Sebastian Milano

Founded planwithclarity.app, a privacy-first retirement planning tool that gives users a DIY approach to retirement planning. Built solo with AI as engineering and strategy partner. The product covers Monte Carlo simulation, blended CAGR analysis, withdrawal strategy optimization, Social Security timing, Medicare and IRMAA modeling, estate planning, and AI-powered plan synopsis. Privacy-first by design: no bank linking, no advisor signups, no data sales. Also write about retirement methodology, markets, and the math most planners skip at planwithclarity.substack.com.

General Manager Stepped into this role to lead four high-volume locations across Dallas, Plano, and Houston. Selected to stabilize underperforming stores, strengthen leadership teams, and elevate the guest experience during periods of remodels and operational disruption. Known for a steady, people-first approach that rebuilt trust and restored consistency. Success in multiple turnaround assignments led the owner to entrust him with opening Central Market’s 10th location. EXECUTIVE IMPACT • Revitalized a struggling store, delivering a $2.5M income improvement within two years during a full remodel and heavy cannibalization from H-E-B. • Increased retention from 52% to 75% and lifted full-time retention to 80% by building trust, listening actively, and developing internal talent. • Grew sales 7–10% YoY, despite disruption, by shifting attention to conditions, preparation, and guest experience. • Redesigned back-room operations, reducing inventory by $200K, eliminating excess stock, and setting a new division standard for organization and replenishment. • Achieved the best inventory count in 3 years and became the model store for division-wide rollout of the self-replenishment ordering program. • Led multiple facility remodels, infrastructure plans, and capital initiatives without sacrificing service quality or morale. LEADERSHIP & CULTURE • Built one of the strongest leadership pipelines in the division—promoting more employees into lead roles than any peer. • Known for walking the floor, connecting with employees personally, rewarding great work, and creating a workplace culture where people wanted to stay. • Balanced empathy with accountability, creating a healthy environment where expectations were clear and success felt achievable. • Guided teams through complexity by focusing on clarity, communication, and steady, dependable leadership.

Led all merchandising, inventory, and department performance for center store. Strengthened supplier relationships, optimized product flow, and created operational systems that supported record-breaking sales. EXECUTIVE IMPACT • Reduced out-of-stocks from 300+ per day to 75 or fewer, elevating conditions and improving customer experience. • Delivered the highest annual sales in store history for center store after implementing more disciplined ordering and replenishment processes. • Strengthened cross-functional communication with buyers and suppliers, improving product flow and reducing service delays. • Developed future leaders by providing deep, hands-on coaching—resulting in a successor ready to take over upon promotion to General Manager.

Oversaw all Food Service operations, including financial performance, team development, and service execution across multiple departments. EXECUTIVE IMPACT • Improved labor models, food cost controls, and shrink, resulting in stronger P&L stability. • Enhanced team readiness and product presentation, increasing guest satisfaction scores. • Developed a deeper leadership bench, improving internal promotions and retention.

• My role was to coach, lead, & support the Russian team with the opening of the first Chili’s Franchise in Russia • Directed & supported the Russian team on all brand standards & expectations • Built strong relationships with the Russian team and gain buy-in on all systems and processes • Prepared for weekly meetings with Brinker & Russian leadership to update both teams on progress • Attempt to understand the Russian dining experience and be able to assist local leadership on integrating their dining culture with our brands

• Managed 9 Restaurants in multiple states averaging 24 million AAV • Hiring, leading, and developing 36-40 Managers • Facilitate & Direct General Managers on Sales, Profitability, Guest Experience, and Turnover • Reduced Turnover at the hourly level from 160% to 79% • Highly visible operator • Committed to holding team accountable for Brand Standards and Metrics • Assigned to coach & train peers on a balanced approach • Tested new menu items prior to Brand Menu Launches • Understands importance of utilizing resources and networking to solve problems • Created proven systems and processes that directly impacted execution