Darla Minor
People are my profession
Kansas City,MO
Summary
I'm a resourceful and resilient professional with a knack for coming up with fresh ideas to boost revenue and enhance guest experiences in the travel industry. Whether I’m working with a team or flying solo, I’m all about planning and executing strategies that make a real difference. I thrive on connecting with people and leading with a strong understanding of what makes hospitality customers tick.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hersha Hospitality Management LP
Kansas City, MO
11.2019 - Current
- Surpassed ambitious sales targets by crafting and executing innovative strategies, driving impressive revenue and profitability growth.
- Fostered strong, lasting client relationships, fueling business expansion and unwavering loyalty.
Proactively engaged with guests to ensure stellar satisfaction and seamlessly integrate their feedback for ongoing enhancements.
- Launched dynamic employee reward programs that not only boosted job satisfaction but also sparked team motivation.
Mastered large group bookings across diverse markets, offering exceptional rates and tailored solutions.
- Exceeded customer expectations by delivering imaginative solutions and top-notch service, turning challenges into opportunities.
- Streamlined group and banquet bookings from initial inquiry to final billing with precision and efficiency.
Elevated brand presence on social media and crafted persuasive marketing materials that captivate prospective clients.
- Drove new business growth through proactive prospecting, including cold calls and strategic outreach.
Sales Manager - Corporate Accounts
Hotel Phillips
Kansas City, MO
08.2020 - 11.2022
- Built impactful corporate partnerships and drove sales by connecting with key potential clients.
- Streamlined the sales process with swift, sharp proposals, contracts, and correspondence.
- Kept the team in the loop with snappy sales reports and updates on trends and upcoming events.
- Mastered BEOs, Resumes, Contracts, and Proposals with a touch of Delphi magic.
- Negotiated CNRs and LNRs like a pro, securing the best deals.
- Oversaw banquets with precision, ensuring events matched the BEOs to perfection.
- Generated leads through savvy networking, referrals, and a bit of cold calling charm.
- Cultivated strong client relationships to fuel long-term success and business growth.
- Helped the team crush group growth goals with impressive results in 2019.
Director of Sales
Hilton Garden Inn
Olathe, KS
04.2018 - 11.2019
- Qualifying inquiries/leads
- Working with BT & SMERF contacts for group contracts and ensuring travelers receive the best experience possible for their guests.
- Quoting rates based on comp set/market trends and availability.
- Contracting/detailing/executing/billing of banquets
- Managing banquet staff to insure guest needs are met
- Managing social media presence
- Creating marketing collateral
- Rooming lists
- Cold calls/ sales calls / prospecting new accounts
Director of Sales
Hilton Garden Inn
Kansas City, KS
06.2017 - 04.2018
- Qualifying inquiries/leads
- Inputting rooming lists, building blocks
- Contracting/detailing/building banquets & group rooms
- Responding to RFP's via MeetingBroker, Lanyon, CVENT
- Communicating with all departments on necessary information for upcoming groups
- Develop strong customer relationships to lead to increased business and account loyalty
Sales & Events Manager
Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center
Saint Louis, MO
10.2016 - 03.2017
- Screened and qualified inquiries with a sharp eye to identify the best opportunities.
- Managed rooming lists and built/billed blocks with precision and efficiency.
- Contracted and detailed group events, ensuring every detail was spot-on.
- Collaborated closely with the Marriott Leads team to drive successful outcomes.
- Coordinated across departments to ensure smooth execution of upcoming events.
- Approved social media content and gathered details for exciting local events.
- Engaged with Explore STL and city-wide prospects to secure conventions and boost business.
Sales Coordinator
Holiday Inn & Suites
Overland Park, KS
12.2014 - 05.2015
- Qualified leads and directed them to the right sellers, streamlining the sales process.
- Booked and detailed meetings for groups of 30 or less with precision and flair.
- Compiled and analyzed reports from Opera, providing sellers with actionable insights.
- Ensured all departments were up-to-date with the latest info for smooth event planning.
- Executed daily tasks efficiently, juggling responsibilities with speed and accuracy.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bayless Senior High School
St Louis, MO06.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Photography
Saint Louis Community College
St Louis, MOSkills
- Sales & Client Management: Meeting Sales Goals, Client Base Retention, Sales Calls, Cold Calling, RFP's/Solicitation Management, SalesPro
- Event Planning & Coordination: Meetings/Banquets, Event Planning, Detailing Resumes/BEO's, Rooming Lists, Contracts, Delphi, MeetingBroker
- Software & Systems Proficiency: Opera, Fosse, Innfusion, Aloha/POS, OnQ, RAPID, SalesPro, Adobe Photoshop/InDesign, Microsoft Office/Excel, Data Entry
- Marketing & Communication: Marketing Collateral, Social Media, Knowland, ConstructConnect, Sertifi
- Customer Service & Leadership: Customer Service, Leadership, Staff Management
References
Kailee Karr (319) 389-6280 Pals / Comedy Festival Committee Partner
Caitlyn Guess (816) 882-6240 Past Work Associates / Pals
Matthew Klotz (972) 363-7380 My previous Sales Manager / AGM / Hospitality Pandamic Survivalist
Affiliations
Fountain City Comedy Festival: Project Manager?
Business to business / Marketing / Operation Organizer
It's a 3rd year comedy festival - it's my side passion project
Timeline
Sales Manager - Corporate Accounts
Hotel Phillips
08.2020 - 11.2022
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hersha Hospitality Management LP
11.2019 - Current
Director of Sales
Hilton Garden Inn
04.2018 - 11.2019
Director of Sales
Hilton Garden Inn
06.2017 - 04.2018
Sales & Events Manager
Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center
10.2016 - 03.2017
Sales Coordinator
Holiday Inn & Suites
12.2014 - 05.2015
High School Diploma -
Bayless Senior High School
Some College (No Degree) - Photography
Saint Louis Community College
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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