Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

ERIK KOHLENSTEIN

FORT MILL,USA

Summary

Accomplished business executive with 25+ years of leadership in hospitality, tourism, and corporate procurement. Skilled in overseeing multi-property hotel operations exceeding $14M in revenue and driving customer value through cost reduction, vendor management, and sustainability initiatives. Recognized for delivering financial performance, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. A detail-oriented leader with strong organizational and interpersonal skills, dedicated to developing teams and fostering collaboration.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Account Manager

Foodbuy
Charlotte, NC
07.2023 - 09.2025
  • Identified and implemented customer opportunities for cost reduction, rebate growth, sustainability, and vendor diversity.
  • Built and maintained strong client relationships to grow business volumes and ensure long-term engagement.
  • Managed all aspects of customer contracts, using project management tools to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
  • Created and delivered strategic account plans and executive business reviews to key stakeholders.

General Manager (Multi-Property)

Hilton Garden Inn/Hampton Inn (Uptown) Complex
Charlotte, NC
01.2021 - 11.2022
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of four properties, including two hotels (330 rooms), a 25-unit condo building, and a parking garage.
  • Set strategic direction for the leadership team and directly supervised 85 employees and 40 contractors.
  • Managed all operational and financial performance across properties, generating $14M in annual revenue.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with ownership groups, contractors, and key stakeholders.

General Manager

Hilton Garden Inn (Uptown)
Charlotte, NC
01.2008 - 01.2021
  • Achieved four consecutive “Outstanding” quality assurance ratings (highest possible).
  • Four-time nominee for General Manager of the Year.
  • Directed operations of a 180-room hotel, overseeing customer satisfaction, employee engagement, financial performance, sales growth, and HR.
  • Led project development for the successful build and sale of a 25-unit condominium complex.

General Manager

Hilton Garden Inn
Rock Hill, SC
01.2004 - 01.2008
  • Two-time recipient of General Manager of the year.
  • Consistently obtained five “Outstanding” quality assurance review reports (highest rating).
  • Supervised daily operation of 129 room hotel inclusive of budget and financial performance, hiring and staffing, logistics and vendor management.

Assistant General Manager/General Manager

Hilton Garden Inn (Uptown)/Comfort Suites
Charlotte, NC
01.2002 - 01.2004
  • Promoted to General Manager within six months of tenure.
  • Supervised daily hotel operations to maintain high service standards.
  • Ensured consistent delivery of quality service across all departments.

General Manager

Comfort Inn
Harrisonburg, VA
01.1999 - 01.2002
  • Achieved Comfort Inn Hospitality Hotel Group’s Gold Award for leadership and customer service for three consecutive years.
  • Directed daily operations of a 102-room hotel, ensuring efficiency and guest satisfaction.
  • Contributed as a member of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association to promote regional tourism.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

Roanoke College
Roanoke, VA

Skills

  • Operations & Performance Management
  • Strategic Account Management & Relationship Development
  • Contract Negotiation & Vendor Management
  • Sales & Revenue Growth ($14M hospitality; multi-million procurement)
  • Financial Oversight & Budget Management
  • Hospitality & Property Management
  • Project Development & Execution
  • Data-Driven Decision Making & Business Reviews
  • Employee Training, Coaching & Leadership

Affiliations

Charlotte Area Hotel Association, Active Member; Vice President, 2018

Certification

Certified Lodging Manager, American Hotel Lodging Association

Timeline

Account Manager

Foodbuy
07.2023 - 09.2025

General Manager (Multi-Property)

Hilton Garden Inn/Hampton Inn (Uptown) Complex
01.2021 - 11.2022

General Manager

Hilton Garden Inn (Uptown)
01.2008 - 01.2021

General Manager

Hilton Garden Inn
01.2004 - 01.2008

Assistant General Manager/General Manager

Hilton Garden Inn (Uptown)/Comfort Suites
01.2002 - 01.2004

General Manager

Comfort Inn
01.1999 - 01.2002

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

Roanoke College

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