Zachary M. Schulke
Columbus,OH
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven hospitality executive with a strong focus on operational efficiency, strategic scaling, and financial oversight. Proven success in transforming underperforming locations into top-tier revenue generators while executing flawless new restaurant openings (NROs). A transformational leader committed to fostering high-performing teams and cultivating exceptional guest experiences, driving sustainable profitability through the implementation of rigorous systems and innovative practices. Passionate about leveraging industry expertise to elevate brand standards and enhance overall business performance.
Professional managerial candidate with deep understanding of operational excellence and team leadership. Proven ability to drive growth and enhance productivity through strategic planning and effective resource management. Emphasizes collaboration and adaptability to meet organizational goals, showcasing excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager & Administrative Manager
Homestead Taproom and Kitchen
06.2026 - Current
- Operational Leadership: Champion a highly visible, hands-on leadership style as the primary ambassador of the taproom, fostering a deeply accountable, hospitality-first culture.
- Strategic Facility Management: Orchestrate all front-of-house operations, meticulously driving service flow, table turns, and strict facility standards to ensure peak readiness and a flawless guest experience.
- Financial Optimization: Drive unit profitability through rigorous management of labor targets, food cost awareness, and controllable expenses, utilizing operational metrics for accurate business forecasting.
- Team Development & Retention: Spearhead full-cycle recruitment, dynamic scheduling, and continuous performance coaching, building and mentoring a top-tier hospitality staff.
- Event Programming & Brand Growth: Architect and execute a comprehensive community events calendar—spanning live entertainment, themed nights, and holiday programming—to maximize foot traffic and repeat visitation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner seamlessly with culinary and bar leadership to optimize daily operations, execute high-volume private events, and consistently drive catering revenue.
Operations Manager
Wolf's Ridge at The Worthington Inn
03.2026 - 06.2026
- Strategic Launch Execution: Served in a specialized, project-based role to execute a high-profile New Restaurant Opening (NRO) at a national historic landmark, establishing foundational systems for a seamless handover to permanent management.
Executive Assistant
Sotheby's International
09.2025 - 03.2026
- Client & Broker Representation: Acted as a proxy for the head broker, hosting exclusive open houses for luxury listings and ensuring premier property representation for high-net-worth clientele.
- Transaction Management: Drafted and negotiated complex contracts, offers, and counter-offers, collaborating directly with the head broker to successfully close multimillion-dollar real estate deals.
- Executive Support: Managed executive calendars, travel itineraries, and scheduled appointments to ensure optimal time utilization for senior leadership.
- Financial & Market Analysis: Processed daily invoices, prepared comprehensive management reports, and conducted detailed research to support real estate projects and comparative market analyses (CMAs).
General Manager
Agave & Rye & Local Social
02.2022 - 09.2025
- Operational Turnaround: Engineered a massive operational turnaround for Agave & Rye, elevating the location from last place to consistently ranking #1 or #2 company-wide.
- Multi-Concept Leadership: Directed the successful opening and operations of Local Social while maintaining elite performance standards simultaneously at Agave & Rye.
- Team Leadership: Led a high-performing team of approximately 90 culinary and front-of-house employees across two distinct restaurant concepts to deliver seamless, high-volume service.
- Process Improvement: Developed and enforced robust systems for improved food safety protocols, strict cost-control measures, and enhanced staff retention.
Executive Assistant
Cap Rate Realty
06.2018 - 01.2022
- Transaction Coordination: Supported the head broker in complex real estate transactions by facilitating buying, selling, and contract negotiations to guarantee seamless end-to-end processes.
- Client Experience: Coordinated property showings and open houses, managing logistics for out-of-town buyers to deliver an exceptional client experience.
Store Director / Internal Auditor
The Jones Group
04.2011 - 05.2018
- Asset Management: Commanded inventory levels and accurate stock management processes for over $25 million in retail assets.
- Loss Prevention: Implemented highly effective loss prevention strategies and perimeter security procedures that drastically decreased shrinkage from theft and inventory mismanagement.
- Sales Growth: Developed targeted promotional strategies and analyzed sales trends to optimize product placements, increasing customer engagement and driving top-line revenue.
- Team Mentorship: Trained, mentored, and developed staff across all departments to achieve elite customer service standards.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH05-2009
Skills
- Financial P&L & Budget Management
- Operational Compliance & Safety Standards
- High-Volume Staff Recruiting & Retention
- Leadership Coaching & Performance Development
- Strategic Planning & Business Forecasting
- New Restaurant Openings (NRO) & Scaling
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Certification
- ServSafe Level 2
- BarSafe
Timeline
General Manager & Administrative Manager
Homestead Taproom and Kitchen
06.2026 - Current
Operations Manager
Wolf's Ridge at The Worthington Inn
03.2026 - 06.2026
Executive Assistant
Sotheby's International
09.2025 - 03.2026
General Manager
Agave & Rye & Local Social
02.2022 - 09.2025
Executive Assistant
Cap Rate Realty
06.2018 - 01.2022
Store Director / Internal Auditor
The Jones Group
04.2011 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration
University of Dayton