Brandi Thies
Muskegon,MI
Summary
Dedicated Event Sales Manager with 7 years of experience planning high-profile events. Skilled in strategic planning and meticulous execution, with a proven ability to lead teams and manage multifaceted projects in dynamic environments. Specializes in weddings, festivals, and corporate gatherings. Outgoing and hands-on professional with expertise in event logistics, coordination, vendor management, scheduling, and on-site operations. Emphasis on team collaboration and adaptability, effective problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills ensuring high standards and consistent results. Fostering strong team collaboration, and adapting to changing requirements. Reliable and goal-focused, with strong negotiation and communication skills.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Event Sales Manager
Redi Rental
MUSKEGON, MI
04.2018 - Current
- Managed large client accounts, fostering strong relationships to drive growth.
- Conducted research on local events to identify promotion opportunities.
- Utilized electronic communications for effective engagement with customers and vendors.
- Coordinated logistics for high-profile events, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to timelines.
- Cultivated relationships with vendors and partners to secure competitive pricing and quality services.
- Led cross-functional teams in planning and executing large-scale events, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities for event offerings and service enhancements.
- Trained and mentored junior sales staff, promoting best practices in customer relations and event management.
- Managed budgets for 40 plus simultaneous events, optimizing resource allocation while minimizing costs on a weekly bases.
- Managed budgets for multiple events simultaneously, optimizing resources to deliver exceptional results without compromising quality or service levels.
- Boosted event sales by developing and implementing strategic marketing plans.
- Conducted site visits and walk-throughs to ensure seamless event planning and execution.
- Developed tailored proposals that addressed unique client needs, resulting in increased bookings.
- Expanded company reach through the creation of partnerships with complementary businesses.
- Secured new clients through effective networking at industry events and trade shows.
- Implemented innovative promotional strategies that attracted attention from potential clients in highly competitive markets.
- Collaborated with vendors to create memorable events within budget constraints.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, maximizing value for clients while maintaining profitability.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support, and customer engagement strategies.
- Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
- Aligned company goals with customer outcomes and increased satisfaction by automating contact management systems.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
- Increased sales volume and expanded product line to new retailers, warehouse clubs and natural food chains.
Warehouse & Logistics Manager
Redi Rental
Muskegon, MI
04.2018 - Current
- Oversaw daily warehouse operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Implemented inventory management system, improving stock accuracy and reducing discrepancies.
- Led team of warehouse staff, providing training on best practices and operational procedures.
- Developed process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced turnaround times for order fulfillment.
- Coordinated logistics for on-site events, ensuring timely setup and teardown processes.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure necessary supplies and services for successful events.
- Developed event timelines, facilitating communication among team members and stakeholders.
- Oversaw transportation logistics, optimizing routes for equipment delivery and staff travel.
- Implemented safety protocols during event execution, enhancing compliance with regulations.
- Conducted post-event evaluations, identifying areas for improvement in future logistics planning.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align event goals with organizational strategies.
- Improved accessibility at events by incorporating ADA-compliant features in venue layouts and transportation arrangements.
- Developed customized event plans tailored to client needs, ensuring successful outcomes.
- Conducted thorough site inspections before events, identifying potential issues early on in the planning process.
- Ensured timely delivery of materials and equipment by coordinating with suppliers and tracking shipments.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure seamless logistical support during events.
- Reduced event setup time by creating detailed timelines and checklists for on-site execution.
- Provided comprehensive post-event reports to clients, highlighting key performance metrics and areas for improvement.
- Implemented risk management strategies to minimize potential disruptions during events.
- Optimized space usage at venues, creating effective floor plans that maximized attendee flow and comfort.
- Enhanced event efficiency by streamlining communication between vendors, staff, and attendees.
- Spearheaded volunteer recruitment efforts, building strong teams for event staffing needs.
- Trained and supervised event staff of 45-60 employees to complete tasks on time.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
Senior Sales Manager
Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse
MUSKEGON, MI
04.2002 - 04.2018
- Oversaw logistics operations, ensuring efficient movement of goods from suppliers to customers.
- Managed inventory levels to optimize stock availability while minimizing costs.
- Coordinated transportation, including carrier selection, delivery scheduling, and route optimization.
- Negotiated with suppliers for favorable terms and cost reductions.
- Resolved delivery issues promptly to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Developed and managed departmental budgets to enhance store sales performance.
- Ensured compliance with all regulations related to transportation, warehousing, and safety standards.
- Utilized logistics software and IT systems to streamline operational processes.
- Conducted regular training sessions to enhance product knowledge across sales team.
- Implemented CRM systems to optimize lead management and improve sales forecasting accuracy.
- Established key relationships with clients, resulting in increased customer retention and satisfaction.
- Increased overall sales revenue by implementing effective sales strategies and building strong client relationships.
- Mentored junior sales professionals in advanced selling techniques, resulting in accelerated career progression and enhanced contributions to overall team success.
- Exceeded annual sales targets consistently by maintaining proactive approach to lead generation and pipeline management.
- Improved customer retention rates by delivering exceptional after-sales support and fostering long-term relationships with key accounts.
- Cultivated culture of accountability within sales team by setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback, and recognizing exceptional performance.
- Developed high-performing sales team through targeted recruitment, comprehensive training, and ongoing mentorship.
- Connected with prospects through trade shows, cold calling and local-area networking.
- Streamlined internal sales processes for increased efficiency, resulting in improved productivity and reduced overhead costs.
- Established robust CRM system that allowed for accurate tracking of customer interactions, leading to more informed decision-making throughout entire sales process.
- Championed adoption of new sales tools and technologies to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and enhance overall team performance.
- Attended industry events and conventions to explain sales opportunities.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Interior Design
Baker College
Muskegon, MI05-2004
Skills
- Inventory management and logistics
- Client relationship management
- Data analysis and forecasting
- Budget management
- Customer service excellence
- Problem solving and stress management
- De-escalation of complaints
- Strong negotiation skills
- Event management
- Trade show representation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Social media marketing
Certification
- CERP- Certified Event Rental Professional 2023
- ARA- American Rental Association Event Specialist Certificate 2024
- Women In Rental Leadership Certificate 2025
- Tenting Safety Certificate 2024
- Chauffeurs License 2018
- Power Equipment Certified 2002
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Event Sales Manager
Redi Rental
04.2018 - Current
Warehouse & Logistics Manager
Redi Rental
04.2018 - Current
Senior Sales Manager
Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse
04.2002 - 04.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Interior Design
Baker College