PENELOPE BENEDICT
Phoenix
Summary
Experienced with strategic sales planning and regional market analysis, driving business growth and client satisfaction. Utilizes in-depth knowledge of sales strategies to increase market penetration and revenue. Track record of leading high-performing teams and fostering collaborative environments.
Results-driven sales performer with solid history of success in bringing in new customers, managing revenue streams and maintaining solid account relationships. Continuously monitor competitors and research market conditions to stay responsive and successful in dynamic environments. Persuasive negotiation and program management abilities.
Sales professional with proven history of driving regional sales and achieving business objectives. Adept at leveraging market insights to develop effective sales strategies and improve performance. Known for strong team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving substantial results through leadership and strategic planning.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Area DOS Farfield Inn PX and NM, Holiday Inn
Palette Hotels
08.2024 - Current
- Analyzed sales data to identify areas for improvement in product offerings or marketing strategies.
- Participated in industry events such as trade shows and conferences to network with potential clients and promote the hotel brand.
- Established strong relationships with key industry partners and clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Evaluated performance metrics regularly, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly for continuous growth.
- Increased hotel bookings by developing and implementing strategic sales plans targeting various market segments.
- Optimized use of available resources by strategically allocating sales efforts according to seasonal demand patterns.
- Mentored new hires and provided ongoing support to ensure their success within the sales team.
- Organized successful site visits for potential clients, highlighting the hotel''s features and demonstrating its value as a destination venue.
- Streamlined communication between departments to ensure seamless event execution, resulting in positive client feedback.
- Developed customized proposals tailored to each potential client''s needs, improving conversion rates from inquiries to bookings.
- Identified opportunities for growth by conducting market research and analyzing competitor strategies.
- Maintained a comprehensive understanding of industry trends and best practices, continuously refining sales strategies for maximum effectiveness.
- Utilized revenue management techniques to negotiate room rates and function space commitments to enhance hotel's financial performance.
Area DOS Residence Inn & Springhill Suites
Aimbridge Hospitality
03.2022 - 08.2024
- Effectively attain assigned sales and revenue goals as well as solicitation call goals
- Actively solicit clients for assigned market segments
- Monitor and evaluate trends within the market segment
- Implementing and/or participating in special promotions relating to direct sales segments i.e
- Sales blitzes etc
- Grow existing relationships with assigned accounts specific to Leisure SMERF Business Travel (BT) and/or Groups as applicable by property
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Evaluated performance metrics regularly, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly for continuous growth.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service and promptly addressing inquiries or concerns.
- Boosted revenue through upselling hotel services, amenities, and group offerings during the sales process.
- Contributed to annual budget planning by setting realistic sales targets based on historical data and market trends.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
Regional DOS & General Manager Hampton Inn
Baywood Hotels
01.2017 - 06.2022
- Award Winner- Highest Sales for Baywood Hotels Southwest Region 2018 & 2019
- Qualifies prospective leads as to profitability
- Selling multiple hotel brands implementing strategies within all market segments to maximize Revpar and grow market share to achieve budgeted goals
- Develops data and recommends programs to meet client's needs
- Negotiates with clients to achieve maximum profit while satisfying client needs
- Contact customers in-house to promote good will and foster additional business, repeat bookings and referrals
- Follows up on progress of groups booked, such as room night pick up, rooming lists and cut-off dates, with the Front Office Management to ensure maximum occupancy daily
- Coordinates with various departments the activities related to booked business to ensure customer satisfaction and property profit
- Conducts market analysis to determine client needs, occupancy potential, rates desired, etc
- Analyzes sales statistics to recommend policy
Dual Director of Sales
Schulte Hospitality Group for Springhill Suites by Marriott SeaWorld-Lackland and San Antonio Airport
05.2015 - 05.2017
- Developed Marketing Plans for each facility through gathering and analysis of historical and competitive data
- Established goals and action plans integrating various demographic result
- Collaborated with the GM to prepare annual sales, marketing budgets and quarterly financial goals
- Developed new business by initiating programs more advantageous than competitor offerings
- Performed lateral development of existing accounts, prospected, and contacted new customers in the market
- Solicited new and existing business via in-house appointments, telephone, and personal calls
- Entertained and maintained close relations with major accounts tourism and business associations
- Procured positive and productive relations with community leaders resulting in excellent repeat business
Director of Inside Sales/ Project Manager
