Courtney L. McDonald
Riverview,FL
Summary
Dynamic business development and sales expert with over eight years of experience in driving revenue growth and establishing strategic partnerships. Proven track record in leading client engagements and enhancing customer experiences within hospitality, attractions, tourism, and entertainment sectors. Recognized for identifying new business opportunities and executing effective marketing initiatives while consistently surpassing performance expectations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Ticket Sales Agent / Street Team Member (Part-time)
Manthey Hospitality (Pirate Water Taxi)
Tampa, FL
04.2026 - Current
- Greets guests and provides accurate information on schedules, routes, pricing & policies
- Actively engages the public along the Riverwalk and surrounding areas
- Pounds the pavement to generate interest and drive same-day ticket sales
- Initiates conversations, overcomes objections, and closes sales on the spot
- Promotes upgraded, premium experiences, and cross-brand offerings
Sales & Marketing Manager
o8o Studio Inc. (The Hurricane Simulator Company)
Tampa, FL
06.2024 - 01.2026
- Expanded hurricane simulator presence by securing 143 new partner locations, driving portfolio growth through relationship-based sales.
- Conducted comprehensive market research for identifying promising new locations.
- Represented company at major industry trade shows, cultivating inbound leads and strengthening industry relationships.
- Managed social media accounts and developed content to enhance brand visibility.
- Handled private event and tradeshow machine rental sales efficiently.
- Assisted general manager and president in locating sites for new attraction, Spydero Kiddie Sports Car.
Sales & Marketing Associate
o8o Studio Inc. (The Hurricane Simulator Company)
Tampa, FL
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Proactively conducted cold calls to prospective locations across Tampa Bay region.
- Compiled extensive lead lists to identify new business opportunities.
- Collaborated with graphic designer to develop a comprehensive sales catalog.
Manager of Entertainment Productions
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa, FL
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Planned, implemented, and managed all consumer and private events at Zoo
- Collaborated with the Catering Department in set-up, implementation, and special needs for all events
- Coordinated with all Zoo Departments in developing event timelines, operating guidelines, and plans
- Completed event follow-up including wrap-up, thank you letters, receipts, tax requirements and invoices
- Handled a wide variety of complex and confidential situations, and resolved conflicts involving events
Sales Coordinator
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa, FL
11.2019 - 04.2022
- Oversaw wedding, wedding related, and social event bookings
- Facilitated venue site visits with prospective couples and clients
- Created sales contracts through Caterease event management program
- Managed lead generating websites, such as WeddingWire, The Knot, Zola and Eventective
- Assisted with fulfillment of client/sponsor commitments, including activations, ticket requests, etc.
Development and Sales Coordinator
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa, FL
01.2019 - 11.2019
- Managed Raisers Edge (RE) database and donor files, including management of all donor information
- Assisted with fulfillment of donor/sponsor commitments, including ticket requests
- Researched market to identify top-level prospects for individual donors and sponsors
- Researched and secured offsite events that allow the zoo to generate sales/awareness
Retail Representative
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa, FL
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided exemplary guest service outlined by department guidelines and training
- Accurately handled payment transactions through the use of a cash register and/or computer
- Communicated effectively with guests in order to assist with sales and reach established sales goals
- Politely and diplomatically enforced established animal experience procedures and protocols
Education
Bachelor of Science - Resort And Hospitality Management
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL08-2017
Skills
- Event Management
- Trade Show Coordination
- Prospecting
- Business Development
- Client Relationship Management
- Brand Promotion
- Social Media Marketing
- Microsoft Office
- Contract Management
- Strategic Partnerships
Timeline
Ticket Sales Agent / Street Team Member (Part-time)
Manthey Hospitality (Pirate Water Taxi)
04.2026 - Current
Sales & Marketing Manager
o8o Studio Inc. (The Hurricane Simulator Company)
06.2024 - 01.2026
Sales & Marketing Associate
o8o Studio Inc. (The Hurricane Simulator Company)
01.2023 - 06.2024
Manager of Entertainment Productions
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
04.2022 - 12.2022
Sales Coordinator
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
11.2019 - 04.2022
Development and Sales Coordinator
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
01.2019 - 11.2019
Retail Representative
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
02.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Resort And Hospitality Management
Florida Gulf Coast University