A little about me…

Talented, dynamic executive leader with over 20 years of leadership and training development experience in demanding, team oriented environments;   Educated at the Nation’s premiere leadership institution;   Evaluated in the top 10% of my peers by supervisors;   Extraordinary trainer focused on critical outcomes;  Superior ability to coach and mentor emerging leaders, peers, and supervisors

Experience

Management Training ProgramApogee Enterprises, Inc.    April 2009 – Present ( 4 months)

Working in the management training program for Apogee Enterprises. A rotational program designed to give me an appreciation for each of the subsidiary companies and six sigma black belt certification. My first assignment will be with Viracon in Owatonna, MN.

Partner - Severe Weather Pods    August 2008 – Present (1 year)

We carry a full line of storm shelters, safe rooms, and vaults. For a detailed quote or if you have any questions, please call 1-800-9-THUNDER

Once installed our standard model only protrudes 8″ above grade. We have models that can also be installed in an interior room or garage. The standard model will seat up to 10 adults comfortably. Standard features include handrail, carpeting, non-skid steps and a life time warranty. Installation is simple and can be done in less than a day. Our installation team is professional and we have installed units around the country.

Give you family piece of mind and safety from an impending storm with one of our pods…visit us at www.severeweatherpods.com.

Infantry Leader – US Army Reserves   June 1995 – Present (14 years 2 months)

Military Education:
Infantry Officers Basic Course: 1995-1996
Army Basic Parachutists Course: 1995
Infantry Mortar Leaders Course: 1996
Infantry Captain Career Course: 1999-2000
Combined Arms & Services Staff School: 2000
Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commander’s Course: 2000
Army Recruiting Commander’s Course: 2004

Military Awards:
Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Army Superior Unit Award; Basic Parachutist Badge; Expert Infantryman’s Badge; Basic Recruiter Badge

Military Mayor for a Forward Operating Base   January 2008 – January 2009 (1 year 1 month)

As the military mayor of a 2000 person Forward Operating Base, I was responsible for the life support needs of every resident, to include property improvement project management, process development and improvement, and force protection. I developed and implemented plans to support multiple units and functional teams, including the Baghdad Police College, the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior Transition Team, Law and Order Task Force, and other units focused on developing Iraq’s infrastructure and security forces.

Project ManagerWorkforce Strategies, Inc – WSI    August 2007 – January 2008 ( 6 months)

Planned, communicated and executed pilot program to recruit first year tax professionals in the Phoenix, Arizona market. Four direct report staffing and applicant coordinators in a managed services environment.

Worked with H&R Block leadership to fully understand their current selection processes and determine the best method to integrate our talent selection methods.

Director of OperationsRadisson Plaza Hotel & Suites   January 2005 – June 2007 (2 years 6 months)

Provides leadership for day to day operations in a 341 room AAA 4-diamond hotel with 44,000 ft2 of meeting space, 4 restaurants, 4 retail outlets, a world class health club, and 5,000 ft2 Spa.

• Managed a budget in excess of $10M;
• Implemented training and development program, yielding a 15% increase in quality assurance program scores
• Achieved world class level guest service scores; won Radisson Guest Service award for 2006 of over 250 hotels in the Radisson brand
• Selected to speak at 4 Talent+® conferences and local community college concerning guest engagement, leadership, and implementation of balanced scorecard metrics
• Member of the Leadership Education Advisory Team
• Member of team to receive Meeting Planner magazine’s Pinnacle Award for 2006

Recruiting Company Commander – US Army   June 2003 – July 2005 (2 years 2 months)

Commander of a US Army recruiting company in the Metro-Detroit area with 35 recruiters and 110 recent enlistees; Set the strategic vision for the company. Performed detailed market analysis and action plan that resulted in a steady increase of market share.
• Developed training program for all recruiters focusing on basic and advance skills; Increased enlistments by 17% over previous year and a 49% market share
• Conducted over 50 community focused events with great success; improved high quality market share by 10%

Company Commander – US Army   February 2001 – June 2003 (2 years 5 months)

Selected to command two (Mechanized Infantry Rifle Company and Mechanized Headquarters Company) multi-national, integrated infantry companies; directly supervised and mentored 17 subordinate leaders; responsible for all aspects of soldier life, including counseling, professional/leader development, and training.
• Maintained a 95% equipment maintenance readiness rate during a 26-month period
• Trained 14 teams to achieve the top gunnery scores in the Brigade on two consecutive external evaluations
• Coordinated logistics execution for an 800-soldier Mechanized Infantry Battalion in the Republic of Korea

