Hello! I'm Ken Gray
Welcome, this is your gateway to discovering the expertise and achievements of Ken Gray in the dynamic world of hospitality management. With over a decade of dedicated service and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I invite you to explore my professional journey and discover how my passion for hospitality has shaped my career. From spearheading revenue growth initiatives to fostering a culture of exceptional guest service, my resume reflects a commitment to driving operational efficiency and elevating guest experiences. Join me as we embark on a journey through my accomplishments, skills, and aspirations in the realm of hotel management. Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect and explore potential collaborations.
Ken Gray
Hotel General Manager
850-591-5426
Email:
Address:
Tallahassee, FL
Date of Birth:
May 23, 1971
Phone:
EXPERIENCE
2022-Present
Our Town Hospitality
General Manager, Task Manager,
Director Of Operations
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Spearheaded comprehensive hotel operations and served on the Food & Beverage Council for Our Town Hospitality, orchestrating a diverse range of responsibilities to ensure seamless functioning and success.
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Meticulously managed daily rate dynamics, forecasted future trends, and optimized financial performance through effective budgeting strategies.
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Oversaw all accounting processes, maintaining accurate records and financial health while spearheading strategic local sales initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance brand presence within the community.
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Managed housekeeping and maintenance operations, prioritizing cleanliness, safety, and guest satisfaction to uphold service excellence.
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Recruited and developed talented individuals, emphasizing efficient inventory management and procurement practices to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
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Engaged with guests and followers through social media platforms to maintain brand relevance and foster customer loyalty.
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Conducted regular profit and loss analysis to inform strategic decision-making and implemented timely adjustments to maximize profitability.
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Oversaw the administration of the point-of-sale system, facilitating smooth transactions, and enhanced the guest experience.
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Strategically planned and executed advertising efforts to effectively reach target audiences and drive bookings.
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Demonstrated proactive leadership and comprehensive oversight to ensure the hotel operated at its peak potential, consistently exceeding guest expectations and achieving financial success.
Feb 2022 - Sep 2022
General Manager
Hotel Equities
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Directed all facets of hotel management, overseeing the reconstruction of the hotel alongside daily operations.
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Led a multifaceted team and coordinated efforts across departments to ensure successful completion of the reconstruction project.
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Collaborated closely with architects, contractors, and vendors to develop and execute comprehensive plans for renovations, upgrades, and improvements.
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Managed redesign of guest rooms, public spaces, and amenities to align with brand standards and guest expectations.
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Strategically managed daily rates, forecasting, and budgeting to optimize financial performance during the reconstruction.
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Developed and implemented strategic local sales initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance brand presence.
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Oversaw housekeeping, maintenance, and restaurant operations, prioritizing cleanliness, safety, and guest satisfaction.
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Recruited and developed talented individuals to uphold service excellence and adapt to evolving needs.
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Implemented efficient inventory management and procurement practices to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
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Engaged with guests through social media platforms to maintain brand relevance and foster customer loyalty.
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Conducted regular profit and loss analysis to inform strategic decision-making and maximize profitability.
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Administered point-of-sale system to enhance guest experience and facilitate smooth transactions.
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Strategically planned and executed advertising efforts to effectively reach target audiences and drive bookings.
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Demonstrated proactive leadership and comprehensive oversight to ensure successful completion of the reconstruction project, revitalizing the hotel's reputation and positioning it as a premier destination for guests.
2016-2020
Restaurant General Manager
Doubletree by Hilton Tallahassee
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Managed all aspects of the restaurant, overseeing its transformation from "Jacobs on The Plaza" into a fine dining destination and successfully launching "Eve On Adams," a 17th-floor bar that became the hottest spot in Tallahassee.
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Conceptualized and executed a comprehensive redesign of the restaurant's ambiance, menu offerings, and service standards to elevate the dining experience and attract a discerning clientele.
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Collaborated closely with interior designers, culinary experts, and service staff to create a cohesive vision that seamlessly integrated aesthetic appeal with culinary excellence.
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Spearheaded the launch of "Eve On Adams," conceptualizing its concept, design, and menu offerings to create a unique and memorable experience for guests.
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Generated buzz and excitement surrounding the bar's opening through strategic marketing initiatives and engaging social media campaigns.
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Managed all aspects of restaurant and bar operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house operations, menus, staffing and training, stocking, social media engagement, profit and loss analysis, point-of-sale system administration, and advertising.
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Ensured seamless coordination between departments to maintain high standards of service quality, efficiency, and profitability.
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Identified opportunities for improvement through regular profit and loss analysis and implemented strategies to optimize financial performance while enhancing the guest experience.
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Provided hands-on leadership and guidance to staff, fostering a positive work environment and prioritizing staff training and development.
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Implemented strategic advertising efforts and targeted marketing campaigns to promote both establishments, driving customer engagement, loyalty, and revenue growth.
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Demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills, solidifying the reputation of both "Jacobs on The Plaza" and "Eve On Adams" as premier dining and entertainment destinations in Tallahassee.
EDUCATION
1997-2001
Toccoa Falls College
Pastoral Ministry
My studies in Pastoral Ministry at Toccoa Falls College have uniquely equipped me for the role of a hotel General Manager. Through this program, I gained a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, which are essential for managing diverse teams and fostering a positive work culture within the hospitality industry. Additionally, my training in pastoral care and counseling has enhanced my ability to provide exceptional guest service, anticipate and address their needs with empathy and professionalism. Overall, my education in Pastoral Ministry has provided me with a strong foundation in leadership and customer service, making me well-prepared to excel as a hotel General Manager.
1987-1991
High School Diploma
Cocoa Beach High School
Leading the organization of the Cocoa Beach High School class of 1991's class reunions has been instrumental in shaping my skills as a hotel General Manager. Coordinating these events requires meticulous planning, effective communication, and strong attention to detail, qualities that are essential in the hospitality industry. By overseeing venue selection, budget management, and attendee coordination, I've honed my ability to manage large-scale events and ensure a seamless guest experience. Moreover, reconnecting with classmates and fostering a sense of community has heightened my understanding of the importance of personalized service and creating memorable experiences, skills that directly translate to my role in providing exceptional hospitality as a General Manager.
SKILLS
Hospitality Management
Business Management
Problem Solving
Budgeting
Operations
Team Leadership
EXPERTISE
Team Leadership
As a team leader, I inspire and guide my team towards excellence through clear communication, setting high standards, and leading by example. I foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability while providing support and mentorship to empower each team member to reach their full potential. By promoting trust, respect, and open communication, I create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to succeed.
Food & Beverage
In Food & Beverage management, I excel in creating exceptional dining experiences by combining culinary excellence with outstanding service. I have a keen understanding of menu development, food costing, and inventory management, ensuring profitability without compromising quality. Additionally, I prioritize staff training and development to maintain high standards of service and professionalism. By staying updated on industry trends and customer preferences, I continuously innovate to exceed guest expectations and drive revenue growth in this competitive market.
Cost Control
In cost control, I excel at maximizing profitability while maintaining quality. Through careful analysis and strategic measures, I identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising standards. I prioritize staff training and accountability to ensure consistent adherence to cost control measures, driving sustainable financial success.