BRAD HESS
Dad Squad · Ace Handyman Services Summerlin
Las Vegas, NV
In My Own Words
Since 2003, my career in Las Vegas has been an adventurous journey spanning indoor skydiving and race car experiences to organizing corporate events, fighting off zombies with spec ops, and owning a nationally recognized home improvement company. You’re right; I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. What I know now is that I’m ready to combine my passion for outdoor sports with the skills and experience my career has provided.
During the Great Recession, I successfully led an attraction through the storm, even increasing revenue. I've managed large and complex corporate events, coordinating race car ride-alongs for over 300 participants in less than two hours. We thwarted zombie apocalypses day after day, guided by real special forces veterans and supported by average citizens.
Most recently, I opened and grew my own business, only to be challenged by COVID less than 12 months after opening. Emerging stronger from that storm with my brand new business is one of my proudest achievements.
I am eager to bring my diverse experience, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to your team. I am confident that my unique background and dedication to exceptional service make me a valuable addition to your team.
Work Experience
Owner
Ace Handyman Services Summerlin2019 – 2024
Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, with more than 5,000 locations worldwide. The Ace Handyman Services Franchise is an affiliate franchise owned by the iconic hardware brand. Developed and implemented full business plan with funding Held Nevada State Contractors license #0086027 for five years with zero violations. Expanded annual revenue from $0 to $900,000 within 2 years of operation. Executed service contracts with commercial clients including Cox Communications, Sport Clips, G Bank, T-Mobile, Terminix, and more. Developed team members from entry level to leadership. Extensive knowledge of Service Titan. Served as Franchise Advisory Council member from 2020 to 2024.
Corporate and Large Group Liaison
Adventure Combat Ops2018 – 2019
A simulated combat attraction complete with Hollywood level special effects, real deal special ops instructors, and live zombies.
Developed key relationships resulting in a 50% increase in large group events Implemented seasonal sales strategies resulting in 25% more off-season events
Sales Manager
Destinations by Design, Inc.2017 – 2018
A premier destination management company providing high quality services in event planning and management, large group logistics, entertainment, custom production, and décor.
Achieved definite sales of over $500,000 within 6 months Generated weekly leads from relationships with various Las Vegas Strip properties
Sales Manager
AWG Destination Services2016 – 2017
Destination management and transportation logistics provider serving event planners.
Created overall strategic sales plan. Developed key relationships with partners at hotel properties, the LVCVA, and event planners.
Operations Manager
Richard Petty Driving Experience - Las Vegas2015 – 2016
NASCAR style racing experience located at Las Vegas Motor Speedway designed to allow participants the thrill of driving a real race car.
Responsible for operations across multiple racetracks with three categories of vehicles. Coordinated and operated large group events allowing hundreds of participants in a short timeframe.
General Manager
Vegas Indoor Skydiving2003 – 2015
The first facility of its kind to open to the public in the United States (1982), indoor skydiving uses a vertical wind tunnel to simulate the freefall aspect of skydiving. Responsible for all aspects of business operations Increased revenue by 40% over 3 years Directed marketing and business development strategy Developed and implemented new products and sales packages Continually evaluated safety protocol and developed new training programs for increased safety and guest satisfaction Handled VIPs that included celebrities, royalty, athletes, musicians, and film crews
Education
Projects
Epic Day
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/128076852My goal was to participate in as many action sports in one day as possible. Months of planning lead to a perfect day in which I participated in: Motorcycling, hot air ballooning, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, zip lining, wake boarding, indoor skydiving, karting, cycling, and bar games. Las Vegas is pretty cool for reasons you might not have thought of!
Guinness World Record
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/feb/25/las-vegas-resident-somersaults-his-way-guinness-wo/Though I was already an expert at indoor skydiving when the idea for this project came to me, it took months of preparation and practice to be able to perform this feat. Training in the wind tunnel every day was necessary to build up the dizzy tolerance, endurance, and skills needed to complete the task. Before I came along the record stood at 35, I was quite pleased with my 53!
