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Will Knox, Principal

Will Knox

Business Development Executive
Restaurant / Real Estate / Hospitality

Internationally experienced business development professional with expertise in concept development and growing emerging brands, real estate site negotiations and development. Innovative leader and strategic planner with proven record of success in anticipating trends, creating new ideas, implementing /managing programs to increase profitability, and expanding company image within the marketplace.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Knox Company, Beverly Hills, CA
Business Development Consultant		 2000-present
Assist companies in growing sales and presence in national and international markets through concept development, site selection and strategic marketing.
  • New tenant procurement for UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CITYWALK.
  • Raised $3.5M in debt/equity for THE BORDER GRILL to develop brand equity.
  • Assisted Mad Willís Food Company (no relation) in marketing quick-service prototype unit for future brand rollout.
  • Retained by digital menu system company to grow sales and national presence.
World Links, Los Angeles, CA
Chief Executive Officer		 1992-present
Involved in all start-up activities, including franchising, for restaurant concept. Built to 11 high profile locations. Positioned company for growth.
  • Created business concept and established prototype unit including store layout, menu development and managing day-to-day operations.
  • Negotiated contracts and developed strategic relationships with vendors, investors and franchisees.
  • Developed marketing plans to build and expand brand, monitored cash flow and implemented operating systems to enhance productivity and profitability.
  • Created and set-up franchising system in U.S. and abroad.
  • Promoted the opening of new units in non-traditional venues including kiosks, stadiums, hotels, malls and other entertainment locales; this included negotiating with two multi-billion dollar companies for brand expansion into airports and mega-mall food service niche.
  • Contributed one percent of net profit to local food banks to demonstrate companyís commitment to social issues.

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Caverhill and May, Beverly Hills CA
Commercial Real Estate		 1980-1988
Identified site locations for acquisition and lease negotiations of commercial and retail properties for major corporations in the retail and food service sectors.
  • Facilitated site locations for THE HARD ROCK CAFE, TOWER RECORDS, SPAGO, CHAYA BRASSERIE, MORTONíS OF CHICAGO and THE FRENCH CONNECTION
  • Represented The Jackson Brewery in New Orleans as developerís agent to secure retail tenants.
Myriad/Knox Productions, Los Angeles
Television Producer		 1989-1991
Conceived and produced Boating World, a video magazine for ESPN, sponsored by Buick. Responsible for all phases of production including interfacing with network and advertising agency. Guests included Donald Trump and Walter Cronkite.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Founder, Southern California Restaurant Brokers Association
  • Jury Prize, Cannes Film Festival - Best Short Film
  • NY Film Festival - Short Film Entry
  • Peace Corps Assignment
  • Congressional Intern

EDUCATION

  • Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA Bachelor of Arts, Diplomacy and World Affairs
  • The George Washington University, Washington D.C.

 
 
©2005 Will Knox