KEITH KILDRONSaint Louis, MO 63123 ? kildron@gmail.com ? C: 859-230-1168 ? www.linkedin.com/in/keithkildronSUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONSForward-thinking, multidisciplinary executive and business leader with 20+ years of experience spearheading operational and cultural transformations, maximizing bottom-line savings, and driving profitability. Leverages solid expertise in all facets of operations with demonstrated success developing and executing strategies to drive alignment, standardization, and process improvements. Approachable, trustworthy, and charismatic leadership that excels in building and engaging high-performing leadership teams and synergistic cultures focused on inclusion, innovation, and market leadership.Startup/Turnaround/Revitalization of Operations | Restructuring | High-Performance Team Building | P&L Management | Business Operations | Leadership | Revenue/Profit Optimization | Marketing & Branding | Vendor Relationships | Distribution | Contract Negotiation | Customer Experience | Recruitment/Staffing |Mergers & AcquisitionsPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEKaldi’s Coffee/Zimmer Restaurant Group | St. Louis, MO2012 – presentChief Operating Officer Spearheads the execution of the company’s strategic plans for retail operations, managing multi-unit restaurant operations across three regions, and a team of regional training managers and multi-unit managers.Achieved growth from one concept to four by executing the strategic growth plan.Boosted sales by 25% and gross profit by 20% YOY 2021 – 2022 by planning and executing a customer relations and satisfaction plan.Reduced variable labor by over 4% YOY through implementing a new point of sale and scheduling software in all locations.Reduced costs by 3-4% through implementing inventory software and developing relationship with distributors and vendors to improve efficiency and save labor.Coordinated merger of an acquired company, adding nine cafes to the group of businesses.Developed and launched a new drive thru concept from visualization to build out.Created annual operating and capital expenditure budgets and managed performance to budgetGuided a project team to create and implement training materials for hourly baristas, café leaders and multi-unit leaders.Managed budget process, P&L, hiring, marketing, and menu development across the family of companies.Contributed to the development of annual marketing strategies for the group of businesses.Hardee’s | Peoria – IL 2011Multi-Unit Manager Ensured the highest standards of quality service and cleanliness were maintained while managing multiple locations, prioritizing profitability.Beef O’Brady’s | Lexington – KY2006 – 2010Multi-Unit Manager Established and managed a multi-unit Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub from scratch.Supervised production, merchanting, quality and cost control, along with staffing, scheduling and employee training.Fazoli’s Management Inc. – Lexington – KYRegional Training Manager 2000- 2006Instructed managers and hourly employees with printed materials, seminar content, video, CD-Rom, audio, presentation graphics, e-learning, web-based training and other media.Conducted management training seminars nationwide.Provided guidance in implementing new products in all restaurants.Assisted in new store openings with hiring, training and merchandising.Created and implemented comprehensive training and development programs and support materials to managers and hourly employees, which include printed materials, seminar content, video, CD-Rom, audio, presentation graphics, e-learning, web-based training, and other media for salaried and hourly employees.Delivered management training seminars throughout the US.Provided direction in implementing new products to all company restaurants.Supported new store openings with merchandising, hiring, and training.EDUCATIONBusiness Administration – Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe, LAPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTJapanese-Language Proficiency Test – Level IIIInstructional Design for New Designers – Langevin Learning Service
