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NEEL PATEL
Buford
Summary
Results-driven implementation and client operations leader with an MBA, BBA in Finance, and nearly a decade of combined corporate and entrepreneurial experience. Recognized at ADP for award-nominated regional performance and Century Club client satisfaction results. Known for delivering high-quality onboarding experiences, resolving complex issues under pressure, and bringing strategic process improvements directly to senior leadership. Combines payroll and HCM implementation expertise with franchise ownership, financial discipline, and an owner's mindset to improve operational performance, strengthen client outcomes, and drive measurable business results. Seeking a high-impact, six-figure role where business judgment, client excellence, and operational leadership are valued.
Professional with strong track record in implementing solutions and driving successful project outcomes. Skilled in system configuration, process optimization, and user training. Known for effective team collaboration, adaptability, and consistently delivering results. Possess strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and client-focused approach.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Implementation Specialist
ADP
09.2024 - Current
- Nominated as best Implementation Specialist in the region, recognized for consistent delivery of high-quality client onboarding and exceptional service outcomes.
- Achieved Century Club recognition by generating the highest volume of client satisfaction surveys in a fiscal year, with scores consistently ranging from 9 to 10 out of 10.
- Deliver end-to-end client implementations in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, managing competing priorities while maintaining strong accuracy, client trust, and service quality.
- Collaborate with internal sales, service, and operations teams to align on client expectations, resolve issues proactively, and ensure successful solution go-lives.
- Bring forward strategic resolutions and process improvement ideas directly to senior leadership, including the Vice President of the business unit, to streamline workflows and strengthen the organization's competitive position.
- Serve as a trusted client partner throughout the implementation lifecycle, managing stakeholder communication, issue escalation, and timeline adherence to protect client satisfaction and retention.
- Recognized internally for building a strong professional brand through performance consistency, leadership engagement, and a solutions-oriented approach to every client challenge.
Payroll Support Representative
ADP
07.2022 - 09.2024
- Delivered accurate, timely payroll guidance and issue resolution to a high volume of clients, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and tax requirements under strict deadlines.
- Researched and resolved complex payroll questions by leveraging multiple internal tools and resources, consistently producing clear, thorough, and reliable responses.
- Coordinated with internal ADP service teams and third-party vendors to deliver a unified, seamless client experience across service touchpoints.
- Applied strong verbal communication, analytical thinking, and objection handling to resolve client concerns with professionalism and confidence under high-pressure conditions.
- Maintained strong client satisfaction and retention by delivering consistent support, building trust, and demonstrating deep knowledge of payroll systems and compliance considerations.
Owner / Operator
Dairy Queen / Orange Julius
03.2012 - 03.2020
- Led a full operational and financial turnaround of a franchise location, taking the business from annual losses to profitability within the first 12 months through disciplined goal-setting, strategic planning, and operational execution.
- Eliminated all business debt within five years of ownership while simultaneously improving cash flow, tightening cost controls, and driving sustainable profitability.
- Managed all financial functions including P&L oversight, expense management, revenue forecasting, and compliance reporting in accordance with corporate standards.
- Minimized variable costs and optimized operational efficiency by streamlining inventory management, vendor coordination, and supply chain logistics.
- Built and led a high-performing, customer-focused team, creating a culture of accountability and service excellence that resulted in strong employee morale and consistently low turnover.
- Generated ongoing customer feedback loops to identify service improvement opportunities and maintain exceptional brand standards.
- Managed all vendor relationships, negotiated timely payments, and resolved inventory and financial discrepancies to maintain operational continuity.
- Championed an inclusive, performance-driven culture that aligned team behavior with brand values and customer experience goals.
General Manager
Dairy Queen / Orange Julius
11.2009 - 11.2011
- Managed daily store operations including staffing, inventory control, financial reporting, and customer service delivery in a fast-paced franchise environment.
