Laura Taffin Gomez
Washington D.C.
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented sales manager with extensive experience in the hospitality sector, particularly in linen products. Proven track record in managing and growing sales across diverse territories, including East & West Coast, Florida, Alaska, Canada, Central and South America. Skilled in strategic project analysis, intercultural communication, and customer relationship management. Passionate about entrepreneurship and the arts, contributing innovative solutions and creativity to business development. Expert in developing tailored solutions and promoting product expertise.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Sales Manager
Garnier-Thiebaut USA
Washington D.C.
10.2023 - Current
- Focus on Mid-Atlantic Territories: Developed and executed strategic sales plans to grow market presence in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Large Account Management: Successfully managed some of the company's largest accounts, ensuring high customer satisfaction and retention levels.
- Sales Growth: Led a team to achieve significant sales growth through targeted initiatives and relationship-building with key clients.
- Customer Relationship Enhancement: Strengthened relationships with luxury hotel brands, promoting tailored solutions and the expertise of Garnier-Thiebaut products.
- Market Analysis: Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to adapt strategies and meet evolving customer needs.
- Luxury Market Engagement: The company
National Sales Manager Hospitality Division
Garnier-Thiebaut USA
Washington D.C.
12.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed territories including East & West Coast, Florida, Alaska, Canada, Central America, and South America
- Represented the company both internally and externally
- Achieved growth in national sales
- Analyzed KPIs and managed sales by territory
- Led a team and managed customer service
- Consolidated customer relationships with all the actors in the hospitality sector: hotel management companies, aundry, restaurants, chefs, etc.
- Enhanced involvement with luxury hotel brands
- Specialized in the linen sector and customized products
- Promoted linen expertise
Business Developer
French-American Chamber of Commerce at the French Embassy
Washington D.C.
01.2019 - 02.2020
- Coordinated events for 15 to 600 attendees, including "Soirée Champagne" and "An Evening in Paris," enhancing engagement and brand visibility.
- Identified potential services and initiated project setups to enhance offerings.
- Managed databases and cultivated member relationships, improving communication and service delivery.
- Oversaw social media and website presence as community manager, fostering online community engagement and brand loyalty.
- Managed diplomatic events and conducted market research studies.
Business Developer Intern
French-American Chamber of Commerce at the French Embassy
Washington D.C.
01.2018 - 08.2018
Volunteer
Association Youth for Understanding
09.2015 - 08.2018
- Contributed to the "Coloured Glasses" project promoting intercultural awareness.
- Organized educational workshops for youth participants on cultural exchange programs.
- Supported international students with integration into local communities and schools.
- Coordinated volunteer recruitment efforts to expand program outreach and support.
Business Developer and Accountant
L.B. Cenickel
Montpellier
01.2017 - 09.2017
- Audited company and developed strategies to support ownership transition.
- Streamlined processes to improve efficiency across departments.
- Identified new business opportunities through market research and analysis.
- Developed strategic partnerships to expand company reach and market presence.
- Conducted presentations to potential clients regarding product offerings and services.
Cultural Event Organizer
University Paul Valery
Montpellier
09.2015 - 02.2017
- Coordinated Chinese New Year 2016 event at Paul Valéry University, overseeing logistics and participant engagement.
- Coordinated logistics for university events, ensuring smooth execution of plans.
- Developed event themes and concepts in collaboration with university stakeholders.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure catering, audio-visual, and decor services.
Office Assistant and Accountant Intern
L.B. Cenickel
Montpellier
09.2015 - 12.2016
Receptionist Intern
Hôtel Ibis
Montpellier
12.2008 - 12.2009
Education
Master's 2 - Applied Foreign Languages (LEA) - International Project Negotiation, Chinese major and Spanish minor
University Paul Valery
Montpellier, FRANCE09-2016
Master's 1 - Applied Foreign Languages (LEA) - International Project Negotiation, Chinese major and Spanish minor
University Paul Valery
Montpellier, FRANCE09-2015
Summer Program - Chinese Language and Culture
University of Caijing, Central University of Finance And Economics
Beijing, China07-2014
Bachelor's - Applied Foreign Languages (LEA)
University Paul Valery
Montpellier, FRANCE09-2012
Baccalauréat - French high school degree
Lycée La Merci
Montpellier, FRANCE09-2012
Skills
- Sales strategies
- Digital Marketing
- Partnership development
- Problem solving and conflict resolution
- NetSuite
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Teams
- Video Marketing
- CMS Management
- WordPress
- Analytical thinking
- Creativity
- Project design
- Time management and organization skills
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Proactivity
- Contract Management
- Conflict resolution
- Adobe Creative Suite
- iMovie
- Time management
- Active listening
Student Projects
- Market Study and Business Plan: Travel projects in France on contemporary art for the Chinese market
- Creation and exportation of cognac chocolates for the Chinese market; first store location in Shanghai
- Strategic management analysis for international projects, focusing on the Hermès Group's growth in China
- Marketing strategy analysis and implementation for the Chinese Herborist Group
- Study of the business model of Montpellier's city incubator
- Exhibition in Spanish about the 'Taklamakan mystery'
- