification
University of North Dakota
Food Protection Professional Certificate
State of Iowa
Dietary Managers' Association
High School Diploma -
North High School
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