- Maintained full compliance with state health regulations and franchisor standards, training all employees on food safety, product handling, storage, and sanitation protocols.
- Prepared and submitted monthly financial activity reports to the franchisor, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all financial documentation.
- Coordinated weekly vendor deliveries, managed inventory orders, and resolved supply discrepancies to maintain consistent operational performance.
- Trained new employees on product preparation, presentation, storage, and chemical safety procedures to ensure operational excellence and brand compliance.
Education
MBA - Business
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT09-2021
BBA - Finance
Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business
Atlanta, GA05-2011
Skills
- Client Success & Retention
- HCM & Payroll Implementation
- Process Improvement
- Franchise Turnaround Leadership
- P&L Management & Cost Control
- Financial Analysis & Forecasting
- Senior Stakeholder Communication
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Operational Excellence
- Team Leadership & Development
- Vendor & Inventory Management
- Lean Six Sigma (Yellow & Green Belt)
Websites
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with senior leadership including the Vice President of our business unit in identifying key issues during client implementation and providing a few resolutions to help maintain a competitive advantage amongst our competitors.
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma — Green Belt
- Lean Six Sigma — Yellow Belt
- Salesforce
- SAP
- QuickBooks
- Microsoft Office Suite
- PMEI
Software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
SAP
Timeline
Implementation Specialist
ADP
09.2024 - Current
Payroll Support Representative
ADP
07.2022 - 09.2024
Owner / Operator
Dairy Queen / Orange Julius
03.2012 - 03.2020
General Manager
Dairy Queen / Orange Julius
11.2009 - 11.2011
MBA - Business
Western Governors University
BBA - Finance
Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business
LINKEDIN HEADLINE
Award-Nominated Implementation Professional| Client Success & Payroll Operations | MBA | Franchise Turnaround | Process Improvement | Six Sigma
LINKEDIN ABOUT SECTION
- I'm an implementation and client operations professional with a track record of award-nominated performance, elite client satisfaction results, and a business mindset built through both corporate experience and entrepreneurial ownership.
- At ADP, I've built a strong internal reputation for delivering high-quality client onboarding, resolving complex payroll and implementation challenges under pressure, and bringing practical process improvements directly to senior leadership — including the Vice President of my business unit. I was nominated as the best Implementation Specialist in my region and earned Century Club recognition for achieving the highest volume of client satisfaction surveys in a fiscal year, with consistent scores of 9s and 10s out of 10.
- Before ADP, I owned and operated a franchise business where I led a full financial and operational turnaround — taking the business from annual losses to profitability, eliminating debt, improving cash flow, controlling costs, and building a high-retention team. That experience gave me something most corporate professionals don't have: a real understanding of what it means to own outcomes, manage a P&L, and make decisions that directly affect business performance.
- I hold an MBA from Western Governors University and a BBA in Finance from Georgia State University, and I hold Lean Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt certifications.
- I'm currently seeking a high-impact role where my combination of client delivery, operational leadership, financial discipline, and owner/operator mindset can contribute to a team that values performance, strategy, and results.
- Let's connect if you're looking for someone who doesn't just execute — but improves, leads, and delivers.
- If you want, I can also build you a targeted cover letter, a 30-second elevator pitch, and a list of specific six-figure job titles and companies aligned to your profile.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Achieved the Dairy Queen PRIDE award 5 years in a row by introducing a system of routine and processes for developing operational excellence in driving down variable costs, while maximizing output along with maintaining a Food Safety Grade of an A.
- Achieved successful retention of clients' accounts through effectively helping with implementation of their initial input of payroll processing on the ADP RUN payroll platform.
- Nominated and won the ADP RISE Winner award of being the #1 Implementation Specialist in the South Region through nomination my peers and Senior Leadership for brand and customer relationship excellence.
- Inducted into the Century Club for achieving at least a 100 client surveys rated with scores of both 9s and 10s out of 10 in less than ADP's fiscal year.