Ken Degori Email & Phone Number

Miami, Fl, Us

Miami, Fl, Us

Recruited to co-create and lead multi-million-dollar business startup venture. Assisted in concept creation and leadership development. Implement protocols, systems, and procedures, and oversee City relations and compliance. Craft marketing strategy in collaboration with marketing and art departments and outside PR agency. KEY RESULTS:★ Established 25,000 SF, 24/7 startup entertainment venue, featuring nightclub, Cirque style performances, and roof top lounge and restaurant, featuring well-known Chef Carla Pelligrino ★ Surpassed the highest startup projections, including exceeding sales projections by 20%.★ Recognized as Operator of the Year in 2013★ Restaurant earned 3 stars from Miami Herald - Best of Miami New Restaurants - Best of Gilt City - Open Table Best

Spearheaded operations of 11 independent business units with multi-million-dollar sales revenue. Led 28+ unit managers and conducted hiring and training. Led company-wide and unit-specific marketing and promotions.KEY RESULTS:★ Grew revenues 22% by leveraging expertise, offering a fresh and strategic perspective to energize sales★ Recruited to revitalize operations, translating to increased sales; included complete rebranding of specific units★ Helped secure CBD (Community Benefit District) status for North Beach district as active committee member★ Led award winning operations, including: "Best of the Bay" with one entity recognized 3 consecutive years by SF Weekly.

Drove all key functions and brought structure to disorganized operations, realigning departments, strengthening marketing efforts, and creating systems. Managed P&L, 150 entertainment/operations staff, and all operations from the front of the house to the back of this 6,000 square foot, multimillion-dollar-revenue, high-end gentlemen’s nightclub and cabaret.KEY RESULTS: ★ Corrected deficiencies in operational systems and standards of practice; devised and implemented performance tracking measures★ Streamlined inventory, successfully increasing cash flow and reducing non-productive goods by replacing outdated POS system★ Increased business through “guerrilla” and social media marketing techniques that established first-ever web presence, maximized word-of-mouth, and leveraged distribution of “free passes” to eliminate cover charges★ Increased club’s bottom line by 20% by increasing revenues and tightening controls★ Revamped Scores Las Vegas operations; in just 3 months streamlined and completely systemized operations of the large-scale 30,000 SF venue with 300+ staff and entertainers. Played role in growing revenue more than 270%, enabling favorable sale of venue.★ Personally recognized as “Operator of the Year, 2008,” by the industry’s leading magazine during prestigious annual industry expo in Las Vegas. Led club to win publicity and industry recognition through awards, including Gentlemen’s Club (3x winner in Midwest, 2x nominee in the Nation).

Contracted for 2 short-term consulting engagements to drive turnaround for West Palm Beach Food & Beverage. Defined the vision and structure, reorganized every aspect of the operation from the top down with major emphasis on training, restructuring, sales, and rebuilding management team and staff.KEY RESULTS:★ Stopped the “bleeding,” cutting restaurant costs by as much as 30% across key departments. Drove down costs even further through strategic negotiations and comparative shopping ★ Implemented key policies and procedures to guide employees and foster accountability★ Rolled out highly successful guerilla advertising and 1-on-1 marketing to capture intended market segments★ Executed successful turnaround in 3 months, generating immediate, sustainable revenue boost of 20% over prior yearsAdditionally, led startup of new 17,000 sq. ft. nightclub and steakhouse, Pompano Isle Food & Beverage. Advised and assisted owner on all critical elements in opening operations, hiring cross-functional staff and management team, developing and delivering training, creating schedule, purchasing equipment and furnishings, obtaining capital funds, managing licensing issues, and functional design. Established purchasing guidelines for opening monthsKEY RESULTS: ★ Hired and collaborated with outside marketing and PR vendors to develop promotional and marketing strategies and establish name recognition through integrated marketing★ Designed menus and uniforms, instituted standards and certifications to ensure compliance with local regulations, and drafted department-specific and general manuals for employees

Sought out and personally recruited by well-known and respected company owner to assist in opening an upstart 4,000 square foot, high-end nightclub and ultra lounge. Recognized by the New York Post as the “brainchild” behind club operations that grew to receive numerous awards. Served as primary liaison to local, city, and state agencies on licensing issues and community service efforts.KEY RESULTS:★ Recruited initially to complete 1-year contract leading start up of new nightclub; based on success, contract extended annually for 2 additional years, with incentives increased each time.★ Created popular and successful New York City nightclub. Advised on functional design of club, created operational systems, authored department-level training manuals, set inventory standards, designed POS system, hired and trained staff, and assisted in sound and light design.★ Built strong, robust, and profitable operational infrastructure covering both front and back-end operations. Increased profit margins through competitive pricing and bulk purchasing. ★ Gained publicity and built market awareness through industry awards and recognition, including: - Architectural Digest Magazine (photo spread)- New York Magazine (“Best of New York”)- HX Magazine (“Best Nightclub/Lounge”)- newyork.citysearch.com (“Best of Citysearch:”)

Launched and managed a 3,500 square foot high-end video lounge. Transformed lounge into a trendy, popular New York City dance club in 1999. Sold operation for a profit in 2003.KEY RESULTS:★ Gutted former restaurant and developed new club from ground up, including design and reconstruction, licensing, operational systems, hiring, training, inventory, marketing, promotions, POS programming, and entertainment★ Accelerated revenues 25% by converting video lounge into a dance club; worked closely with architects, attorneys, and city agencies to win approval of required cabaret licensing★ Created promotional “In The Life” shows and spinoffs to drive increased and repeat business; caught media attention with shows featured on the Howard Stern show, MTV News, and NY 1★ Won nominations for “Best Dance Club” in HX Magazine for 3 consecutive years

Purchased and transformed failing 1,500 SF location into profitable entertainment bar. Offered small stage performances, karaoke nights, pool tables, and more. ★ Applied “aggressive hospitality” model that was hugely successful in developing loyal and repeat customers. — Best of Citysearch: newyork.citysearch.com

★ General Manager / Assistant General Manager, The Dollhouse at El Morocco - New York, NY★ Penthouse Club, Las Vegas, NV: Performed operations audit a week after grand opening. Wrote 15-page report and recommendations for improvements. Identified and rectified major potential for fraud and losses.★ Avalon Club, New York, NY (fka Limelight): Following club’s rebirth from Limelight to Avalon, contracted for short-term assignment to conduct inventory audit and implement new system of pour-cost analysis and controls.★ Club Suede, New York, NY: Performed confidential operations consulting.★ The Sugar Shack, Lake Geneva, WI: Assisted in conversion of clubs to “Scores” licensing brand. Conducted operations audit, implemented controls, and systemized operations. Consulted on marketing and promotions.★ Circuit Parties Organizer, New York, NY: Managed months of preparation, and supervised as many as 40 staff and entertainers, organizing, promoting, and holding circuit parties attracting crowds in the thousands. ★ Nightlife Tourism Video Producer, New York, NY: Produced, directed, and hosted tourism travel video featuring NYC nightlife of interest to the Gay niche market. Received critical acclaim in local magazines.★ Event Planning, Promotion & Management, New York, NY: Developed, planned, marketed, managed and sold tickets for 5 river boat parties for 500 people each; boats sailed down the Hudson around New York City