MIKE GABRIEL, AIA
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ARCHITECT / EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN DIRECTOR
Strong leader with 20+ years experience in construction oversight and development, cost management, and brand management. Develop systematic cost-saving measures and communicate expectations clearly. Excellent team builder with exceptional skills in training and development of staff.

Contract Negotiations Customer Service Facility Management Graphic Design Implementation
Operations Management Process Improvement Project Management Team Facilitation
Total Quality Management
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CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
Developed system of checks and balances that allowed tracking of departmental expenditures and increased efficiency of the review-approval-payment process. (Fogo de Chao)
Created departmental policies and procedures manual in anticipation of taking the company public. (Fogo de Chao)
Reconfigured kitchen area, achieving significant savings on equipment. (Rare Hospitality)
Developed remodel scheme that paired older prototypes with new image. (Rare Hospitality)
Designed and managed construction of culinary teaching college for corporate campus. (Ruby Tuesday)
Managed construction of many restaurant sites nationally. (Ruby Tuesday)
Oversaw relocation of design department when company moved headquarters from Maryville, Tennessee to Knoxville; design process remained functional despite disruptions of a major move. (Ruby Tuesday)
Achieved number one department recognition from the franchisee community. (Ruby Tuesday)
Managed mold remediation operation for campus training facility; facility was only closed for 4 weeks as a result. (Ruby Tuesday)
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Fogo de Chao. Dallas, Texas. Jan. Sept. 2008.
Development Director
Oversaw new unit growth and ensured ongoing facility maintenance for all operating units.
Directed purchases of all owner furnished items and monitored all other costs associated with new unit development.
Created and implemented a Development Department Manual, which standardized processes for each stage of development and maintenance.
Implemented a tracking system for all development department expenditures.
Supervised the design and construction team to ensure all new units opened on time and under budget by creating a unique plan of action that ensured the successful development of each project.
Developed and supervised timelines and budgets for each new construction and remodel project to ensure that the financial goals of the company were met.
Created a historical construction cost data base.
Led leasing process for new unit development and managed relationships with current landlords.

Rare Hospitality. Atlanta, Georgia. Feb. Dec. 2007.
Design Director
Maintained and lead the brands Design Direction. Unofficial title was Keeper of the Concept.
Worked with Senior Operations to advance the functionality of corporately owned buildings, both new construction and existing properties.
Maintained standards and developed new design schemes that will move the brand forward in the current marketplace.
Responsible for value engineering while maintaining the brand image.
Drove the prototypical construction documents and schedules.
Developed and maintained relationships with outside vendors and design professionals to achieve pre-established construction goals.
Led a diverse group of professionals in the construction department.
Addressed all aesthetic and functional requirements / needs as determined by upper executives.

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Knoxville, Tennessee. June 1989 Jan. 2007.
Construction Director
Hired as a Senior Architect in 1989 to adapt a variety of corporately owned concepts into lease space and freestanding locations.
Promoted to Design Director in 1992.
Promoted to Construction Director in 2006.
Supervised and directed the design of Ruby Tuesday restaurant buildings, including the exteriors and interiors, and front and back of house for both new construction and remodels.
Created and maintained the corporate brand image of The American Caf, Silver Spoon, Tias Tex-Mex and L&N Seafood.
Worked with operations on a variety of projects to enhance the experience of the guest and to increase the efficiency of the operators.
Managed the Facilities Department. Ultimately reorganizing the department by pushing it down from the corporate office to the regional level, allowing better control for the field operation groups by providing hands-on, regional control of individual units.
Created budgets for the Design Department, as well as site-specific construction projects. Established timelines and assured that work was completed on time.
Created and maintained the prototypical construction documents for the company.
Worked with Regional Development Teams to develop new locations for Ruby Tuesday restaurants.
Worked with CEO and a variety of operations levels to evolve the concept and to test new applications for Ruby Tuesday.
Chaired the internal ADA committee.

Hamill & McKinney Architects & Engineers. Irving, Texas. 1979 1989.
Senior Architect
Hired as a draftsman. Promoted to Job Captain soon after and given client responsibility.
Achieved licensure, and title changed to Senior Architect.
Provided Design and Architectural services for corporate and private clients.
Coordinated various Architectural and Engineering disciplines for a variety of restaurant, retail, hotel and warehouse facilities.
Developed office standards for Architectural and Engineering teams.
Served as Project Leader for clients on both domestic and international projects.
Managed many corporate clients. Developed prototypical building designs and construction drawings for these clients and their franchisees.
Developed presentations for corporate clients franchisee conventions.
Gained solid experience with a variety of national, regional and local building and energy codes.

EDUCATION
B.S. in Architecture. University of Texas at Arlington. Arlington, Texas.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND LICENSES
American Institute of Architects, Member
Architect License, State of Texas