Kendal Fitzsimmons
Director of Sales
North Providence,RI
Summary
Sales & hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in sales, event planning, and directing teams in high-stress environments. Well-versed in working independently, multitasking multiple budgets, and creating exceptional experiences. Being versatile, positive, and an eager learner, flourishing quickly in new working environments is a strength. Possessing exceptionally strong communication skills paired with high emotional intelligence ensures strong client and working relationships.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales
Oasis Marinas
Warwick, RI
10.2023 - Current
- Head sales for Harbor Lights Country Club, a newly acquired property by Oasis Marinas, which included sales for weddings & events, restaurant, golf course, pool and tiki bar, marina, and pro shop.
- Supervise and mentor a team of Sales Managers to maintain adherence to client-event requirements through delegation, prioritizing and management of production phases from concept to execution.
- Analyze industry trends to develop and implement marketing strategies to maximize sales in all departments.
- Prepare financial analysis and budget reports on sales.
- Establish relationships with key stakeholders in order to build partnerships and expand business opportunities.
- Identify ways to improve operational efficiency by streamlining processes or introducing new technologies.
- Create detailed budgets for ticketed events, monitored expenses, and prepared financial summaries.
Director of Events
R1 Entertainment Center
Lincoln, RI
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Increased event sales by 106% from September 2022 to June 2023; including a staggering 238% increase for the month of December at a multi-million dollar establishment.
- Hired with the intent of redesigning the company's events program. This included, but was not limited to, hiring and training a full events team, implementing new software, creating SOPs and standardized floor plans, transforming unused areas of the facility into new event spaces, and planning an annual calendar of public events to draw in new clientele.
Director of Events
Gracie's Venture
Providence, RI
09.2014 - 11.2021
- Established and led the events program at two businesses within the venture: Gracie's (AAA Award Winning fine dining restaurant) and Ellie's (bakery), serving as point person from sales phase to conclusion of event.
- Increased event revenue by 170% between 2015-2019.
- Hired, trained and mentored a team of event professionals.
- Planned approximately 40 weddings, 250 corporate/social events, and 25 ticketed events yearly for Gracie's, while coordinating over 1000 custom orders at Ellie's Bakery.
- Received over (90) 5-Star Reviews on WeddingWire between 2015-2021.
- Attended networking events and trade shows to identify and obtain new business.
- Offered full-service planning for off-site weddings and events (managing budgets, vendor contracts, travel and hotel needs, multi-day timelines, menu curation, rental orders, event staff, etc.).
Event Planner / Catering Assistant
Hyatt Regency Newport
Newport, RI
05.2011 - 09.2014
- Planned social and corporate events, while providing exceptional administrative support to an office of (2) directors, (2) wedding planners, (2) corporate planners, (6) sales managers.
- Nominated for "Employee of the Month" (11) times between 2011-2014 and won "Employee of the Year" in 2014 in a staff of over 350.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations & Organizational Communication
05.2011
Secretary - Rhode Island Wedding Group
Skills
- Proven leadership dexterity demonstrated through effective team management, skillful written and verbal communication, strategic decision making, and successful project execution
- Strong sales and negotiation prowess to close deals, manage contracts, and establish mutually beneficial partnerships
- Self-motivated and fluent in autonomous work, consistently exceeding expectations and thriving independently with minimal supervision
- Adept at fostering a collaborative environment to achieve organizational goals using strong communication and problem-solving abilities to drive teams toward success
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking strengths to efficiently manage competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines
- Ability to thrive in dynamic and evolving markets; utilizing market data to assess areas of improvement while adjusting sales approaches to capitalize on emerging opportunities and trends
- Expertise in planning both intimate and large scale events, creating unique experiences, hosting VIP groups and celebrities, coordinating travel & transportation logistics, and anticipating client needs with ease
- Natural charm, positivity, charisma, and social grace allowing for seamless representation at trade shows and conferences
Timeline
Director of Sales - Oasis Marinas
10.2023 - Current
Director of Events - R1 Entertainment Center
08.2022 - 06.2023
Director of Events - Gracie's Venture
09.2014 - 11.2021
Event Planner / Catering Assistant - Hyatt Regency Newport
05.2011 - 09.2014
University of Rhode Island - Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations & Organizational Communication
2019-2021 - Secretary, Rhode Island Wedding Group