Logistics and Personnel Officer – US Army   May 1998 – February 2001 (2 years 10 months)

Delivered on-time logistics programs within an 800-soldier infantry battalion. Implemented Human Resources program, including recognition programs, finance, evaluation, and reassignment processing. Managed the day to day inventory, distribution, and storage of property and equipment valued at $200M ; sustained a 97% maintenance readiness rate
• Effectively managed a $3.6 million budget; recognized as leader on budget management topics
• Coordinated highly successful efforts to streamline accountability process, leading to $1M in savings

Infantry Platoon Leader – US Army   May 1996 – February 1998 (1 year 10 months)

Trained, developed and mentored 34 infantry soldiers. Planned, coordinated, and executed dozens of training events. Implemented a world class training program that challenged the members of the organization to meet and maintain exceptionally high standards.
• Selected to Commandant’s list with a 96% course average during Infantry Officer Basic Course
• Improved equipment reliability and combat readiness by 25%; led the unit to a 20% increase in physical fitness scores

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point

B.S., Human Factors Engineering, Information Systems Management (Minor)   1991 – 1995

Activities and Societies: Served in several leadership positions, including platoon leader, company commander, Sandhurst Squad Leader, and Tactics Club CIC.

Recommendations

Military Mayor for a Forward Operating Base – US Army Reserves

“I worked with Fred on numerous projects while I was assigned to FOB Shield, Sad’r City, Baghdad, Iraq. Fred was friendly, professional, with well-managed office, responsible for supporting several thousand civilian and military residents living on the FOB. His extensive business background helped with several problem-solving issues with our company/team and he was extremely effective in our work environment.” March 1, 2009

Myles Shapiro, International Police Advisor, DynCorp Int’l
was with another company when working with Fred at US Army Reserves

Project ManagerWorkforce Strategies, Inc – WSI

“I worked with Fred in a pilot project for WSI. I met him when I first applied for the position, and I have to say I have never met a more gifted, more enthusiastic recruiter – I knew I had to come on board. As the project manager, he brought out strengths in me I didn’t know I had, trusted me with new responsibilities – in short, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I will always be grateful to Fred for picking me to work on this project.” April 15, 2008

Terri Crispin, Applicant Coordinator, Workforce Strategies, Inc.
reported to Fred at Workforce Strategies, Inc – WSI

Director of OperationsRadisson Plaza Hotel & Suites

“I had the pleasure of working with Fred at The Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites. During this time I reported directly to Fred and witnessed his innate ability to lead diverse populations, recognize and cultivate talent, and acknowledge problems and develop strategic and creative solutions. I consider myself lucky to have worked with Fred and look forward to any opportunity to do so again.” May 17, 2009

Melanie Guidotti, Guest Service Representative, Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites
reported to Fred at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites – Greenleaf Hospitality Group

“I had the distinct pleasure of working with Fred on the Greenleaf Hospitality Group Guidance Team. Having worked with several executives over a 30 year period, I experienced a person of very high talent in Fred. He has that rare combination of distinctive strategic thinking, insightful operational planning and execution as well as great attention to detail in process improvement. Fred thoroughly conducts cause and effect analysis and considers second and third order effects before conceptualizing and operationalizing a plan of action. He also shepherds the plan into action making on the spot adjustments to achieve the prescribed mission. And, to knit these plans together, Fred connects people to these processes in a collaborative, caring manner which produces a very aligned and dedicated team. As stated earlier, I don’t recall seeing this combination of talents in any manager or executive in my career. Fred is truly a rare find to address today’s challenges in an ever changing environment.” February 24, 2009

Gary Vandenberg, Operations Director, HUMANeX Ventures
worked directly with Fred at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites – Greenleaf Hospitality Group

 “Fred was a tremendous asset to the Radisson and a driver of their quality and talent initiatives. With his strong focus and desire for results, people listened to him and he was able to quickly make the transition from the armed services to this role in hospitality – this truly proves that talent knows no limits. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Fred again once he joins Keyser Insurance in 2009.” September 8, 2008

Josh Berry, Practice lead of Learning Academy and Implementation Consultant, Talent Plus
was a consultant or contractor to Fred at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites – Greenleaf Hospitality Group

 “I have had the great pleasure to work alongside Fred during my time at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites. Fred is a commendable leader, friend and mentor to all. Fred exudes a strong work-ethic and has great determination to get the job done. He is truly inspirational and supportive to his team and anyone who gets the opportunity to work with him. Fred has a way of bringing out the best in others and will do everything in his power to help them succeed. Fred will be a great asset to any organization that he joins.” June 24, 2008

