David Fitzgerald Crosby
Creating an exceptional customer experience, whether in a restaurant, a retail store, or online has been my life's work. Training great CX, coaching teams to excel, and motivating key people in their development towards a passion-filled future is indeed, my passion.
I am an accomplished sales, marketing, and logistical strategist looking for a strong small team needing a creative perspective in their sales teams, marketing efforts, or online visibility. With a strong track record of founding and developing brands to profitability, my renaissance skills toward market share success can be an invaluable addition when negotiating the fundamental changes in business transparency today.
Building and developing winning teams and expanding footprints in highly competitive markets requires innovative business strategy. My entrepreneurial spirit mixed with the pragmatism of economics, and dedication to building successful customer partnerships, has been successful in increasing both profitability and market share growth.
EXPERIENCE
Me Today
July 2019 to Today
I sold my last concept on the 16th Street Mall a few months before Covid 19. Although serendipitous, it also gave me time to reflect. It became evident to me that I needed a break. Although I have consulted on a few projects since, at the time it was clear I needed to renew my life lease.
I traveled, spent time with my daughter, and read, tons.
I re-centered my life around a few key components. Quality of life, (I had forgotten the importance of this) giving back, and living a life of gratitude.
I concluded that helping others would be the directional focus for the third chapter of my life. It has always been a core value and compass, and I couldn't think of anything else I'd rather center my life around.
As I look back on the past couple of years of introspection and learning, I can certainly say what an enlightening trip its been.
I dedicated the last 3 years to life as a single father. My daughter is graduating High School in May and has recently been admitted to NYU. In addition to the empty nest, I feel a pull to get back out there and do something exciting!
Teaching, training, speaking, and inspiring others to be their best is how I started, and it's where I'd like to return.
If you have a sales team that needs to hear about the importance of curiosity, connection, the mindset of service, integrity and discipline in their work, or maybe a retail team that needs to be reminded how to have fun, or even when your people need courage for change, give me a shout. I'm open for a new opportunity to bring the experience, the failures, and the fun of growing in this world of incredible change.
Concept Developer, Store Director
BLUEBERRY'S Bakery & Cafe (Restaurant Group) - Denver, CO 2005 to 2019
Produced and developed highly branded concept restaurants with short ROI's and high comp sales growth.
Created store design, developed logistics, managed projects to opening, and was point on all creative. Led up to 35 employees with 8 direct reports. Provided company management of all operational functions and $1M P&L budget.
Established Blueberry's Bakery and Cafe as neighborhood place with huge 10-year following, critically acclaimed in Westwood, 5280, and other local publications.
Created soup themed concept to cater to customers' desire for fresh, fast, and easy to order food on Denver's 16th Street Mall. Received 4.9 ratings on Google and Trip Advisor, and 4.5 on Yelp.
Created new full-service concept from only an existing name. Designed logo, menu, and store redesign. Worked with the City of Englewood to acquire a $10,000 grant for renovation, hired and trained an opening staff, opened the store and sold the concept in one year.
General Manager, Training Manager
JAMBA JUICE, (Denver Metro) - Denver, CO 2003 to 2005
Managed Operations and personnel of corporate stores. Reviewed business practices, determined customer and staff needs, and identified performance opportunities. Developed and presented Store Management training program that resulted in above average growth within the district.
Organized and presented Management Training workshops for operational managers. Setting clear expectations, delivering effective critical feedback, building a great team and motivating them for success were key insights.
Identified and addressed trends and issues in store performance and productivity metrics through coaching and counseling.
CoFounder, Store Director
BERKOWITZ/FITZGERALD (Restaurant Group) - Breckenridge, CO 1994 to 2002
Produced concept restaurants in the Ski Resorts of Colorado. Grew the organization from one small coffee shop to 5 horizontally linked organizations. Sales grew from $376,000 to over $1.5 million in just 5 years. Two of the original concepts are still in business in Breckenridge.
Repurposed and redesigned a wholesale cookie store on Main Street Breckenridge into the most popular Bakery/Cafe in Summit County. This Concept is virtually unchanged and still in business nearly 27 years later.
Created and developed another Main Street Cafe that within it's first year netted $90,000 and sold for $90,000 soon after.
Just a one year turnaround from ideation to sale of $180,000. It is still in business.
Purchased our bagel supplier, sales went from $36,000 to $91,000 in just 14 months. A nearly 300% increase in revenue.
EARLY CAREER
NORDIC TRACK-Area Manager, Retail Sales & Marketing
Managed 5 stores and 6 kiosks in Southern California upscale malls. My Group was consistently a Regional Leader in comp sales, and held the number 1 or number 2 position for accessory sales in the nation. Los Angeles, California 2 years
PRO BIKE /BICI-Marketing & Sales Director
Lead Sales team and managed marketing efforts for 4 of the largest cycling stores in the Los Angeles basin. During my tenure the organization went from the third largest cycling retailer in Southern California to number one.
Los Angeles, California 3 years
TWO WHEEL TRANSIT AUTHORITY-Lead Bicycle Sales
Selling bicycles and working in the nation's biggest and best cycling stores was an incredible start to my career. I learned so much from the very best, and I loved every minute of it.
Los Angeles, California 2 years
EDUCATION
Colorado University, University of Northern Colorado, University of Nebraska, and Colorado State University