Stephen D. Short

About Stephen D. Short

Stephen D. Short – Executive BioStephen D. Short is a senior operations executive with over 25 years of experience leading large-scale teams and driving growth across the hospitality and food service industries. A Six Sigma–certified leader and U.S. Navy veteran, Stephen is known for his servant leadership style, building high-performing teams, and delivering consistent operational excellence.He currently serves as Chief Operations Officer at Food Technology Corporation, where he oversees nationwide operations, logistics, and manufacturing processes that support thousands of restaurants across the U.S. Previously, Stephen was Regional Vice President at Raising Cane’s, leading five states and 70 restaurants, doubling customer counts in Las Vegas, and establishing one of the company’s top leadership training hubs.With a proven record of scaling operations, improving profitability, and mentoring leaders into executive roles, Stephen continues to shape organizational success while fostering strong, people-first cultures.

Experience

1. Vice President Operations

   zTrip

   Nov 2025 — Present · Las Vegas, NV, US

   As Vice President of Operations for zTrip, I oversee the strategic and daily operational performance of one of the nation’s largest transportation networks. My role focuses on ensuring safe, reliable, and high-quality mobility services across multiple markets while driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth.I lead cross-functional teams responsible for fleet management, driver onboarding and compliance, market performance, dispatch operations, and service delivery. By analyzing performance data and key operational metrics, I implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the passenger and driver experience.A core part of my role involves partnering with regional leaders to streamline procedures, maintain regulatory compliance, and implement best practices across all service areas. I also collaborate closely with executive leadership on strategic planning, new market development, and technology adoption to strengthen our competitive position.Ultimately, I am accountable for optimizing operations, developing strong teams, and ensuring zTrip consistently delivers safe, dependable, and modern transportation solutions to the communities we serve.

Education

• Central Catholic High School - Portland

  High School Diploma, Mechanical Engineering

  1990 — 1994

• University of Oregon

  Business Administration and Management, General

Skills

• Supervisory Skills
• Budgets
• Food
• Process Scheduler
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Hiring
• Income Statement
• Project Management
• Restaurant Management
• Franchise Consulting
• Multi-Unit
• Team Building
• Management
• Ms Project
• Restaurants
• Inventory Management
• Inventory Control
• Coaching
• Training
• Logistics
• Project Engineering
• Time Management
• Food Safety
• Operations Management
• Software Project Management
• Forecasting
• Continuous Improvement
• Performance Management
• Employee Training
• Team Leadership
• Project Planning
• Supply Chain
• Franchising
• Human Resources
• Manufacturing
• Warehousing
• Food Service
• Profit
• P&L Management