Stephanie C. Schultz, Marketing Intern/Trainer & Professional Server, Greenleaf Hospitality Group
worked indirectly for Fred at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites – Greenleaf Hospitality Group

 

“Fred is an amazing leader. He has wonderful ideas and is able to get an entire group focused on the main project. While working with Fred at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, I was able to experience his leadership with his staff and collegues, it was professional but also personable. Fred genuinely cares about each individual on his team. He treats his team like they are his family. He is trusted and respected by all. Fred is a leader that is able to take a company to the next level wit integrity and honor. I’m truly proud to call Fred a personal friend.” June 9, 2008

Susie Veine, Human Resources Staffing Manager, Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites
worked indirectly for Fred at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites – Greenleaf Hospitality Group

“It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Fred at the Radisson. Fred draws the best out of every person, promotes talent and shares successes. He is an effective team leader that clearly communicates expectations and promotes individuals strengths. Fred would be a great addition to any team. He is a true team player and a driven entrepreneur. I hope to work with him again in the future.” April 11, 2008

Trish Lane, Acting Revenues Manager/Reservations Supervisor, Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites
worked with Fred at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites – Greenleaf Hospitality Group

“Mr. Fred Hockett is a catalyst and an instrument of change. It was my pleasure to have worked with Fred on numerous projects, large and small. Fred demonstrates a core belief in team work, in constant improvement and in constant innovation. Fred’s leadership skills were evident in his management and coaching of a diverse and talented workforce at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in Kalmazoo, MI, where his teams and the indivdiuals on his teams won numerous awards and recognitions locally, nationally, and internationally in the hospitality industry.” January 7, 2008

Greg Marvin, IT Manager, Greenleaf Hospitality Group
worked with Fred at Greenleaf Ventures – Radisson Plaza Hotel

Recruiting Company Commander

“Fred is a diligent manager whose careful consideration of the details ensures that tasks are completed ahead of schedule and with anticipation of contingencies that others would have overlooked. Because his diverse expertise is coupled with an approachable leadership style, his subordinates respect and learn from him and his peers seek his advice.” January 6, 2009

Jennifer Munro, Company Commander, US Army Recruiting Command
worked directly with Fred at US Army

“Fred and I worked as Company Commanders in the same recruiting battalion in Michigan. Fred’s attention to detail, professionalism and ability to grasp even the minute details led his company being one the best and I frequently called upon him for advice and recommendations.” January 7, 2008

David Fielder, MAJ, US Army
worked directly with Fred at US Army

Company Commander

“I led two separate platoons directly under Fred’s command. Fred commanded D/1-9 IN, and HHC/1-9 IN. During the time of his command, I led a platoon in D Company and the scout platoon within HHC. From the start of my leadership experience, Fred was the definition of an “enabling” leader. Fred enabled me as a junior leader in the US Army to make decisions that would lead my platoon to success in both the war-fighting aspects of military operations as well as in administrative requirements that are essential in organizations. My platoon’s successes were not unique for his command leadership. All of the platoons under his command experienced similar success that in turn, equated to numerous company level accolades. Fred’s leadership set the standard for the rest of my Army career. He was neither micro-managing nor overly confrontational. He fostered an approachable climate where as a subordinate, I felt that I could bring any and all of my challenge to him and resolve them without negative scrutiny. He allowed me and my peers the flexibility to solve problems, make decisions and lead our units to success in numerous field training exercises as well as post 9-11 “real-world” missions. Fred’s meticulous attention to detail trained my peers and myself the importance of being thorough and involved in all matters surrounding leadership of small organizations. The attention to detail not only enabled us as leaders to shape our own subordinates, but it set the standard for excellence in all that we would do. Leaders under his command were empowered to “Lead.”” January 8, 2008

Phil Radzikowski, Platoon Leader, US Army
reported to Fred at US Army

One Response

  1. Fred,

    I hope this e-mail finds you doing well. I know it has been quite a while since we have last spoken. Recently, I was asked to reflect on a person who has inspired me. Of course, through my many years in the hospitality industry, I have encountered numerous individuals who have been influential and developed a great freindship with. You have truly been a great freind and I hope we get a chance to catch up during your time back in the States. If you get a couple of day free from your agenda, would enjoy having you vist the Resort.

    Let me know.

    David

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