Andrew Maxwell
Operations Executive · Freelance/Contract
Carolina Beach, NC
In My Own Words
Strategic operations executive with a proven ability to lead teams, optimize business processes, and deliver impactful results across diverse industries. With extensive experience in driving operational excellence, streamlining complex systems, and enhancing productivity, I bring a results-driven approach to every project. My expertise spans multi-venue management, high-stakes project execution, contract negotiation, and team development.
I thrive on solving complex challenges, empowering teams, and driving long-term growth. If you're looking for a leader who can elevate your operations and accelerate success, let’s connect.
Work Experience
Event & Experiential Strategist
Freelance/Contract2021 – Present
- Concept to execution for festivals and events - Rewired Fest - '22 and '23, GNC's - Comic Con Launch '23, Feastables - 7- Eleven Vegas Announcement '23, and many more!
- Developer and director for events and festivals of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, showcasing adaptability and capability to meet diverse client needs and expectations.
- Demonstrated expertise in driving revenue growth through strategic event planning and sponsorship development, resulting in significant increases in sponsorship sales and upgraded packages.
- Specialized in optimizing operations to boost foot traffic and attendance at events, consistently delivering exceptional attendee experiences and maximizing brand exposure.
- Established strong client and sponsor relationships, securing long-term partnerships and repeat business by delivering tailored event experiences that surpass expectations.
- Implemented robust risk management strategies to ensure smooth event execution and mitigate disruptions, maintaining a reputation for reliability and success in challenging circumstances.
- Passionate about crafting unique events and immersive experiences that foster intentional and meaningful connections with target audiences, aligning with clients' visions, goals, and budgets to achieve unparalleled success.
Director of Operations, Events Division
Trusted Influence2021 – 2023
Strategic Event Planning and Sponsorship Growth: Orchestrated high-impact events while significantly increasing sponsorship sales and revenue. Implemented innovative strategies to attract new sponsors and upgrade existing sponsorship packages, resulting in substantial financial gains for the Events Division and organization.
Operational Efficiency Improvement and Increased Foot Traffic: Led initiatives to optimize operational processes, driving higher foot traffic and attendance at events. Through meticulous planning and execution, enhanced attendee experiences, resulting in increased engagement and participation levels year over year.
Team Leadership and Sponsorship Development: Provided strong leadership to the Events Division team, empowering them to cultivate relationships with sponsors and negotiate lucrative partnerships. Implemented training programs to enhance sponsorship sales skills, resulting in a more proactive and successful approach to securing sponsorships.
Risk Management and Enhanced Attendee Experience: Implemented robust risk management strategies to ensure the smooth operation of events, even in challenging circumstances. By prioritizing attendee satisfaction and safety, managed to attract and retain a larger audience, thereby enhancing the reputation and success of the organization.
Client Satisfaction and Sponsorship Retention: Fostered strong relationships with clients and sponsors, delivering tailored event experiences that exceeded expectations. By consistently delivering value and ROI to sponsors, secured long-term partnerships and repeat business, further solidifying the organization's position as a premier destination for sponsor engagement.
Administrative Analyst/Specialist
California State University, Chico2013 – 2021
- Championed streamline and centralization of all university scheduling (non-academic use). - Proposed, presented, and earned funding for scheduling automation project. - Reworked and revamped entire university scheduling policy and procedure. - Directed and completed full transition of digital automation project for all facility scheduling. - Increased external user rental contracts by over 35% year over year.
Manager, Venue Operations
Competitor Group2010 – 2013
- Orchestrated seamless operations for marathon racing events held in diverse rented facilities across multiple cities in the US, ensuring logistical excellence and participant satisfaction, including the coordination of finish line festivals.
- Implemented cost-effective operational strategies specific to marathon racing events, optimizing resource utilization and reducing overhead expenses without compromising event quality, while also enhancing sponsor engagement during finish line festivals.
- Spearheaded venue transformation initiatives to accommodate marathon racing requirements, including course layout optimization, hydration station placement, and participant flow management, as well as facilitating space for concerts and sponsor activations during finish line festivals.
- Developed and executed comprehensive safety protocols and emergency response plans tailored to the unique challenges of marathon racing events, ensuring participant safety and regulatory compliance during both the race and finish line festival activities.
- Crafted event strategies to enhance consumer engagement at the finish line festival, leveraging interactive experiences, branded activations, and entertainment options to create memorable moments and foster lasting connections with participants and sponsors.
Store Manager
Vans2005 – 2010
- Achieved consistent year-over-year revenue growth by implementing strategic sales initiatives and fostering a customer-centric culture.
- Elevated merchandising standards and visual presentation with staff to reflect Vans' brand identity and enhance the shopping experience, leading to improvement in product sell-through rates and increased corporate and customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by cultivating a high-performing team through effective coaching, development programs, and performance incentives, resulting in decreased staff turnover and becoming the "leadership development" store that produced more promotions than any other Vans location.
- Accountable for store profitability and operational efficiency by effectively managing operating budgets, inventory levels, and expenses, achieving an increase in store profitability while maintaining cost controls.
- Established meaningful connections with the local community through strategic partnerships, events, and grassroots initiatives, driving brand awareness and fostering brand loyalty among local action sports enthusiasts. Hailed by corporate as a unicorn that treated a corporate store like a personal business.
- Earned the ability to participate and lead the "Go-Team" that executed new store openings nationwide. Hired, trained, and setup all new stores for success prior to "Grand Openings" of new locations.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Management
San Diego State UniversityA.S. Fire Science
Shasta CollegeProjects
REWIRED FEST
https://rewiredfest.com/Concept to execution of a brand new event series and festival. Connecting CPG brands with creators, influencers, Walmart, and their next wave of Gen Z/Gen Alpha consumers. ReWired on the Road includes over 150 Walmart events leading up to an action-packed weekend full of gaming, celebrity events, music, giveaways, swag, free products, prizing, and more – all supported by Sponsors, Walmart, and the top influencers in the world! Attendance is FREE for all ages and open to the public.
