Eric Hitchcock Jr
Crystal Beach,Canada
Summary
Seasoned Hospitality Professional with proven leadership skills. Background includes managing diverse teams, strategic planning and business development in fast-paced environments. Known for improving operational efficiencies, driving revenue growth and fostering customer satisfaction. Committed to building strong team cultures that encourage innovation and openness.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
Niagara Falls, ON
06.2014 - 06.2020
- Led daily operations for a high-volume dinner theatre with over 65 staff members, managing a $2.2 million annual budget, and delivering more than 250 live events per year.
- Implemented robust staffing, training, and scheduling systems, improving service consistency and reducing turnover by fostering a positive, team-first culture.
- Spearheaded franchising efforts, successfully launching a second location in Ottawa in 2019, expanding brand reach and revenue potential.
- Enhanced cost control and budgeting processes, leading to a measurable increase in profit margins, while maintaining high guest satisfaction scores.
Owner
Niagara Information Centre
Niagara Falls, ON
06.2010 - 05.2014
- Founded and managed a high-traffic tourism hub and published 750,000 copies annually of a regional Attraction Coupon Guide and Map that was distributed in all major tourist outlets.
- Negotiated partnerships with local attractions and hospitality providers, generating advertising revenue, and enhancing tourism visibility across Niagara.
- Sold attraction tickets directly to visitors, increasing access and convenience, while boosting local partner sales.
- Organized an annual tourism industry trade show to connect front-line hospitality staff with attraction representatives, enhancing industry knowledge, service quality, and community engagement.
Director of Sales & Marketing / Operations
Greg Frewin Theatre
Niagara Falls, ON
07.2006 - 05.2010
- Directed sales, marketing, and front-of-house operations for a 700-seat live theatre, overseeing ticketing, group sales, and customer engagement.
- Designed and executed multi-channel marketing campaigns, boosting attendance, and improving brand awareness in key tourism markets.
- Led and trained sales and reservations teams, increasing booking efficiency and customer service performance.
- Collaborated with production and technical teams to ensure seamless guest experiences from entry to encore.
Education
Business Administration - Operations Management
Niagara College of Applied Arts & Technology
04-1994
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Operational Efficiency
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Customer engagement
- Team leadership
- Group Sales Development
- Sales analysis
- Inventory Management
- Budgeting and cost control
- Event coordination
- Multitasking Abilities
Industry Leadership And Recognition
- Board Member, Lundy's Lane BIA, 2014-2018
- Board Member, Attractions Ontario, 2002-2008
- Niagara Falls Tourism Hospitality Ambassador Awards, 1997, 2004
Timeline
General Manager
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
06.2014 - 06.2020
Owner
Niagara Information Centre
06.2010 - 05.2014
Director of Sales & Marketing / Operations
Greg Frewin Theatre
07.2006 - 05.2010
Business Administration - Operations Management
Niagara College of Applied Arts & Technology
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