Erik Der Karabedian
Denver
Summary
Decisive leader in high-pressure environments, skilled in balancing guest experience with safety and compliance. Proven track record in developing future managers and optimizing operational efficiency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Church Nightclub & Vinyl Nightclub
Denver
09.2024 - 10.2025
- Served as Operational Consultant for a high-capacity nightclub, supporting ownership during growth and transition periods.
- Designed and delivered management training programs covering floor leadership, labor control, compliance, and guest experience standards.
- Audited nightly operations ton ensure managers were executing venue SOPs correctly and consistently.
- Mentored managers and department heads, strengthening accountability and leadership presence.
- Identified operational gaps, and implemented corrective strategies to improve efficiency and reduce incidents.
- Acted as escalation point for high-risk situations, policy enforcement, and operational decision-making.
General Manager
Academy LA
Los Angeles
04.2022 - 09.2024
- Led full operational oversight of a high-traffic music venue hosting nightly events and live performances.
- Managed all departments, including bar, floor operations, security, box office, and guest services.
- Held direct responsibility for labor management, budgeting, and nightly revenue performance.
- Built, trained, and mentored management and employee teams, many of whom were promoted internally from a broad spectrum of roles.
- Oversaw compliance with ID verification, capacity limits, and safety protocols in a fast-paced environment.
- Coordinated with promoters, talent teams, and production staff to ensure seamless event execution.
- Improved operational efficient and guest flow during peak hours, reducing bottlenecks and incidents.
Festival Operations & Entry & Gate Management
Insomniac
Los Angeles
05.2019 - 10.2022
- Managed festival entry points and gate operations for large-scale live events.
- Supervised staff responsible for credentialing, ticket scanning, and crowd ingress.
- Coordinated with security and production teams to maintain safety and throughput during peak arrival times.
- Ensured adherence to capacity limits and emergency protocols.
Operations Manager
Academy LA
Hollywood
06.2018 - 04.2022
- Promoted from frontline staff into management based on performance and leadership ability.
- Supervised nightly floor operations including door, bar, and crowd management teams.
- Scheduled staff, approved timecards, and assisted with labor forecasting.
- Served as manager-on-duty for sold out events, resolving guest issues and operational challenges in real time.
- Acted as liaison between ownership, staff, and security teams during high-risk or high-volume nights.
ID Checker / Door Staff
Exchange LA
Los Angeles
03.2010 - 06.2018
- Verified identification and enforced venue policies in a fast-paced, high-capacity environment.
- Maintained crowd control and guest flow at point of entry.
- Identified and escalated potential safety or compliance issues to management.
Kitchen Expeditor & Supervisor
Lakeside Restaurant & Cafe
Encino
08.2014 - 05.2018
- Coordinated communication between kitchen and service teams to ensure accurate, timely execution of orders.
- Maintained quality control under high-pressure service conditions.
- Developed deep understanding of workflow, timing, and operational coordination.
- Managed service flow, staff performance, and guest satisfaction during peak service periods.
- Supported management with opening/closing duties, cash handling, and staff training.
- Balanced elevated hospitality standards with operational efficiency.
Skills
- Calm, decisive leadership in high-pressure environments
- Promoting from within and developing future managers
- Strong operational instincts built from frontline experience
- Balancing guest experience with safety and compliance
- Knowledge of POS Systems, Scheduling Software, & Event Ticketing Platforms
- Director-Level oversight & Performance Management
Timeline
Consultant
Church Nightclub & Vinyl Nightclub
09.2024 - 10.2025
General Manager
Academy LA
04.2022 - 09.2024
Festival Operations & Entry & Gate Management
Insomniac
05.2019 - 10.2022
Operations Manager
Academy LA
06.2018 - 04.2022
Kitchen Expeditor & Supervisor
Lakeside Restaurant & Cafe
08.2014 - 05.2018
ID Checker / Door Staff
Exchange LA
03.2010 - 06.2018