Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Heather Hartwell

Norco

Summary

Results-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, managing full business operations, combined with 7+ years of experience in the construction industry. Proven strategic thinker and proactive leader with strong expertise in business management, accounting, and operational oversight. Highly skilled at streamlining processes, managing finances, and driving organizational efficiency while supporting growth and profitability. Known as a motivated self-starter and problem solver who excels at overseeing complex operations and delivering results across fast-paced industries.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant General Manager

Palace Entertainment
Riverside, CA
07.2021 - 01.2025
  • Coordinated daily operations to enhance guest experiences and streamline service delivery.
  • Implemented staff training programs, improving team performance and operational efficiency.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in service quality.
  • Assisted in budget management, ensuring adherence to financial targets and resource allocation.
  • Led team meetings to align goals, share updates, and foster collaboration among departments.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
  • Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
  • Collaborated with the General Manager on marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for optimal profitability.
  • Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee performance and retention.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations by implementing strict sanitation guidelines throughout the establishment.
  • Monitored facility maintenance needs, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.

Director of Operations

Palace Entertainment
Riverside, CA
01.2016 - 07.2021
  • Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency across multiple entertainment venues.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive operational excellence.
  • Collaborated with senior management to establish long-term operational goals aligned with corporate strategy.
  • Facilitated regular assessments of operational workflows, enhancing productivity and team collaboration.
  • Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
  • Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
  • Oversaw the successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
  • Established strong partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to improve collaboration and ensure alignment with business requirements.
  • Delivered exceptional customer experiences by implementing strategies focused on meeting evolving needs and expectations.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to enhance operational performance and achieve targets.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the organization by enforcing compliance with established regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as conducting regular audit checks.

HR, Accounting & Cash Control Supervisor

Palace Entertainment
Riverside, CA
05.2013 - 01.2016

HR Role

- Held interviews and processed all new hire paperwork from the onboarding process to their first day.

- Handled all employee complaints and concerns, as well as any necessary employee investigations.

- Managed payroll for the park.

- Planned and Organized Company Events and Parties

- Trained and Enforced Company Polices & Guidelines

Accounting Role

- Processed and tracked all Accounts Payable Invoices

- Managed all AR to ensure timely payments from vendors and reached out to vendors when payments were late.

- Submitted Check Requests as needed for AP

- Worked alongside the corporate office for all accounting needs.

- Managed the Monthly & Annual Budget for all P&L line items.

- Provided Explanations for any P&L over/shorts by line item to the corporate office monthly.

Cash Control Role

- Daily Financial Report

- Managed Petty Cash

- Prepared Bank Deposits

- Weekly Reconciliation & Reporting

- Cash Management & Security

- Performed Audits

Operations Manager

Palace Entertainment
Riverside, CA
05.2009 - 05.2013
  • Streamlined daily operations to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime across all departments.
  • Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.

Accounting Assistant

H20 Pipeline
Riverside, CA
01.2009 - 05.2010
  • Processed invoices and expense reports for timely payments.
  • Assisted in monthly financial close activities and reporting.
  • Maintained organized financial records and documentation systems.

Guest Services Supervisor

Palace Entertainment
Riverside, CA
05.2006 - 05.2009
  • Supervised daily operations, ensuring excellent guest experiences and adherence to service standards.
  • Trained and mentored staff on customer service protocols and operational procedures.
  • Implemented training programs that enhanced team performance and guest satisfaction metrics.
  • Developed efficient workflows to streamline guest check-in processes, reducing wait times.

Guest Services Team Member

Palace Entertainment
Riverside, CA
06.2003 - 05.2006
  • Provided exceptional customer service, fostering positive guest experiences.
  • Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout facilities.
  • Responded promptly to guest inquiries, ensuring satisfaction and resolution of issues.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education

California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
05-2009

Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Riverside Community College
Riverside
01-2007

Skills

  • Operations management
  • Budget control
  • Operations oversight
  • Sales forecasting
  • Financial reporting
  • Process improvement
  • Financial leadership
  • Business operations

Accomplishments

    In 2020, I started my own business in the Construction industry, providing pre-construction videos and photos for contractors throughout Southern California. I not only manage all aspects of the business but go out in the field to complete the projects. For 5 years, I continued to work at Palace Entertainment and grow my business at the same time.

Interests

  • Quality Family Time
  • Church
  • My Pets
  • DIY and Home Improvement
  • Music
  • Playing & Watching Sports

Timeline

Assistant General Manager

Palace Entertainment
07.2021 - 01.2025

Director of Operations

Palace Entertainment
01.2016 - 07.2021

HR, Accounting & Cash Control Supervisor

Palace Entertainment
05.2013 - 01.2016

Operations Manager

Palace Entertainment
05.2009 - 05.2013

Accounting Assistant

H20 Pipeline
01.2009 - 05.2010

Guest Services Supervisor

Palace Entertainment
05.2006 - 05.2009

Guest Services Team Member

Palace Entertainment
06.2003 - 05.2006

Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education

California Baptist University

Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Riverside Community College
Heather Hartwell