William Benedict Email & Phone Number

Austin, Texas, United States

Austin, Texas, United States

At J&J Spirits in Austin, TX, I orchestrated the successful negotiation and seamless transition of business acquisitions, ensuring a smooth transfer of assets and liabilities. Launching a new brand and overseeing retail space remodeling, I propelled revenue to $1.2M in the first year.My responsibilities encompassed purchases, inventory management, and vendor relations, driving substantial sales growth by prioritizing Texas makers through local producer collaborations. Proficient in accounting, I managed QuickBooks, monthly billing, and state/federal taxes. I implemented strategies that enhanced customer service, expanded inventory, and optimized product delivery, resulting in a notable yearly sales increase of 15% year over year. Moreover, I maximized margins by strategically utilizing bulk and seasonal product discounts.

Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

At Whole Foods Market in Austin, TX, from January 2008 to April 2013, I contributed as a vital Southwest Regional leadership team member, adeptly resolving escalated employee relations issues and providing comprehensive training for managers and team members.I was pivotal in managing the day-to-day operations of the Culinary, Catering, and Cooking School departments. This included overseeing purchasing, food production, and financial reporting, as well as managing yearly and monthly budgets by employing data-driven strategies to forecast trends and optimize the cost of goods sold and labor margins.As a Facility Team Leader, I efficiently managed a team of up to 55 employees and seasonal hires, augmenting facility productivity by 10% through a team-centric approach emphasizing individual responsibility. Through strategic training initiatives and motivation, I achieved a notable 20% sales and 25% profit increase in a single year, setting appropriate inventory levels to align with sales volume while emphasizing strategic purchasing.Additionally, I spearheaded the successful launch of two satellite cafes, leading project management, design, and process development to meet the financial and operational goals set by the company. I also played a pivotal role in streamlining business processes across various profit streams and locations.

Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

During my tenure as Store Manager at Jo’s Downtown from October 2005 to May 2006, I oversaw various operational aspects. I managed the build-out project, coordinating between owners and contractors while meticulously handling time and financial budgets for its success. My role involved team recruitment, overseeing accounts, and maintaining the POS functionality. I was responsible for setting COGS, generating comprehensive reports, overseeing financial health, managing schedules, and ensuring financial compliance, including payroll, taxes, and sales tax. I also contributed to crafting the store's Mission Statement, aligning the team with company values.

Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

As Café Assistant Manager, I undertook various crucial responsibilities for the café's success.I spearheaded staff recruitment and retention, maintaining a culture that fostered low turnover rates. I conducted Coffee Classes for new hires to ensure adherence to quality standards and managed recipe data for consistency and excellence in our offerings, contributing to consistent profit growth.I handled POS Back Office software maintenance, generated vital reports for streamlined operations, and managed deposits and monthly reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy. Additionally, I maintained meticulous records in QuickBooks and managed payroll and taxes for the café.My role extended to budgeting for special events like SXSW and various nonprofit organization fundraisers, showcasing financial acumen and strategic planning. I led monthly employee meetings, fostered team cohesion, and actively participated in cash flow seminars and professional development meetings to enhance my expertise and stay updated with industry trends.