Zachary Ray
Poplar Bluff,MO
Summary
Results-driven leader with expertise in strategic planning, operational optimization, and financial management. Proven track record in scaling businesses, enhancing employee development, and driving significant revenue growth.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
The American Table
11.2025 - Current
- Founded and scaled a restaurant concept from inception, overseeing strategic planning, market entry, launch execution, and operational leadership.
- Held full responsibility for daily operations, including P&L performance, labor management, service standards, vendor relations, and process execution.
- Designed and installed a management team structure to drive employee development, leadership continuity, and compliance with established operational procedures.
- Created and enforced systems, guidelines, and accountability measures that strengthened consistency, improved team performance, and supported scalable growth.
- Advanced business performance to its first $130K revenue month and enhanced enterprise value through disciplined operational leadership.
- Positioned the company for acquisition with an executed contract with a prominent local brand.
Owner
Bread+Butter
06.2024 - 04.2026
- Purchased and led this existing restaurant business, driving operational transformation and sustained top-line growth.
- Delivered 14% revenue growth in year one and an additional 8% growth over the following nine months through strategic execution and performance management.
- Oversaw full-scale operations, including P&L management, workforce leadership, procurement, customer service, and ongoing business optimization.
- Developed and executed growth and efficiency initiatives that enhanced profitability and enterprise value.
- Established and grew a management team to help sustain and procure employee development.
- Positioned the business for a successful and highly profitable sale, executed in April 2026.
Accountant
Kraft, Miles, and Tatum
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Advised financial operations for multiple businesses, overseeing accounting functions, financial reporting, tax preparation, payroll documentation, and regulatory compliance.
- Prepared and analyzed financial statements, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reporting, to support executive decision-making and business planning.
- Managed preparation of business and individual tax filings, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with applicable reporting requirements.
- Produced and administered key financial and payroll documents, including 1099s, W-2s, and related year-end and quarter-end reporting materials.
- Advised business owners and leadership teams on financial performance, budgeting, cash flow management, tax strategy, and operational decision-making.
- Supported stronger financial controls and reporting accuracy through disciplined oversight of bookkeeping, reconciliations, account management, and documentation processes.
- Monitored financial health across organizations by evaluating revenue, expenses, margins, and cash position to identify risks and improve profitability.
- Partnered with leadership amongst businesses on strategic financial decisions, including cost management, forecasting, planning, and overall business optimization.
Lead Technical Care Specialist
Sparklight
07.2020 - 12.2022
- Provide executives and immediate management with information related but not limited to: efficiency, customer- based issues, resolutions to various business issues and discrepancies.
- Maintain availability for Technical Care Center associates, eld technicians, and members of management in need of a second opinion or help with existing work orders, escalations, various issues, and business-wide outages.
- Clarify, maintain, and construct Technical Care Center guidelines and procedures.
- Coach frontline associates into better practices within calls such as reducing call time, first call resolution steps, how to spot and identify trends, and steps to take in order to improve overall efficiency of the frontline team.
Education
Master of Science - Business Administration
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO05-2024
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Central Methodist University
Fayette, MO05-2023
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Three Rivers College
Poplar Bluff12-2021
Timeline
Owner
The American Table
11.2025 - Current
Owner
Bread+Butter
06.2024 - 04.2026
Accountant
Kraft, Miles, and Tatum
12.2022 - 06.2024
Lead Technical Care Specialist
Sparklight
07.2020 - 12.2022
Master of Science - Business Administration
Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Central Methodist University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Three Rivers College