Mikal Ayala
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Accomplished Director of Engineering with expertise in procedural compliance and vendor management, previously at Courtyard & Residence Inn, Marina Del Rey. Enhanced customer satisfaction and safety, achieving 98% occupancy. Proven leader in facilities maintenance, adept in HVAC systems, and fostering team growth through mentorship and strategic resource optimization.
An Engineering professional with proven track record in leading high-performance teams at high-performance properties and driving innovative engineering solutions. Known for fostering collaborative environments and achieving significant project milestones. Reliable and adaptable, with focus on strategic planning and resource management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Engineering
Courtyard & Residence Inn Marina Del Rey Brizo Bar & Restaurant
01.2024 - 07.2025
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings (Maintenance/Upkeep on customer surveys} with proactive communication, addressing concerns promptly, and seeking feedback for improvements.
- 288 rooms/suites, full service restaurant, two bars and 4 boat slips with an annual occupancy of 98% with $40 million in annual revenue.
- Managed and scheduled equipment and system preventive maintenance programs to verify contractual compliance.
- Established robust safety protocols to minimize accidents, resulting in a safer working environment for all employees.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through regular audits of systems, processes, and documentation efforts.
- Took ownership of assigned department-wide projects, presenting regular updates to ownership on progress and status.
- Manage every aspect of total facility care for a branded dual-property with full-service restaurant and rooftop bar on the water.
Chief Engineer
Embassy Suites Irvine/OC Airport
05.2022 - 01.2024
- Oversee the daily operations of a 300 room, high occupancy, airport adjacent hotel.
- Reduced equipment downtime through proactive preventive maintenance and timely repairs (utilizing Quore software), ensuring smooth operations.
- Managed budgets for engineering projects, making strategic decisions to optimize resources while maintaining quality standards.
- Mentored junior engineers, providing guidance on best practices and technical expertise for professional growth.
- Established procedures for corrective and preventive maintenance.
- Oversaw facility inspections to identify areas of concern or opportunities for improvement in infrastructure management.
Residential Manager
Dream Recovery
02.2021 - 01.2023
- Manage a facility where up to 35 clients live during various periods of rehabilitation related to substance abuse treatment.
- Coordinated staff schedules efficiently, ensuring adequate coverage for all shifts while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Oversaw daily operations within the facility, ensuring that all tasks were completed accurately and on time.
- Implement safety protocols, participate in case management and adhere to a high standard of customer service.
- Generate daily/nightly service reports, monthly billing reports, and process rent collection, Perform maintenance and vendor contract management.
Assistant Chief Engineer
Related Companies L.P- The Century
01.2018 - 04.2020
- Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing training and support for engineering staff members.
- Report to Executive Director and manage the day-to-day activities of a 42-story residential tower. Maintain vendor contracts and capital projects.
- Managed staff of 15 and determined workloads and schedules.
- Carried out engineering and disciplinary applications to design customized plans for client requirements.
- Work with HOA and help with resident requests using the 30/30 rule: less than 30 minutes or less than 30$.
Chief Engineer
Hyatt Place Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
03.2017 - 01.2018
- Run day-to-day operations of a 179-suite hotel next to Disneyland.
- Worked closely with vendors and internal sourcing to establish relationships, fostering new opportunities, solutions and cost savings.
- Improved safety standards by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing necessary mitigation measures.
- Reduced equipment downtime through proactive preventive maintenance and timely repairs, ensuring smooth operations.
- Attended weekly department head meetings to share information and voice concerns.
Assistant Director of Engineering
Dream Hollywood
01.2015 - 03.2017
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new engineers, improving overall team knowledge and expertise.
- Maintain operations and equipment for a brand new 179 suite luxury hotel including; 5 additional food venues (TAO, Beauty and Essex, Avenue Nightclub, Highlight and Lucchini).
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the engineering department by encouraging open feedback, idea sharing, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing streamlined project management processes and collaboration tools.
- Follow OSHA mandated safety guidelines and protocol in LEED certified facilities.
Education
No Degree - Administration of Justice
West Los Angeles College
Culver City, CA05.1996
Skills
- Procedural Compliance
- Building Controls
- Fire, Life and Safety
- Property Management/Leadership experience
- Vendor Management
- Expense management
- Facilities/Hotel/Restaurant Maintenance
- Checkbook management
- Capital Projects
- HVAC/VRV
- EPA 608
- Journeyman Plumbing
- Journeyman Electrical
- MS Office/Edge
- CMMS
- Hospitality
- Brand Standards
Certification
EPA 608 Universal
CPO- Certified Pool Operator
OSHA 10
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Engineering
Courtyard & Residence Inn Marina Del Rey Brizo Bar & Restaurant
01.2024 - 07.2025
Chief Engineer
Embassy Suites Irvine/OC Airport
05.2022 - 01.2024
Residential Manager
Dream Recovery
02.2021 - 01.2023
Assistant Chief Engineer
Related Companies L.P- The Century
01.2018 - 04.2020
Chief Engineer
Hyatt Place Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
03.2017 - 01.2018
Assistant Director of Engineering
Dream Hollywood
01.2015 - 03.2017
No Degree - Administration of Justice
West Los Angeles College
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