Karen Brenenstahl
Enterprise,AL
Summary
Proven leader and problem-solver, adept at operations management and team building, I significantly enhanced operational performance at IHG Army Hotels. By fostering strong relationships and championing continuous improvement, I ensured success through exceptional customer service and strategic problem resolution, contributing to sustained profitability and exceeding HeartBeat scores. I am an encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
IHG Army Hotels
05.2004 - Current
- Candlewood Suites Altamonte Springs, Florida May 2004 to 2006
- Started with Candlewood as a DOS within the first year and a half promoted to General Manager. Won and attended the BOB trip as a DOS in Puerto Rico.
- Candlewood Suites Huntsville, Alabama 2006 to 2009
- Relocated to Huntsville in order to pursue and be in line for PAL. Was slated to run RedStone and was the only GM on the RDO transition team for group A which included meetings in Atlanta and DC. Started the transition at RedStone until it was bumped to group C. Moved over to Fort Polk where I completed group A transition without the help of a regional. During the transition at Fort Polk, offered the GM position. However, since Polk was not much bigger than my current hotel I decided not to accept this offer. A month after the group A transition Fort Rucker came available.
- IHG Army Hotels Fort Novosel October 29, 2009 to present
- Made the transition from a 123 room Candlewood to a 625 room hotel at Fort Rucker. The buildings at Rucker where falling apart with 60 rooms OOO due to roof leaks. Proceeded to work for 3 weeks without a day off. A month later renovations started beginning with CRLS. Then the replacement of the old 2 pipe cooling system, followed by the full renovation of building 308. The renovation was a job in itself while dealing with constant power outages, hot water outages and Opera outages for days at a time, with a new team. Broken boilers, power outages, leaks and electrical issues have been an ongoing scenario at Fort Novosel. Quickly implemented a way to meet our HeartBeat and Employee scores while also making a profit for the company by identifying problems and quickly coming up with a solution. With the understanding that if a solution proves ineffective, pivot to an alternative approach.
- Additionally, I participated in group B Fort Drum and C Fort Hauchuca transitions from Army Lodging to IHG Army Hotel.
- Upon the completion of group B I headed to Fort Bragg for 2 weeks to assist the new GM.
- Presented with the Chucky Award, 2023
- Summary of overall skills:
- Managed budget, forecasting, and GL in order to ensure we are on track towards organizational objectives. Delivered a profit every year with the exception of the government shut down and COVID.
- Managed a diverse group, fostering a positive work environment with a commitment to "awesome customer service" in the face of a very old product.
- Developed and implemented "Be in the Know" in order to encourage engagement in our TM by ensuring TM have what they need to do their job, know what is expected of them, are a good fit, feel their managers have their back and feel like they have a say. With a focus on our open door policy and empowerment agreement/fairness for all team members.
- Cultivated strong relationships with school house, International Students Office and Army partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty. We participate in the Children's Festival, Veterans Day Celebration and Christmas Tree lighting on post. Along with working very closely with the Family Advocacy Office on post, housing families in need of immediate shelter.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments and this has enabled us to meet and exceed our HeartBeat scores. Example: Constant inspecting of occupied rooms in order to ensure that HVAC units are in good working order due to multiple issues with filters clogging, leaks in rooms, DRI house keeping scores while checking any items that might enhance our guest stay with us. We have not been able to slow down or be lax in our daily inspecting due to the age of our buildings and lack of renovations over the years. In addition, we continue knocking on doors daily and speaking with our guest in order to ascertain how their stay is really going. If we can get face time with the guests and help out with any annoyances they are experiencing before they check out we might just gain another "5".
Account Executive
Oakwood Corporate Housing
01.1992 - 04.2004
Sales Consultant
Van Metre Properties
06.1989 - 01.1992
Production Engineer
Jaycor/Manufacturing
02.1986 - 06.1989
Project Supervisor
Scope Electronics
09.1980 - 02.1986
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.2003
Skills
- Leadership and team building with a proven ability to take my team in a direction that will ensure our success
- Problem Resolution exceptional ability to identify a problem and quickly implement a solution
- Operations Management demonstrated competence to strategize, streamline, and optimize processes for efficient operations
- Dedicated Team Player, committed collaborator, ready to go above and beyond to support my team and ensure exceptional guest experience, while fostering inspiration among my team members
Timeline
General Manager
IHG Army Hotels
05.2004 - Current
Account Executive
Oakwood Corporate Housing
01.1992 - 04.2004
Sales Consultant
Van Metre Properties
06.1989 - 01.1992
Production Engineer
Jaycor/Manufacturing
02.1986 - 06.1989
Project Supervisor
Scope Electronics
09.1980 - 02.1986
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Old Dominion University
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