Yonus Howard
Sterling Heights
Summary
Results-driven Operations & Hospitality Executive with over a decade of experience in operational transformation and portfolio scaling across diverse environments. Expertise includes union labor relations, multi-state P&L leadership, and workforce optimization. Demonstrated ability to enhance profitability and workforce effectiveness while aligning teams with strategic objectives. Known for fostering accountability, cultivating leadership talent, and implementing frameworks that support sustainable growth and exceptional guest experiences.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Catering Manager
Levy
Detroit
07.2025 - Current
- Relocated to Michigan and joined Levy to expand operational leadership experience within large-scale sports and entertainment venues, applying regional leadership expertise within high-volume stadium operations.
- Led a department-wide operational improvement initiative by strengthening accountability systems, execution standards, and workflow consistency across catering operations.
- Developed supervisory leadership capability through coaching, onboarding, and structured performance development across frontline and supervisory teams.
- Directed workforce deployment for 60+ supervisors and union team members, aligning labor strategy with event demand while maintaining compliance, cost control, and service execution standards.
- Improved operational efficiency across inventory, logistics, and event execution processes, reducing waste and improving consistency during large-scale live events.
- Partnered with venue leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver premium hospitality execution across NFL games, concerts, and special events.
- Levy is a leading hospitality company specializing in food service and catering for large-scale sports and entertainment venues.
Director of Sales and Catering
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Cincinnati
06.2018 - 04.2025
- Sullivan's Steakhouse is a multi-location upscale restaurant chain known for its premium dining and catering services.
- Regional leadership role overseeing private dining, catering operations, and revenue strategy across a multi-market portfolio supporting multi-million-dollar hospitality operations.
- Led regional P&L forecasting, budgeting, and revenue planning across multiple markets, supporting financial performance and operational alignment across the portfolio.
- Directed successful opening and launch of new hospitality operations, overseeing staffing transitions, leadership training, and execution of brand standards.
- Expanded sales and catering performance across diverse markets by aligning client expectations with operational capabilities, resulting in improved client satisfaction.
- Enhanced CRM systems and forecasting processes, increasing visibility and alignment between sales strategy and operations.
- Cultivated long-term corporate client relationships, resulting in increased revenue retention and repeat business across key accounts.
Sr. Sales Manager
Sullivan's Steakhouse
South Florida Terraces
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Managed corporate, social, and high-profile event sales, increasing revenue and enhancing guest engagement in private dining operations.
- Consistently exceeded revenue targets by 15–20%, earning Top Sales Performer recognition in consecutive years.
- Executed large-scale corporate events, executive functions, weddings, and brand activations, achieving high standards of execution and service.
- Developed strong client relationships, leading to increased repeat business and significant growth in referral-driven revenue.
- Developed strong client relationships that increased repeat business and referral-driven revenue growth.
- Partnered with culinary and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of high-profile events.
Education
Master’s Degree (EMBA) - Executive Business Administration
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 08.2020 - 05.2022
Bachelor’s degree (B.A) - Business Administration
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 01.2010 - 05.2015
Skills
Enterprise Leadership
Operational Transformation Organizational Turnarounds Multi-Unit Leadership Change Management Market Expansion Culture Development
Financial Leadership
P&L Management Strategic Forecasting Budget Ownership Capital Planning Cost Optimization Revenue Growth Labor & Workforce Strategy Union Labor Relations Workforce Planning
Leadership Development
Talent Acquisition Succession Planning Employee Engagement
Operational Excellence
Process Improvement SOP Development Supply Chain Optimization Performance Management Service Execution Continuous Improvement
Tittle
Operations & Hospitality Executive
Timeline
Senior Catering Manager
Levy
07.2025 - Current
Master’s Degree (EMBA) - Executive Business Administration
University of Arkansas
08.2020 - 05.2022
Director of Sales and Catering
Sullivan's Steakhouse
06.2018 - 04.2025
Sr. Sales Manager
Sullivan's Steakhouse
08.2015 - 05.2018
Bachelor’s degree (B.A) - Business Administration
Western Michigan University
01.2010 - 05.2015