Blake Wilke
Murfreesboro,TN
Summary
Motivated professional with extensive entrepreneurial and corporate management experience. Proven ability to build and sustain strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors. Demonstrates effective leadership and collaboration skills, utilizing business acumen to achieve and surpass organizational objectives, particularly revenue generation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner & Founder
Wilke Vacation Homes
Nashville, Tennessee
06.2017 - Current
- Operated a portfolio of eight fully furnished vacation rental properties in Middle Tennessee, sleeping up to 10 to 12 people per unit.
- Successfully managed all aspects of the business, including marketing, sales, negotiation, customer and contractor relations, maintenance, restocking, cleaning, capital improvements, and property acquisitions and sales.
- Hosted more than 2,500 total stays. Achieved distinction as a 16X Airbnb Superhost, as well as Premiere Host status on Vrbo.
Senior Sales Executive
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee
04.2017 - 10.2019
- Convention Sales Executive representing West Coast accounts in California, Oregon, Washington State & Utah 600-2,888 rooms on peak.
- Represented Marriott's largest hotel product with 2,888 sleeping rooms and 700,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Booked 200,471 room nights totaling $40,235,030 in sleeping room revenue in 27 months of full sales goals.
- Initiated and closed the largest multi-year convention contract in the history of Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center totaling 53,068 room nights, $11,728,000 in rooms revenue, and a minimum of $4,000,000 in banquet food and beverage revenue.
Senior Sales Executive
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Chicago, IL
04.2015 - 04.2017
- Secured group convention contracts from Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast markets for 301 to 1,200 rooms on peak.
- Represented Marriott's premier Midwest convention property with 1,200 guestrooms and 66,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Achieved individual group room revenue productivity of 197% of the 2016 booking goal, and 222% of the 2015 booking goal.
- Recognized as member of Marriott Western Region Property Sales Team of the Year in 2015.
Senior Group Sales Manager
theWit Hotel Chicago
Chicago, IL
12.2013 - 03.2015
- Secured group business from corporate markets including pharmaceutical, healthcare, and consulting sectors.
- Represented lifestyle property with 310 sleeping rooms and 9,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Achieved #1 revenue producer status in 2014, boosting market growth by 6%.
Senior Complex Sales Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago/Westin Chicago River North
Chicago, IL
02.2013 - 12.2013
- Secured group business from Midwest Association and Corporate markets for 76-200 peak thresholds and key accounts ranging from 10 to 1,214 guestrooms.
- Represented dual property, dual brand complex with 1,638 total guestrooms and 148,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Achieved highest individual group booking production at Westin River North by closing 4,886 room nights, generating $1,536,414 in combined rooms and banquet revenue.
Complex Sales Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago/Westin Chicago River North
Chicago, IL
06.2011 - 02.2013
- Secured group business contracts from Midwest Association and corporate markets with peak thresholds of 10-75.
- Managed dual property, dual brand complex with 1,638 guestrooms and 148,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Achieved Top 15 Salesperson recognition for Starwood North America Division at 159% of goal in 2012.
- Attained Top 10 Salesperson status for Starwood North America Division at 173% of goal in 2011.
Catering & Convention Services Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago
Chicago, IL
05.2010 - 06.2011
- Planned and executed group business ranging from 250 to 1,209 guestrooms at peak, with attendance exceeding 3,000.
- Coordinated F&B, room blocks, audiovisual needs, exhibition logistics, and billing for accounts up to $2,200,000.
- Achieved an individual MPSI score of 4.77 out of 5.00, with 33 survey responses.
Conference Service Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago
Chicago, IL
07.2008 - 05.2010
- Executed comprehensive planning and management of group business for programs accommodating 10 to 250 rooms on peak.
- Achieved individual MPSI score of 4.68 out of 5.00 based on 19 survey responses in 2009.
- Recognized as member of Starwood North America’s Catering & Convention Service Team of the Year for 2008.
Executive Meeting Specialist
Sheraton Grand Chicago
Chicago, IL
06.2007 - 07.2008
- Directed onsite logistics for diverse group events, including conventions with over 3,000 participants.
- Authorized changes on behalf of meeting planners to achieve optimal results.
- Collaborated with hotel departments and external vendors to ensure seamless operations.
Education
BBA - Marketing & Organizational Leadership Management
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2007
Skills
- Sales strategy
- Revenue generation
- Contract negotiation
- Financial analysis
- Guest relations
- Property management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Owner & Founder
Wilke Vacation Homes
06.2017 - Current
Senior Sales Executive
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
04.2017 - 10.2019
Senior Sales Executive
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
04.2015 - 04.2017
Senior Group Sales Manager
theWit Hotel Chicago
12.2013 - 03.2015
Senior Complex Sales Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago/Westin Chicago River North
02.2013 - 12.2013
Complex Sales Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago/Westin Chicago River North
06.2011 - 02.2013
Catering & Convention Services Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago
05.2010 - 06.2011
Conference Service Manager
Sheraton Grand Chicago
07.2008 - 05.2010
Executive Meeting Specialist
Sheraton Grand Chicago
06.2007 - 07.2008
BBA - Marketing & Organizational Leadership Management
Illinois State University
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