From Airports to Opportunities: Results That Speak
I transformed brands into 1800+ stores and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. Now, I help you grow with strategic financing.
Proven leadership skills in strategic planning and business turnarounds, as well as event planning and customer service.
Perform team leadership and motivation, workforce planning, scheduling and management, training & development, including full project management.
Adept in improving efficiency of behind-the-scene retail with Food & Beverage operations including supply chain management, purchasing, vendor relations, inventory control, production scheduling and loss control.
Effectively manage accounting and finance functions including financial statements, budget planning, payroll, expense control, and overhead reduction.
CATHERINE ORTIZ
OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP: RESTAURANT & RETAIL
Commended for excellence in strategic planning, business turnarounds, employee development, and relationship-building. Skilled in securing profitable business opportunities and driving progress toward goal achievement. Adept in empowering operations through improvements to supply chain management, purchasing, and customer service. Experienced in owning P&L responsibility and effectively managing accounting/finance functions, including budget management, overhead reduction, and expense controls.
GIDGID Concessions Partners, Inc. – a Hispanic woman-owned business with an ACDBE certification for airports 2014 - Present
President - Chicago, IL
DIZA HOSPITALITY GROUP – a franchisee operating quick serve restaurants. 2022 to Present
Regional Manager - Chicago, IL
Oversee operations across 9 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises, enhancing the customer experience to drive revenue growth. Train and develop a high-performing team, capable of upselling and generating repeat business. Lead business reviews, strategic planning, and site visits to ensure operational excellence. Utilize data to identify trends, drive performance improvements, and provide actionable insights.
▪ Championed adherence to Dunkin’s operational standards by developing and executing regular assessments.
MBR Industries – a company representing Bene Casa, a general merchandise goods band focusing on Hispanic markets. 2023 to Present
Regional Sales - Chicago, IL
Pursue new business opportunities on behalf of Bene Casa while adhering to the company’s long-standing consumer appeal and strategic pricing frameworks. Improve sales of products in niche markets and underserved demographics. Expand upon distribution channels, including merchants, national and regional chain stores, independent retailers, and regional household goods distributors.
▪ Strategized on potential improvements to merchandising to improve brand awareness, market reach, and sales growth.
Branded Works – a company specializing in airport concessions, offering quality brands of food and beverages. 2022
Consultant - Chicago, IL
Led the successful post-COVID relaunch of 5 Pinkberry locations at the DFW airport. Guided operations management, performance improvement, and financial planning. Created the foundation for sustainable revenue generation. Hired and trained a General Manager. Drove the alignment of operations with objectives across profitability, customer engagement, customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
HV Group – a company representing the brand Puka Plantain Strips, a natural food product. 2021-2023
National Sales Director - New Orleans, LA
Built new partnerships by identifying and influencing key decision-makers. Discovered new leads across the US, cultivating accounts and securing profitable deals. Developed relationships with distributors and expanded the brand’s presence in stores nationwide. Created compelling merchandise displays, coordinating store managers. Analyzed data to inform account-specific sales activities.
New Business Development:
▪ Accelerated the business growth of Puka Plantain Strips from scratch, achieving a brand presence in 1800+ stores nationwide.
▪ Secured a profitable deal with AWG/VMC distribution in July 2021 to expand into 500 new independent stores.
▪ Added 960 Food Lion stores; 50 Food City stores; 190 Giant Foots & Giant Martins stores; and many more within 2 years.
▪ Handled issues with UNFI distribution and Kroger, playing an integral role in deals with Fry’s, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers.
▪ Partnered with Vita Coco to establish combo displays of their product along with Puka Plantain Strips in grocery stores.
Branding + Marketing:
▪ Raised product visibility by transforming the merchandising; hired and supervised a graphic designer to update packaging.
▪ Spearheaded the development of a new brand website (pukastrips.com) to establish an impactful digital presence.
▪ Led social media marketing and oversaw content creation; delivered eye-catching graphics and display plans to supermarkets.
Cielo Concessions – a company representing a JV partnership in BOS, MDW, LAX, EWR, LGA, SEA, and JFK. 2018 to 2020
Regional Manager of Operations - Chicago, IL
Owned responsibility for the construction and opening of DeColores Mexican Restaurant/Bar and Einstein’s Bagels on Concourse A at Midway Airport. Led the oversight of the ACDBE program in partner airports. Assumed HR responsibilities ahead of launch, including
the recruitment, training, and performance management of supervisory-level employees.
▪ Effectively managed a $4M organization and oversaw 48 employees; aligned P&L with stakeholder expectations.
▪ Designed the menu and digital board for display at the bar and restaurant, pricing products based on market analysis.
▪ Served as point of contact and oversaw a JV (minority) partnership with SSP in BOS, IND, LAX, EWR, LGA, SEA, and JFK.
The Khowaja Organization – a company representing Dunkin’ Donuts at 15 traditional locations and 1 train station. 2015 to 2018
Multi-Unit Area Manager - Chicago, IL
Performed all aspects of talent management and development, including recruitment, personal interviews, training, and retention of qualified management/support staff. Led and monitored pre & post-training activities to ensure effective training and a positive attitude throughout restaurants. Assessed training needs and implemented new organizational training programs.
▪ Informed franchisee of facility maintenance needs and upkeep to protect assets; collaborated on remodels and refurbishment plans. Followed up with individual restaurants to drive preventative maintenance and ensure continual plan adherence.
The Grove – an airport concessions company representing franchises at 13 airports and 60 total locations across the US.
Regional Director of Operations - Westchester, IL 2012 to 2014
General Area Manager – Hartsfield Airport - Atlanta, GA 2007 to 2012
Delivered award-winning leadership in food and beverage operations at one of the world’s busiest airports before assuming responsibility for managing a region comprised of airports in Atlanta, Washington D.C., New Orleans, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and Chicago. Steered the efforts of 6 area managers, 35 supervisors, and held authority for up to 300 employees in operations.
Leadership:
▪ Owned responsibility for individual airport budgets of $6M and a combined regional budget of $15M.
▪ Demonstrated excellence in Human Resources Management; hired, trained, and guided the efforts of supervisory personnel.
▪ Championed the development of a workforce committed to superior product quality, customer service, and repeat business.
Revenue Growth:
▪ Developed cost control systems and procedures to guarantee the day-to-day profitability of operations.
▪ Oversaw the performances of approximately 80 employees while improving bottom-line profits and exceeding sales quotas.
▪ Ensured a cost-effective supply chain by vetting all inventory purchasing, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
General Manager
Gumbo Ya Ya Cajun Country Stores – New Orleans, LA
Oversaw 15 employees at 3 locations across New Orleans. Planned and executed events to improve sales through affiliation with major New Orleans celebrations. Coordinated special promotions and merchandising programs, including Sugar Bowl, Super Bowl, and Final Four merchandise. Played an integral role in product development, marketing, and merchandising.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of New Orleans – New Orleans, LA