Philip Lawson

Strategic hospitality leader with 15+ years of experience in hotel operations, taskforce leadership, and project execution. Demonstrated success supporting General Managers and hotel ownership through operational excellence, brand realignment, and guest satisfaction initiatives. Known for managing complex property transitions, multi-site operations, and full-scale renovations within budget and timeline constraints. 

core competencies

Multi-Property Operations • Renovation Project Leadership • Strategic Planning • Guest Satisfaction Optimization • Staff Training, Development, & Retention • Emergency Planning • Revenue Strategy • Brand Standards Compliance • GM Support 

• Budget Planning & Implementation • Owner/Stakeholder Relations • P&L Review & Management

Project Manager/Consultant

Premium Hospitality & Logistic Services Co. | San Antonio, TX | October 2022 - Present

• Results-driven Project Manager with 4+ years of experience leading end-to-end construction and renovation projects in the hospitality and commercial sectors. 
• Proven track record of delivering hotel and commercial building developments on time, within scope, and under budget. 
• Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing vendor relationships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining exceptional standards of quality and safety. 
• Adept at budget forecasting, scheduling, permitting, and stakeholder communication across all project phases.

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Presidian Hotels & Resorts | San Antonio, TX | August 2018 - October 2022

• Directed cross-functional initiatives across a portfolio of hotels and resorts, driving operational excellence, growth, and strategic development
• Managed the full lifecycle of a new-build hotel project and led the repositioning of an existing property into a higher-tiered hotel within the brand
• Acted as regional manager for properties, supporting General Managers in resolving systemic challenges and improving day-to-day operations
• Developed and implemented company-wide training and emergency manuals for an independent hot spring resort
• Authored a comprehensive General Manager's Guide outlining company standards and operational expectations across all departments
• Conducted revenue management for select properties, optimizing pricing strategies, forecasting, and yield management
• Researched and implemented new software systems to streamline resort operations and enhance guest service delivery
• Participated in annual budget reviews, providing analysis and recommendations aligned with company financial objectives
• Liaised with hotel owners, vendors, brands, and city officials to align strategic goals, manage expectations, and address regulatory requirements
• Spearheaded operational solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring business continuity and staff safety

General Manager/Taskforce Manager

GF Management, LLC | Philadelphia, PA | March 2010 – August 2018

General Manager Responsibilities:

• Conducted all aspects of hotel operations including, but not limited to: finances, reporting, quality control, guest relations, maintenance, front desk, housekeeping, food services, team building, staff development, budgeting, revenue management, sales, and employee relations
• Ensured hotel profitability through close monitoring and adjustment of expenditures, as well as positioning of hotel based on market conditions
• Met or exceeded guest’s service expectations through preventive maintenance, cleanliness, training, and customer service 

Achievements:

Holiday Inn Corpus Christi Downtown Marina | RGB Hospitality – Bayfront Marina Investments, LP

• Increased RevPAR 20.7% through end of July 2017 by improving revenue management and market penetration; up 43.0% in RevPAR for 2017 after remaining open during and after Hurricane Harvey
• Improved guest scores year over year through improved employee retention, retraining of team members, and increased focus on utilizing ILEAD centered service recovery

Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Airport, LA

• Completed Hilton new owner HGI PIP in high occupancy hotel without affecting revenue or occupancy
• Successfully completed Hilton USI (Ultimate Service Improvement) two months after arriving on property
• Improved room revenue year over year despite down market
• Enhanced employee morale and reduced employee turnover
• Boosted monthly guest service scores to highest in two years

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Fe, NM

• Achieved highest QA in five years
• Improved guest satisfaction scores and TripAdvisor rating to highest in five years
• Increased revenue 15.5% year over year in flat market

Boise Hotel & Conference Center

• Surpassed budget profitability expectations of hotel by 50% in the first year and 70% in the second year
• Improved TripAdvisor rating from bottom 10% to top 30%
• Expanded community footprint through business development and participation in state and local organizations

Courtyard by Marriott Fresno, CA

• Improved guest satisfaction scores to highest in four years
• Achieved number one hotel on TripAdvisor in Fresno

Taskforce

• Smoothly transitioned over 30 hotels into GF Management portfolio without interruption to operations, services, financial reporting, or impact to guests
• Reviewed reports and budgets for multiple properties for accuracy and completeness
• Converted vendor accounts, contracts, licenses and permits, as well as assured new contracts were established under company guidelines
• Ensured staffing and coordinated transition of property
• Trained new employees and General Managers on company policies, procedures and reporting

Operations/Project Manager

Excedeo- IT Support Pros | San Diego, CA | November 2008 - April 2011

• Coordinated design, scheduling, purchase, and management of projects for clients, included: company hardware and software refresh, compliance regulations, data storage, and disaster recovery/risk management
• Worked with distributors and technicians to redesign network standards for client infrastructure, which increased sales while reducing client downtime and risk of data loss.
• Implemented Just-In-Time ordering philosophy to help reduce unnecessary inventory and increase cash flow
• Reduced waste and increased synergy among departments through implementing operational objectives and work plans that improved operational efficiency by 20% 

Assistant General Manager

Quality Suites & Holiday Inn Express | San Diego, CA | August 2006 - October 2008

• Assisted the GM in the operation of two hotel brands
• Processed billing, collection, and maintenance of all accounts receivable, resulting in a reduction of outstanding A/R from $600,000 to $98,000 in six months
• Increased guest scores and employee morale by designing and implementing employee incentive programs
• Reorganized staff scheduling to be in accordance with CA State law while maintaining budgetary guidelines