Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Hi'ilei Kapu

Nashville

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven manager with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, recognized for exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and sales through strategic initiatives and innovative solutions. Expertise in streamlining operations and optimizing employee talent through targeted staff development while fostering a positive and resilient approach to overcoming challenges. Passionate about creating an engaging environment that inspires teams to excel and deliver outstanding service.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Catering Sales Manager

Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
03.2025 - Current
  • CSM for a lifestyle-focused hotel in the heart of downtown Nashville. Managed full-cycle event planning from initial inquiry to execution, including proposals, site tours, BEOs, and vendor coordination. Cultivated strong relationships with corporate clients, wedding planners, and local partners to drive revenue & grow brand visibility.
  • Coordinated seamless events by collaborating with cross-functional teams, including chefs, servers, and event planners.
  • Generated new business leads through targeted marketing campaigns and networking initiatives.

Sales Operations Manager / Multi Unit AGM

POP Hospitality Group
01.2024 - 11.2024
  • Promoted to oversee sales strategy, operational execution, and team performance across two flagship concepts within the POP Hospitality portfolio.
  • Spearheaded initiatives that streamlined daily operations, boosted top-line revenue, and significantly improved team efficiency.
  • Analyzed sales metrics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement in the overall operations strategy.
  • Motivated team members by offering constructive feedback during regular one-on-one sessions that foster personal growth.

Sales & Events Director

POP Hospitality Group
10.2021 - 01.2024
  • Oversaw all private dining and event operations across four high-volume Nashville restaurants, leading strategic sales efforts, event execution, and client experience. Within the first year of this role, year-over-year private event sales were doubled and exceeded $1M in revenue by Q3, setting a new performance benchmark for the company.
  • Built and optimized systems to streamline booking, improved menu customization options, and fostered strong B2B relationships that drove consistent group and corporate bookings. Collaborated with chefs, GMs, and marketing teams to elevate the guest experience and grow brand recognition through personalized, high-impact events.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.

Multi-Unit Server / Bartender

POP Hospitality Group
08.2019 - 10.2021
  • Provided attentive, high-volume service across two fast-paced, live music venues within The POP Hospitality Umbrella. Balanced bar and table responsibilities, delivered personalized guest experiences, and consistently exceeded sales goals through strong menu knowledge and upselling techniques.

Lead Project Coordinator

Vigil
06.2016 - 08.2019
  • Lead Project Coordinator / Project Manager for VIGIL:
  • Led development and implementation of AI-driven Access Control Stations for 137 Nashville Metro Public School locations, integrating advanced metal detection and bio-thermal scanning technology. Collaborated with cross-functional teams of engineers and developers to deliver innovative safety solutions. Managed project milestones through regular stakeholder meetings, drafted executive progress reports, and created comprehensive training protocols and support materials to ensure long-term success and adoption.

Sales Manager / Project Manager

R3DSTAR Medical Electronics Corp.
02.2013 - 06.2016
  • Collaborated with global teams across the US, India, and Taiwan to design and deploy a Mobile Electronic Medical Records system, enhancing medication management and patient data tracking in Long Term Care, Mental Health, and Correctional Facilities nationwide.
  • Led coordination with government and facility leadership for multi-site implementation, secured program funding by working directly with County Budget Committees and participating in public hearings.
  • Drove business development through proposal creation, contract negotiation, and client acquisition.
  • Recognized with 2nd Place at TechCrunch Disrupt NYC (2014) for innovation in health tech solutions.

Manager

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurants
07.2010 - 02.2012
  • Managed inventory, staffing, scheduling, and community engagement efforts while ensuring a welcoming, family-friendly environment that became a staple for locals and tourists.

Education

No Degree - Tourism And Hospitality Management

Brigham Young University, Hawai'i
La'ie, HI
06-2011

Skills

  • Event planning proficiency
  • Sales strategy implementation
  • Staff training and development
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Excellent communication
  • Team motivation

Timeline

Catering Sales Manager

Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
03.2025 - Current

Sales Operations Manager / Multi Unit AGM

POP Hospitality Group
01.2024 - 11.2024

Sales & Events Director

POP Hospitality Group
10.2021 - 01.2024

Multi-Unit Server / Bartender

POP Hospitality Group
08.2019 - 10.2021

Lead Project Coordinator

Vigil
06.2016 - 08.2019

Sales Manager / Project Manager

R3DSTAR Medical Electronics Corp.
02.2013 - 06.2016

Manager

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurants
07.2010 - 02.2012

No Degree - Tourism And Hospitality Management

Brigham Young University, Hawai'i
Hi'ilei Kapu