Jason Atherton
Winter Garden
Summary
Dynamic sales and operations executive with extensive experience driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth in the hospitality and beverage industries. Recognized for exceeding sales targets and securing high-value partnerships while leading cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience through operational excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Representative
Breakthru Beverage Florida
Orlando
05.2021 - Current
- Drive sales growth and territory expansion across 140+ high-volume accounts, including major hospitality partners in the Disney/Lake Buena Vista and International Drive markets.
- Deliver 5–15% year-over-year revenue increases, exceeding monthly targets of $88K–$127K and driving regional market share growth.
- Cultivated relationships with key executives and buyers, securing premium placements and long-term contracts.
- Onboarded five new sales accounts, driving 5% territory revenue increase.
- Recognized as Salesperson of the Month (Sept 2021) and #1 Performer in the 2022 E&J Gallo Sales Competition for Orlando.
- Achieve 90%+ Global Trade Metrics (vs. 75% goal) through strategic selling, account planning, and data-driven pipeline management.
- Executed high-impact in-store activations and targeted brand campaigns in collaboration with marketing teams.
Account Merchandiser
Breakthru Beverage Florida
Orlando
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Executed high-impact merchandising programs across top-tier accounts to strengthen brand visibility and consumer engagement.
- Managed product displays and stock rotation to ensure accurate delivery across premium beverage lines.
- Supported launch strategies for new product lines, enhancing brand performance and increasing shelf share.
Director of Operations
Towne Park / Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Kissimmee
11.2018 - 08.2019
- Directed large-scale operational performance for a luxury resort and convention property, overseeing guest services, parking operations, and financial outcomes.
- Led 165+ employees; managed multimillion-dollar budgets, forecasting, and labor planning.
- Exceeded quarterly revenue goals by 20% through focused ancillary service sales strategies.
- Aligned service performance with strategic business objectives to achieve 100% client satisfaction monthly.
- Facilitated regional expansion, leading to acquisition of 3–5 new properties annually.
- (1,416 Rooms)
Orlando Area Manager
Parking Management Company
Orlando
05.2017 - 10.2018
- Launched and grew valet and shuttle operations for multiple Florida properties, driving business development and staffing initiatives.
- Developed scalable standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency and ensure brand consistency across five unique operations.
- Mentored emerging leaders across sites, fostering accountability and optimizing service delivery.
Director of Operations
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Orlando
07.2015 - 05.2017
- Led room operations, spa, recreation, and security, managing six executive leaders and over 300 associates to ensure operational excellence.
- Served as Interim General Manager for Omni Royal Crescent (New Orleans), maintaining full operational stability during leadership transition.
- Delivered 81.9% operating profit margin through efficiency programs and strategic revenue management.
- Drove guest satisfaction ranking improvement from 49th to 25th among Omni properties over three years.
- Directed capital improvement projects and renovations, collaborating with ownership and development teams to enhance property value and guest experience.
- (769 Rooms)
Director of Rooms
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Orlando
07.2013 - 02.2015
- Led room operations, spa, recreation, and security, managing six executive leaders and 300+ associates to enhance service delivery.
- Drove guest satisfaction ranking improvement from 49th to 25th among Omni properties over three years.
- Delivered 81.9% operating profit margin through efficiency programs and strategic revenue management.
- Directed capital improvement projects and renovations, collaborating with ownership and development teams to elevate property standards.
- Served as Interim General Manager for Omni Royal Crescent (New Orleans), maintaining full operational stability during leadership transition.
- (769 Rooms)
Director of Rooms / Guest Services / Front Office Management Roles
Gaylord Hotels by Marriott
01.2001 - 01.2013
- Directed multi-department operations across resorts with 1,400–2,800+ rooms, leading and mentoring up to 965 team members.
- Produced consistent profit margins of 73% at Gaylord Opryland through cost control, service innovation, and performance optimization.
- Collaborated with executive leadership on Rooms Division Council to develop efficiency and guest experience strategies across all Gaylord properties.
- Designed and implemented operational frameworks during major openings, expansions, and brand-wide standardization.
- Elevated employee satisfaction and reduced turnover during key redevelopment phases, contributing to record ancillary revenue.
- (Opryland, Palms, Texan Brand Portfolio)
Education
Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Program -
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL01-1989
Skills
- Strategic sales leadership
- Client and vendor relations
- Vendor relations
- P&L oversight
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Customer relationship management
- Budget forecasting
- Multi-property operations
- Leadership development
- Team engagement
Websites
Additional Information
Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, Committed to operational excellence and professional growth
Professional Highlights
- Award-winning sales leader achieving 5–15% year-over-year revenue growth, #1 ranking in the 2022 E&J Gallo Sales Competition, and consistent top-tier results across 140+ key accounts.
- Operational strategist directing up to 965 employees across multi-property resort portfolios, delivering up to 81.9% operating profit margins and 100% client satisfaction results.
- Proven business builder with a record of opening five major hotels and developing five new sales accounts in current role, driving a 5% increase in total territory revenue while expanding brand reach and client partnerships.
Timeline
Sales Representative
Breakthru Beverage Florida
05.2021 - Current
Account Merchandiser
Breakthru Beverage Florida
11.2020 - 05.2021
Director of Operations
Towne Park / Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
11.2018 - 08.2019
Orlando Area Manager
Parking Management Company
05.2017 - 10.2018
Director of Operations
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
07.2015 - 05.2017
Director of Rooms
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
07.2013 - 02.2015
Director of Rooms / Guest Services / Front Office Management Roles
Gaylord Hotels by Marriott
01.2001 - 01.2013
Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Program -
Florida Southern College