Karen Gerhart
Corrales,NM
Summary
Director of Hotel Sales Performance-oriented Sales Leader offering an exceptional record of achievement over a15-year career. Tenacious manager with a strategic and analytical approach to solving problems, bringing in customers and accomplishing profit targets. Talented in identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends and revenue opportunities.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Of Sale
Crowne Plaza and Querque Hotel
12.2017 - Current
- SMERF Sales Manager for the Crowne Plaza and Querque Hotel (formally Fairfield Inn)
- Targeted the SMERF market and secured new revenue sources for both Hotels
- Maintained existing clients and maximized their revenue potential
- Prospected for new business through solicitation, networking, and cold calling
- Manager of the Year 2019.
- Cultivated and maintained strategic alliances with key partners and vendors.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies.
- Identified weaknesses in existing marketing campaigns to develop pragmatic solutions within budgetary constraints.
- Analyzed and forecasted monthly sales data of existing marketed companies within designated area.
- Created and implemented effective marketing and sales strategies to increase customer engagement and revenue.
- Evaluated market data to develop and create business strategies and marketing plans.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
Senior Catering and Event Manager
Hilton Chicago
10.2015 - 07.2017
- Managed conventions for a 1,544-room high volume convention hotel with 230,000 sq
- Ft
- Of meeting space
- Planned and ran site visits for prospective and booked conventions
- Executed all aspects of the guest experience from room block management to the on-site events.
Associate Director of Meetings and Events
Sheraton Grand Chicago
06.2011 - 10.2015
- Responsible for working with clients and incoming conventions to maximize space, revenue and enhance the client experience in a 1218 room high volume convention hotel with 125,000 sq
- Ft
- Of meeting space
- Created unforgettable events and meetings for clients
- Events ranged in size from 20 to 4,000 attendees
- In charge of hiring, training and mentoring a five member team in the Meeting and Events Department
- Coordinated client sites and pre-planning meetings
- Received 100% for manager effectiveness and results on Starwood's employee surveys
- Starwood's Meeting and Event Team of the Year 2014
Director of Catering and Convention Services
Hard Rock Hotel
09.2010 - 06.2011
- Sold and managed events for a 381-room hotel
- Specialized in nonprofit events and galas
- In charge of budgeting and forecasting catering and banquet revenue
- Trained and managed a department of three.
Director of Catering
Doubletree Hotel
03.2010 - 09.2010
- In charge of catering sales and conference services for a 500-room hotel
- Managed all group blocks and citywide conventions
- In charge of menu development
- Forecasted and in charge of department budgets and managers goals
- Lead a department of four employees.
Director of Catering and Convention Services
La Posada Resort and Spa
02.2005 - 08.2007
- Responsible for all catering and convention services for a 157-room resort specializing in corporate retreats, product launches, social events and galas
- Developed banquet menus and specialty menus
- Manager of the 4th Quarter 2005.
Senior Sales Manager
Marriott Pyramid
03.2003 - 02.2005
- Sold the association and corporate market for a 310-room convention hotel
- Exceeded my sales goals for 2003 and 2004
Director of Catering
Double Tree Hotel and Historic Wool Warehouse
01.2002 - 03.2003
- In charge of catering and convention services for a 259-room downtown hotel plus an off-site venue.
Event and Outreach Manager
Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant
01.2000 - 12.2001
- Responsible for booking all events for the brewery and restaurant.
Director of Catering
Hotel Majestic
01.1997 - 06.1999
- Sold and ran event for a 98-room hotel
- Employee of the year 1997.
Education
College of Food, California Culinary Institute
01.2001
Art History -
University of New Mexico
01.1993
Skills
- Proficient with Salesforce, Delphi, Opera, Opera Cloud, PMS and all Microsoft, Apple and Google operating systems
- Client Relationship Management
- Sales training and leadership
- Revenue Growth
- Sales Reporting
- Profitability Optimization
- Client acquisition
- Revenue Forecasting
Timeline
Director Of Sale
Crowne Plaza and Querque Hotel
12.2017 - Current
Senior Catering and Event Manager
Hilton Chicago
10.2015 - 07.2017
Associate Director of Meetings and Events
Sheraton Grand Chicago
06.2011 - 10.2015
Director of Catering and Convention Services
Hard Rock Hotel
09.2010 - 06.2011
Director of Catering
Doubletree Hotel
03.2010 - 09.2010
Director of Catering and Convention Services
La Posada Resort and Spa
02.2005 - 08.2007
Senior Sales Manager
Marriott Pyramid
03.2003 - 02.2005
Director of Catering
Double Tree Hotel and Historic Wool Warehouse
01.2002 - 03.2003
Event and Outreach Manager
Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant
01.2000 - 12.2001
Director of Catering
Hotel Majestic
01.1997 - 06.1999
College of Food, California Culinary Institute
Art History -
University of New Mexico