Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Key Operational Impact

Core Expertise

Timeline

Melissa Babson

St. Louis

Summary

Operations executive with 15+ years of experience building operational infrastructure, financial controls, and scalable workflows for service-based organizations. Known for stabilizing disorganized or high-growth environments by implementing structured systems across finance, operations, HR, and vendor management. Proven ability to align people, processes, and financial oversight to improve profitability, operational visibility, and execution consistency.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Operations

Code 3 Contracting

01.2025 - Current

Recruited to implement operational structure within a construction company supporting approximately $1.6M in project revenue and 14–17 new projects per month.
Designed standardized workflows across the full project lifecycle from intake through completion.
Reorganized estimating and job-cost systems to improve margin visibility.
Developed operational documentation including contracts and tracking systems.
Improved coordination between sales, production, and administrative teams.
Implemented client communication systems improving payment timelines.
Built tracking systems for project progress and financial visibility.
Established structure and accountability across sales, production, and administrative functions to improve team alignment and execution.
Provided operational leadership in a fast-paced environment, helping define roles, responsibilities, and workflows.
Acted as central point of coordination across teams to ensure project consistency and communication.
Support operations for a business generating approximately $1.6M in project revenue with 14–17 active projects per month.
Designed standardized workflows across the full project lifecycle from intake through completion and billing.
Reorganized estimating, job-cost tracking, and supplement processes to improve margin visibility and financial control.
Built operational infrastructure including contracts, lien waivers, intake processes, and tracking systems.
Improved coordination between sales, production, and administrative functions to support consistent execution.
Implemented client communication processes improving payment timelines and reducing friction.
Developed internal systems to track project progress, financial performance, and compliance.

Co-Owner / Chief Operating Officer

Lotus Hair Company

01.2022 - 01.2025

Built financial infrastructure including budgeting, payroll, AP/AR, and reporting.
Directed daily operations including staffing, scheduling, and vendor management.
Designed operational systems improving workflow consistency.
Created hiring and training programs improving retention.
Implemented HR policies and performance systems.
Negotiated vendor agreements and controlled inventory costs.
Led marketing strategy driving client growth.
Monitored financial performance through reporting.
Co-founded and operationalized a service-based business, building the infrastructure required to scale revenue and improve performance.
Increased annual revenue from $112K to $207K+ (~84% growth in one year) through pricing strategy, client retention systems, and operational improvements.
Built full financial infrastructure including budgeting, payroll, AP/AR, and reporting systems.
Designed and implemented operational workflows improving consistency, efficiency, and accountability.
Developed hiring systems, onboarding processes, and performance expectations for team members.
Directed daily operations including staffing, scheduling, vendor relationships, and inventory management.
Created systems to improve client retention and repeat business.
Led marketing and promotional strategy aligned with revenue growth goals.
Monitored business performance through revenue tracking, forecasting, and operational metrics.

Owner & Operator

Lotus Tan

01.2016 - Current

Manage full business operations including pricing, scheduling, and financial oversight.
Develop marketing strategies and referral programs.
Maintain profitability through expense control.
Manage full business operations including pricing strategy, scheduling systems, procurement, and financial oversight.
Develop client acquisition and referral strategies to drive consistent revenue.
Maintain profitability through cost control and operational planning.
Managed social media presence and promotional strategies to drive client engagement and repeat business.
Utilized referral and loyalty-based marketing to maintain consistent client volume.

Executive Assistant / Estate Manager

Confidential Professional Athlete

01.2015 - 01.2019

Managed AP/AR and financial reconciliation across entities.
Coordinated travel, events, and logistics.
Served as liaison between vendors and partners.
Oversaw vendor coordination with confidentiality.
Served as operational lead for business entities and private properties of a high-profile professional athlete.
Managed multi-entity bookkeeping including AP/AR and complex reconciliations.
Oversaw contractors, vendors, and media coordination while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Directed travel, scheduling, and event logistics across multiple states.

Contracts & Accounting Administrator

Enterprise Holdings

01.2012 - 01.2015

Reconciled financial transactions across 30+ vendor accounts.
Administered IT contract lifecycle and compliance.
Reviewed purchase orders and invoices.
Maintained contract documentation systems.
Collaborated with procurement teams.
Supported month-end accounting processes.
Managed financial controls, contract administration, and procurement coordination within a high-volume corporate environment.
Reconciled financial transactions across 30+ vendor accounts and high-volume monthly activity, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Administered full lifecycle of IT contracts including renewals, compliance tracking, and documentation management.
Reviewed purchase orders and invoices to verify pricing and enforce contract terms.
Maintained centralized contract database including agreements, licensing, and vendor records.
Coordinated with procurement and asset management teams to support company-wide purchasing operations.
Managed vendor communications related to billing, discrepancies, and contract requirements.
Supported month-end and year-end accounting processes including accruals and reconciliations.
Strengthened internal financial controls by identifying discrepancies and improving tracking processes.
Supported compliance requirements including W-9 collection, 1099 reporting, and audit preparation.

Executive Assistant

Oakley Sub Assembly

01.2007 - 01.2010

Managed AP/AR, billing, and reconciliations.
Coordinated payroll and HR administration.
Developed operational templates and supported recruiting.