RESUME'

EXECUTIVE LEADER | STRATEGIC SALES | REVENUE GROWTH | CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Senior business and operations leader with 17+ years of experience driving revenue growth, developing high-performing teams, managing complex P&L responsibilities, and building strategic customer and partner relationships. Proven record of identifying growth opportunities, developing sales strategies, improving profitability, negotiating high-value business, and leading cross-functional initiatives.

Recognized for combining commercial strategy with operational execution to deliver measurable results. Experienced in executive-level relationship management, business development, forecasting, budgeting, customer experience, team development, vendor negotiations, marketing partnerships, and large-scale events. Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with a minor in Business.

CORE COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

THE PALM RESTAURANT — Houston, TX

General Manager | 2022–Present

Lead the flagship Houston location with responsibility for revenue performance, profitability, strategic business development, customer relationships, team leadership, marketing partnerships, and cross-functional execution.

Took over a $3.5M operation and implemented a comprehensive commercial and operational strategy, with revenue projected at approximately $5.8M, followed by a $7.5M projection for the subsequent year.
Increased private dining from 5% of sales to an average of 34.5%, creating a significant new revenue channel through strategic account development, relationship building, and targeted business initiatives.
Built one of the organization's largest ambassador/referral programs, developing relationships with 150+ hotel concierges, executive assistants, event planners, and other influential business partners to generate recurring referral business.
Developed and maintained relationships with major corporate and institutional customers, including Under Armour, NBA Hall of Fame, NCAA, DHL, and other major organizations.
Executed high-value corporate events and full buyouts generating up to $200,000 per event, leading negotiations, planning, customer relationships, and cross-functional execution.
Partner with R&D, Marketing/Branding, Training, Sales & Events, and Operations to align business priorities and execute strategic initiatives.
Lead financial analysis, forecasting, budgets, revenue initiatives, private dining, catering, vendor sourcing, strategic planning, and grassroots marketing.
Increased event-driven business through targeted relationship development and strategic partnerships with vendors, suppliers, hotels, and local business communities.
Created and implemented initiatives to improve workforce stability, reducing staff turnover from 75% to 10%.
Improved guest retention and customer satisfaction through higher service standards, operational accountability, and increased leadership presence.
Report directly to the Regional Director, Vice President of Operations, and COO.

BRENNAN'S OF HOUSTON — Houston, TX

Senior Manager | 2019–2022

Led commercial and operational performance for a $12M–$15M annual-revenue business, overseeing a diverse management organization and developing strategies to grow revenue and customer engagement.

Managed a $12M–$15M annual revenue operation, with accountability for financial performance, customer experience, business development, and operational execution.
Led a team of 13 managers across front-of-house, back-of-house, private dining, marketing, HR, reservations, and facilities.
Developed and implemented marketing and sales strategies that generated an additional 25% in revenue.
Created recurring customer-development programs including wine dinners, spirit dinners, and targeted promotional events in partnership with representatives and brand ambassadors.
Developed relationships with customers, vendors, brand partners, and community stakeholders to create new business opportunities.
Analyzed financial performance, budgets, labor, and operational results to identify opportunities for improved profitability and business performance.
Led strategic planning for an underutilized patio space, developing a renovation concept designed to attract a new 25–45-year-old customer demographic.
Established hiring, training, performance, and accountability standards for management-level talent.
Implemented operating standards across multiple customer-facing roles, contributing to 97% guest satisfaction.
Recognized as part of the team behind Houston Chronicle's 2022 Best Fine Dining and Best Dining Experience awards.
Managed high-volume business of 250–400 covers per shift, including Sunday brunch operations serving 350–550 guests.
Passed Level 1 Court of Master Sommeliers, May 2019.

SEASONS 52 — DARDEN — Kansas City, MO / Houston, TX

Manager | 2016–2019

Recruited, trained, coached, and developed team members while driving performance against sales and operational goals.
Created sales-driven initiatives designed to increase team productivity and revenue.
Analyzed COGS, average check, labor costs, inventory, product availability, and forecasts to improve financial performance.
Used business and operational data to identify performance opportunities and manage execution against targets.

TOTAL QUALITY LOGISTICS — Lexington, KY

Sales Team Lead | 2015–2016

Supervised a sales team while building and managing a personal book of business through lead generation and relationship development.
Managed third-party customer and business relationships, resolving issues and negotiating costs with clients.
Developed new business opportunities through outbound sales and relationship management.

BAHAMA BREEZE / SEASONS 52 — DARDEN — Miami, FL

Key Manager | 2010–2015

Progressed through management roles within Darden Restaurants, developing expertise in sales, customer relationships, team leadership, training, and operational performance.
Supported revenue growth through team development, customer engagement, and execution of sales-focused initiatives.

EDUCATION

Florida International University
Bachelor's Degree — Information Technology
Minor — Business

TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS SKILLS

Brian Slawson