Josh Saunders

Experience

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  Sylvan Learning Center

  Apr 2000 - Dec 2010

  Owner Operator

  As the founder and executive director of two educational franchise locations, I oversaw all operational, financial, and strategic aspects of the business and oversaw a team of 30 education professionals, providing K-12 tutoring in reading, math, and study skills.☑ Business Management & Growth: Drove the development and execution of business strategies that transitioned both centers from start-ups to profitable entities. Managed comprehensive marketing and sales initiatives, including local and national advertising campaigns, to maximize brand visibility and revenue.☑ Financial Oversight & Marketing: Controlled all financial management processes, including budgeting and financial planning, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. Effectively marketed the educational services, leading to significant increases in student enrollment and retention rates.☑ Partnership Development: Fostered strong relationships with local school administrators and community leaders, enhancing the centers' reputation and educational impact. These partnerships were instrumental in the centers being ranked in the top 100 franchises out of 1,300 nationwide for two consecutive years.☑ Achievements: Successfully sold both franchises at a profit, demonstrating effective business acumen and the ability to build and scale educational services in competitive markets. Show less

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  STAR Community Justice Center

  Aug 2010 - Apr 2015

  Deputy Director

  In this role, I directed all facets of human resources management for a team of 60 spanning HR, finance, security, and facilities departments. Managed critical HR functions including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and termination, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and legal compliance.☑ Compliance & System Implementation: Spearheaded full compliance with FMLA, ADA, Cobra, 401(k), unemployment, and workers’ compensation policies, maintaining 100% compliance throughout my tenure. Successfully transitioned the organization from paper-based to digital records by implementing an HRIS system, enhancing data accessibility and security.☑ Financial & Contract Management: Negotiated cost-saving contracts with healthcare providers to reduce insurance costs while maintaining employee benefits. Drove the organization’s financial health through strategic budget management and by securing multiple funding streams via agency grants and revenue-generating activities.☑ Program Development & Employee Engagement: Developed and implemented comprehensive employee development and wellness programs, significantly boosting staff morale and engagement. Introduced fitness programs and positive reinforcement coaching, contributing to a supportive and productive work environment.☑ Recognition & Achievements: Led the facility to receive the Community Correctional Facility of the Year award in 2014, a testament to operational excellence and outstanding team leadership. Show less

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  KY Bluegrass Management

  Apr 2015 - Nov 2023

  General Manager

  In this role, my leadership and management extended to directing operations across five diverse business units including restoration, industrial cleaning, pest control, property rentals, and real estate, managing a dynamic team of 50 professionals and implementing strategic initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and employee productivity.☑ Business Development & Financial Oversight: Launched the Paul Davis Restoration franchise, driving it from inception to $5 million in sales within three years. Managed multimillion-dollar contract negotiations and financial operations for Pressure Tech Industrial Cleaning, achieving a strategic pivot to sustainable practices that increased profitability and market alignment.☑ Project Management & Technical Proficiency: Directed the estimation and management of numerous residential, commercial, and industrial projects using Xactimate and Symbility software. Led extensive project scopes from conceptualization through to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budget, and quality standards.☑ Operational Excellence & Risk Management: Orchestrated the acquisition and operational setup of the Black Diamond Pest Control franchise, overseeing all regulatory and compliance requirements. Enhanced risk management frameworks across business lines, significantly mitigating potential financial and operational exposures.☑ Property & Asset Management: Oversaw the acquisition, renovation, and successful flipping of properties for Gabbard Rentals, enhancing asset value and investor returns. Established robust systems for property management, leading to improved tenant satisfaction and profitability.☑ Recognition & Awards: Advanced Paul Davis Restoration to become a finalist for the 2021 Franchise of the Year, recognizing exceptional growth, operational excellence, and customer service standards. Show less