Ken Olson

Experience

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  Hospitality & Food Service Industry

  Sept 1982 - now

  Consultant, F&B Manager, Chef

  With extensive experience in the hospitality and food service industry, I offer a broad range of consulting and operational services across various settings, including restaurants, hotels, and institutions. My flexible approach allows me to seamlessly integrate into full-time, part-time, and temporary roles, contributing my expertise wherever it's needed.• Work in various full, part-time, and temporary positions in restaurants, hotels, and institutional settings, providing expertise in HR and operations consulting, food and beverage management, and culinary operations.• Serve as a food and beverage manager, overseeing menu development, staff training, inventory management, and ensuring high standards of service and food quality.• Operate as a chef, line cook, and sous chef, preparing and executing diverse culinary offerings, while maintaining a focus on efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.• Conduct audits, deliver customer service excellence, and manage security operations, contributing to the overall success and smooth operation of various hospitality businesses. Show less

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  Institute for Professional Practice

  Jan 1985 - Jan 1989

  Program Manager, Trainer

  • Led the management and operation of three facilities in Central Massachusetts, providing specialized services to high-risk and forensic clients with cognitive disabilities.• Ensured the delivery of high-quality care and support, adhering to best practices and regulatory standards.• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, enhancing client outcomes and facility performance.

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  Ogden Allied Facility Sevices

  Jan 1990 - Jan 1992

  Food and Beverage, and Events Manager

  • Managed a 3,200-seat, multi-use, dual-arena complex, overseeing operations during a diverse range of events, including concerts, hockey games, professional wrestling matches, and tournaments.• Negotiated contracts with vendors, advertisers, and promoters to ensure seamless event execution and maximize revenue opportunities.• Recruited, trained, and supervised teams across event management, security, and food & beverage services, ensuring efficient coordination and delivery of exceptional guest experiences. Show less

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  Ascentria Care Alliance

  Jan 1992 - Jan 2009

  State Director

  • Managed HR, operational, and administrative functions for a multi-line social service agency.• Increased annual operating budget from $400K to $12 million.• Developed HR policies and innovative procedures, supporting the creation of a fully inclusive Deaf Services Residential Program.• Conducted public speaking engagements, media relations, fundraising, legislative advocacy, and grant writing.

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  Staff Development Solutions

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2006

  Owner & Lead Trainer

  • Developed and delivered customized staff training programs for organizations across Maine and New Hampshire.• Certified Instructor for multiple Maine DHHS certifications, ensuring compliance with state regulations and industry standards.• Successfully trained and mentored numerous staff members, enhancing their skills and improving overall organizational performance.

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  Self-employed

  Jan 2008 - now

  Professional Writing and Communications Strategist

  As a seasoned communications strategist, I offer freelance writing and communication services to individuals, businesses, and political campaigns across state and national levels. My work encompasses a wide range of projects, from crafting compelling content to managing crisis communications, all tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients.• Provide communication support and services to individuals, businesses, and political campaigns at both state and national levels.• Create, edit, proofread, and design graphics for a variety of communication materials, including employee and customer communications, marketing collateral, press releases, articles, manuals, and crisis management documentation. Show less

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  Granite Bay Creations

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2016

  Executive Director

  • Directed HR, operations, IT, and administrative functions across three corporations, each serving high-risk and forensic clients at over 60 locations.• Recruited, trained, and led a diverse team of 450 direct support, clinical, medical, and administrative professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.• Overhauled staffing and HR practices, introducing competency-based performance metrics that drove an 80% increase in revenue and a 40% reduction in administrative overhead.• Managed complex employee compensation and benefits, ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, and unemployment regulations, effectively mitigating risk and maintaining legal compliance.• Inherited and successfully resolved six active litigation cases by implementing innovative policies, procedures, and protocols, resulting in the elimination of legal costs and improved organizational stability.• Coordinated the development and integration of an advanced HR and patient record-keeping system, optimizing data management and enhancing operational efficiency.• Directed strategic acquisitions of two organizations, expanding service offerings and operational capabilities. Show less

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  Seneca HR - Maine Human Resources

  Aug 2016 - now

  HR, Operations & Management Consultant

  As an experienced HR, Operations, and Management Consultant, I provide contracted and freelance services to a diverse range of small and mid-sized businesses. My expertise includes stepping into interim HR roles, delivering customized solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs, and providing outsourcing for a wide range of administrative tasks. Whether addressing urgent challenges or supporting long-term goals, I ensure that businesses operate smoothly and compliantly while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.•Serve as an interim HR manager or staff member, managing all essential HR functions, including payroll, benefits administration, onboarding, recruitment, and employee relations.•Deliver on-demand HR outsourcing, consulting, and training services, specializing in flexible, project-based engagements that adapt to the specific needs of each business.•Conduct comprehensive HR compliance audits, and develop customized policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to ensure regulatory adherence and operational efficiency.•Optimize workplaces to fully utilize diverse staffing groups—including immigrants, disabled individuals, and multi-generational teams—transforming them into inclusive, effective teams that drive business success.•Lead internal investigations and provide expert management coaching focused on performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations to resolve immediate organizational challenges.•Represent employers in UC and Workers’ Compensation hearings, providing strategic advocacy to mitigate risk and protect business interests.•Design and implement employee onboarding, engagement, and retention strategies, as well as DEI initiatives and crisis management plans, tailored to address both short-term needs and long-term objectives.•Develop and deliver employee training sessions and webinars across the US and Canada on critical topics such as sexual harassment, cultural competency, and social services. Show less