CARL KEPNER

San Clemente, California 92672

949-632-9917 * ck65a132@westpost.net

START-UP VENTURES, PROJECT MANAGER:

Public Relations, Retail, Negotiator
Broadly talented business development/startup leader with 20+ years building pro
fits, boosting public relations, and advising clients on complex transactions. E
xpert in contract negotiations, business startup and development, and regulatory
situations including permit applications and government-owned lands development
. Extensive experience in project management, industry research, and policies/pr
ocedures development. Standout organizational, problem-solving and needs assessm
ent skills. Recognized for philanthropic involvement and business environment tr
ansformation, and for optimistic, innovative leadership style that enhances team
-building skills.
Revenue Growth * Negotiations * Contract Law * Legal Analysis * Government Cont
racts
Project Management * Permitting Applications * Policies & Procedures Developmen
t * Budgeting
Employee Hiring & Firing * New Business Development * Regulatory Compliance * Pa
yroll
Master Scheduling * Marketing & Promotions * Industry Research * Strategic Plann
ing
Problem-solving * Purchasing * Community & Public Relations * Competitive Biddin
g
Remodeling Design * Equipment Acquisition * Needs Assessment * Retail Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
KEPNER & ASSOCIATES, San Clemente, California * 2008-present
Consulting firm specializing in government land contracts.
Independent Contractor
Advise private sector clients in contracts/transactions with municipal, county a
nd state entities. Analyze/negotiate profitable, fair contracts, and secure lega
l experts for contract interpretation.

SCHLEPPY'S OCEANFRONT CAFE (SCHLEPPY'S AT THE BEACH), San Clemente, California *

2002-2008
Al-fresco steakhouse with beach accessory retail/rental store, and 45-person sta
ff.
President
Branded, marketed and promoted name/establishment, created food/beverage menus,
and interfaced with suppliers. Negotiated with local, county, and state governme
nt officials.
Key Contributions
* Boosted revenue 500% within 2 years.
* Earned rare beer/wine permit on public lands from city, county and state regul
atory entities.
* Transformed hamburger/snack shack into 78-seat al-fresco dining establishment.
Honors Received
* Recognized as Citizen of the Month in 2005 and honored with Business Advisory
Council's National Leadership Award and as honorary co-chair 2004, 2005, and 200
6
* Won 4th place in 2001 Annual Chowder Cook Off for Best Decorated Establishment
, and for clam chowder.
* Honored for Best Hamburger in Orange County 2007 by "Best of the Best of Orang
e County."
CARL KEPNER
* Page 2 *
ck65a132@westpost.net

SCHLEPPY'S ON THE PIER, San Clemente, California * 1999-2008

Restaurant, retail shop, bait/tackle shop and espresso bar with 25 employees on
San Clemente Pier.
President
Founded and guided project by obtaining permits/approvals from local, county and
state government for use of government-owned land. Negotiated contracts with St
ate Lands Board and other regulatory agencies. Created/enacted human resources p
olicies/procedures including hiring/firing, scheduling, and payroll. Fulfilled p
urchasing for food/beverages and bait/retail items.
Key Contributions
* Increased sales 600% within 1st 2 years.
* Successfully converted 75-year-old bait shop into 21st-century restaurant.
* Contributed to transformation of business environment on San Clemente Pier by
offering upscale services including a al-fresco restaurant, retail store, and re
ntal department as well a full espresso bar.
* Project Manager; engaged in the permitting process with government agencies, d
emolition, remodeling of facility. Including architecture plan process and manag
ing construction crew.

RIVERIA LANDSCAPE, San Clemente, California * 1987-1999

Commercial landscaping company with 10 employees.
President/Chief Executive Officer
Founded and built successful company specializing in harbors, parks, beaches, re
creational areas, and shopping centers.
* Entrusted as contractor for work on numerous public lands.
* Sold company at a substantial profit.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Business Management,
Minors in Marine Biology & California History
University of Phoenix, Fountain Valley, California

AFFILIATIONS
Small Business Association
Lincoln Club
Family Assistance Ministries (former president)
San Clemente Park and Recreation Foundation (Vice President/President)
Welcome INN (director)

COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Word-Power Point-Excel