Drew Wending
Motivated Business Leader
San Marcos,CA
Summary
20-years of experience in muti-venue operations management, business development, and leadership experience in the hospitality industry. Repeated successful growth in financial performance, productivity, quality, safety, service, and customer satisfaction across multiple locations and multiple states. Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills; extensive understanding of technology and corporate quality processes. Known as an inspirational leader and mentor. Broad experience in generating team consensus to work together and resolve concerns, balancing tradeoffs, and communicating effectively at all levels. Demonstrated expertise in negotiating and communicating effectively with vendors and clients to optimize resources across diverse projects.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
National Director Operations – Rigging Services Division West
Encore Global
05.2024 - Current
- Providing Divisional Vice President level oversight across the Western US, including all departmental operations and strategic elements.
- Accountable for managing revenues of $14M+ from 127 hotel and convention properties across four (4) states, a $3M capital expenditure budget, and 60+ direct and indirect reports.
- Selected Achievements:
- Implemented strategic relationship building plans
- Maintained a 100% safety score with ZERO injuries and/or deaths by designing, implementing, and executing comprehensive training, including SOPs and instruction delivery – Training has also increased business, operational efficiency, and safety
Regional Manager – Rigging Services Division (CA/OR/WA/HI)
Encore Global
10.2011 - 05.2024
- Providing Regional Vice President level oversight across the region, including all departmental operations and strategic elements.
- Accountable for managing revenues of $14M+ from 127 hotel and convention properties across four (4) states, a $3M capital expenditure budget, and 60+ direct and indirect reports.
- Selected Achievements:
- Grew regional revenues from $3.5M FY11 to $21.3M FY23
- Expanded and captured nearly 80% of the market in 5-years
- Implemented strategic relationship building plans
- Served as sole hiring manager for all rigging managers, including recruiting, interviewing, & salary negotiations; hired 20+ direct reports, achieving a 66% retention rate over 9 years
- Maintained a 100% safety score with ZERO injuries and/or deaths by designing, implementing, and executing comprehensive training, including SOPs and instruction delivery – Training has also increased business, operational efficiency, and safety
Rigging Coordinator
Encore Global
10.2007 - 10.2011
- Promoted as the first person to hold Rigging Coordinator title with responsibility for the entire Los Angeles/Orange County territory.
- Accountable for business development, labor and equipment coordination, and executing client vision according to safety and budget constraints.
- Selected Achievements:
- Grew region from three (3) properties and $150K in revenue to 15 properties and $1.5M in revenue in 4-years
- Navigated ambiguity and uncertainty by remaining agile and adapting to scale a high-growth business unit
- Set standards for future Rigging Managers as the business grew, expanding to six (6) Rigging Managers in the market today
- Coordinated $500,000 worth of equipment dispersed across 15 locations
- Built consolidated central warehouse from the ground up and hired QC Technician to oversee an improvement of efficiency, and drive the accuracy of equipment sourcing
Audio Visual Technician, L1, & Rigger
Encore Global
01.2006 - 10.2007
- Executed audio-visual and rigging activities for the 2nd largest event hotel in the San Diego market with >7000 individual meetings annually generating >$11M in revenue.
- Responsibilities including setting up event technology equipment according to plan, troubleshooting technology challenges, and excellent customer service.
Stagehand/Lighting Technician/Spotlight Operator/Ground Rigger
Rhino Staging
Venue Designer/Production Technician/Stagehand
Viejas Entertainment
Education
MBA -
California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Technical Theatre Management, Emphasis in Design
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12.2007
Skills
- Financial analysis
- Revenue forecasting
- CAD Drafting (Vectorworks)
- Cross Functional Collaboration
- KPI / Metrics Tracking
- Relationship Management
- Writing & Presentation Skills
Policy Management / Development
- Vendor/Supplier Management
- Employee Recruiting/Onboarding
- Mentorship
- Training content development
Adaptability under pressure
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Flexible and adaptable
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking
Decision-making
Self motivation
Excellent Verbal and written communication
Attention to detail
Workforce planning
Business development planning
Websites
Certification
ETCP Certified Arena Rigger (15 years)
Technology Proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Emburse Expense Reporting
- Ecliptic Financial tracking
- Vectorworks
Course Development
- Developer and primary instructor for Encore Rigging Site Survey Course and Rigging Certification Prep-course
- Developer and primary instructor for Encore ETCP Core Concepts Training Course
- Beta developer and Instructor of the Encore Rigging for Managers training
- Instructor for the Encore 3-day basic Rigging Course
- Certified Operator Instructor for Aerial Work Platforms
- Coauthor of the Rigging Department SOP
Timeline
National Director Operations – Rigging Services Division West
Encore Global
05.2024 - Current
Regional Manager – Rigging Services Division (CA/OR/WA/HI)
Encore Global
10.2011 - 05.2024
Rigging Coordinator
Encore Global
10.2007 - 10.2011
Audio Visual Technician, L1, & Rigger
Encore Global
01.2006 - 10.2007
Stagehand/Lighting Technician/Spotlight Operator/Ground Rigger
Rhino Staging
Venue Designer/Production Technician/Stagehand
Viejas Entertainment
MBA -
California State University Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts - Technical Theatre Management, Emphasis in Design
San Diego State University
Similar Profiles
Jean Patrick PaulJean Patrick Paul
Audiovisuel Technician at Encore GlobalAudiovisuel Technician at Encore Global
Katy LeardKaty Leard
Event Technician Lead at Encore GlobalEvent Technician Lead at Encore Global
Scott Christopher GriffinScott Christopher Griffin
Project Manager at Encore GlobalProject Manager at Encore Global
Brandon ShinBrandon Shin
Dog Groomer at Family BusinessDog Groomer at Family Business
Joshua AguirreJoshua Aguirre
Senior Crew Leader at ServpoSenior Crew Leader at Servpo