Baywood Hotels
12.2010 - 01.2013
- Managed inside sales and marketing programs for 22 hotels with different brands
- Successfully opened the Hampton Inn in Uvalde Texas (sales and DOS assignments)
- Played a key role identifying and planning expansion of markets not previously penetrated
- Analyzed and identified the Texas market’s 21 hotels ADR and occupancy to better prospect for new accounts
- Integrate the use of different hotel brands (Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn), travel and length of stay
- Analyzed patterns for each company, including multi-department usage within the company
- Utilized a QIC (Qualification Information Checklist) and Sales Pro
- Strategically planned and managed internet and tele-prospecting research to generate leads
- Set solid and pre-qualified site tours and client appointments
- Submitted Site Inspection Forms
- Performed local market studies to establish sales strategies for leisure, group, and business travelers
- Trained and deployed sales teams to rely on current and historical hotel data in their daily activities
- Developed a solid sales strategy tailored to each property and customized sales to meet specific markets
Sales and Marketing Manager
Hampton Inn Anchorage
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed sales programs, services, and strategies for one facility, part of a nationwide hospitality organization offering a full range of guest, convention, and special event services
- Developed sales relationships and managed assertive cold calling, networking, and account growth programs
- Created and developed new national accounts sourced from trade shows etc
- Collaborated with clients, planning partners, tour groups, and businesses focused on tourism
- Planned sales blitzes, bid presentations, familiarization tours, site inspections, and trade shows
- Traveled extensively selling Anchorage as a convention destination and organized site tours
- Solicited, prepared, and managed the bidding process
- Exceeded outside calls goals throughout 2007
- Achieved all quarterly group-booking goals
- Call activity goals for 2007 earned 987 within a budget of 894
- Booked 4887 in group business sales category, earning 1417 over a projected goal of 3470
- Conducted extensive bookings for Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood and Embassy Suites as business holdings under Stonebridge Companies
- Collaborated with Stonebridge groups on a regular basis
Assistant to Director of International Public Relations
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Served as frequent Acting Director due to the extensive travel demands by the Director
- Managed daily production on behalf of volume public relations activities supporting visiting dignitaries from other cities and countries (included convention participants, media familiarization visitors, etc.)
- Negotiated and coordinated a busy schedule, requiring the preparation of correspondence, information packets, media kits (new releases and images) and other documents
- Managed off-site schedules and travel trade show needs
- Mentored and trained public relations interns
- Executive representative to hospitality organizations, i.e., hotels, restaurants, etc
- Met and negotiated
- General Managers to successfully secure complimentary packages for visitors
- Researched, tracked, and analyzed monthly reports and ensured representation by all media groups
- Coordinated travel arrangements, including expense reporting, leave slip authorizations, transportation and other hotel programs
- Translator for all oral and written Spanish/English communications
- Team led all aspects of special projects including production scheduling, design of sales and information packets, etc
- Troubleshooter and Manager during crisis situations
- Promoted
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
01.1998
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Dependable and responsible
- Active listening
- Problem resolution
- Verbal communication
- Decision-making
- Calm under pressure
- Attention to detail
Certification
Hilton Catering Progress Report
Hilton Intro Revenue Management
Hilton Intro to the Sales Call Process
Hampton Intro to the Sales Call Process
Hilton Lead More Connected
Hilton My Way
Hilton OnQ Sales and Events
Hilton Quality Assurance
Hilton Revenue Generation
Hilton Revenue Management
Hampton Step Up
Hampton Sustainability
Hampton Sustainability
Hilton Leadership Foundations
Hyatt Place Reserve
IHG Way of Sales
Marriott Edge extended stay sales
Marriott Negotiating skills
Marriott advance prospecting
OnQ Sales Rapid
OnQ Solicitation Management
OnQ rate and inventory
OnQ sales-meeting inventory
Marriott Overcoming Objections and Negotiating
Marriott Prospecting
Marriott Sales Process: Advocating
Sales Process: Advocating
Sales Process: Discovering
Sales Process: Relating
Sales Process: Supporting and Putting it all Together
Sales Success - Focused Service
Sandler Training
Understanding Revenue Management
Hilton Your Roadmap to Revenue and Market Share GROwth -
Connect U: Operational Excellence Fairfield
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Area DOS Farfield Inn PX and NM, Holiday Inn
Palette Hotels
08.2024 - Current
Area DOS Residence Inn & Springhill Suites
Aimbridge Hospitality
03.2022 - 08.2024
Regional DOS & General Manager Hampton Inn
Baywood Hotels
01.2017 - 06.2022
Dual Director of Sales
Schulte Hospitality Group for Springhill Suites by Marriott SeaWorld-Lackland and San Antonio Airport
05.2015 - 05.2017
Director of Inside Sales/ Project Manager
Baywood Hotels
12.2010 - 01.2013
Sales and Marketing Manager
Hampton Inn Anchorage
01.2006 - 01.2010
Assistant to Director of International Public Relations
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2003 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico