Jogging
Thomas Forbes
Summary
Results-oriented operations leader with over 20 years of experience in diverse industries (Hospitality, Retail, Manufacturing). Proven track record of success in building high-performing teams and optimizing processes. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities. Passionate about driving operational excellence and achieving measurable results. Committed to delivering exceptional performance and driving organizational growth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6
6
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
04.2020 - 07.2024
- Orchestrated the hotel's opening through a strategic marketing campaign, driving client engagement and exceeding promotional goals
- Developed and executed business plans that fueled a revenue increase
- Built strong partnerships with key stakeholders (customers, suppliers, leadership) to ensure alignment with company goals and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
- Spearheaded successful hiring and training initiatives identified lucrative business opportunities, and consistently exceeded franchise standards
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- 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.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and penetrating new market segments with tailored marketing strategies.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, introducing regular review sessions that boosted team performance and morale.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing brand credibility and access to new customer segments.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
General Manager
Comfort Inn by Choice Hotels
10.2020 - 07.2024
- Leveraged my experience to efficiently manage both the Comfort Inn and neighboring Holiday Inn Express, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations across both properties
- Demonstrated strong crisis management skills by swiftly and decisively implementing emergency protocols during a critical incident involving a firearm, guaranteeing the safety of guests and staff
General Manager
Holiday Inn Express
03.2018 - 04.2020
- Progressed from Front Desk Attendant to Front Desk Manager to General Manager
- Led a team of 20+ employees in a fast-paced environment, fostering a positive and productive work atmosphere that boosted morale and performance
- Streamlined daily operations, including scheduling and inventory management, ensuring smooth and efficient business processes that maximized profitability
- Prioritized exceptional customer service, resolving client issues and exceeding satisfaction levels
- Managed the successful closing of the hotel, meticulously transferring the client and assets to a new location with minimal disruption
Director of Project Management
Vehicle Lease Club
12.2017 - 02.2019
- Led Creative Project Execution: Managed creative projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with production requirements and adherence to deadlines
- Enhanced Team Productivity: Provided essential IT support to non-technical colleagues, resolving issues and boosting their productivity
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Conducted research and analysis to address business owner concerns, presenting actionable solutions based on data insights
Training & Development Facilitator
Department of Labor
12.2010 - 07.2017
- Enhanced Training Efficiency: Streamlined weekly training for 200+ participants by developing comprehensive course materials (hardcopy and digital) that improved clarity and participant engagement
- Interactive Learning Architect: Fostered a dynamic learning environment by incorporating innovative team building exercises to boost student participation and knowledge retention
- Tech-Driven Efficiency Expert: Designed and implemented a custom participant tracking software using Microsoft Access, streamlining enrollment management and data analysis
Industrial Engineer & Project Leader
Pen Products
04.2001 - 09.2010
- Strategic Project Leadership: Led all company projects from inception to successful completion, defining goals, managing budgets and schedules, and tracking performance through comprehensive reports
- This ensured projects aligned with strategic objectives
- Data-Driven Design & Process Optimization: Led the floor plan redesign for Donaldson Company (client) using design expertise
- This resulted in a significant monthly revenue increase of $32,000
- Analyzed project schedules and manufacturing processes, implementing changes that streamlined operations, optimized worker productivity, and reduced costs
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Ball State University
Muncie, IN07.2010
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Training and coaching
- Vendor relationships
- Troubleshooting expertise
- Budget coordination
- Cross-functional team management
- Policy/program development
- Customer Relationship Management
- Scheduling
- Project Management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Operational Efficiency
- Conflict Resolution
- Crisis Management
- Process Improvement
- Competitive Analysis
Volunteer Experience
Certified Facilitator & Board Member, Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), 06/01/15, Present, Lead experiential conflict resolution workshops, empowering participants with skills to navigate conflict constructively., Leverage my expertise as a certified facilitator on the AVP Board, contributing to strategic direction and governance, ensuring the organization's continued impact.
Accomplishments
- Raised hotel to top 5% in Occ, and RevPar through various Guest experiences.
- At the opening of hotel, 3 days before beginning of state wide shut down for Covid pandemic, was able to solidify a deal that brought occupancy from 8% to 87% for over three months.
- Implemented marketing strategies which resulted in 22% growth of customer base.
- Supervised team of 125 staff members in manufacturing sector.
- Achieved a streamlined communication of Sales packets by designing a Microsoft Access database for Sales, Customer Service, and Engineering tasks.
Certification
- OSHA Certified
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
- Office Manager - Department of Labor
- Industrial Engineer Technician - Department of Labor
- Black Belt - American Taekwondo Association
- Black Belt - World Taekwondo Federation
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Quote
Esse Quam Videri - To be rather than seem
comes from the essay De Amicitia by Roman author and politician Cicero
Interests
Bicycling
Motorcycling
Martial Arts
Technology
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsSoftware
MIcrosoft Word
Microsoft Access
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsft Excel
Microsoft Publisher
OPERA
CMMS
QUORE
AutoCAD
TurboCAD
Projects
Chicago United Center
Timeline
General Manager
Comfort Inn by Choice Hotels
10.2020 - 07.2024
General Manager
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
04.2020 - 07.2024
General Manager
Holiday Inn Express
03.2018 - 04.2020
Director of Project Management
Vehicle Lease Club
12.2017 - 02.2019
Training & Development Facilitator
Department of Labor
12.2010 - 07.2017
Industrial Engineer & Project Leader
Pen Products
04.2001 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Ball State University
Similar Profiles
Abdul BhedaAbdul Bheda
Regional Director of Operations at Holiday Inn/ Holiday Inn Express & Suites/MarriottRegional Director of Operations at Holiday Inn/ Holiday Inn Express & Suites/Marriott
Kristi LewisKristi Lewis
Front Office Manager at Holiday Inn Express Suites/Candlewood SuitesFront Office Manager at Holiday Inn Express Suites/Candlewood Suites
Dana GibsonDana Gibson
Area Director of Sales at Marriott Courtyard, TownePlace Suites Hilton Garden Inn at Silverlake Crossing Hyatt Place Holiday Inn ExpressArea Director of Sales at Marriott Courtyard, TownePlace Suites Hilton Garden Inn at Silverlake Crossing Hyatt Place Holiday Inn Express
Yilin ZangYilin Zang
Co-Op Student at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toronto - Markham by IHGCo-Op Student at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toronto - Markham by IHG
Jessica SorensenJessica Sorensen
General Manager at Green Thumb Industries (GTI)General Manager at Green Thumb Industries (GTI)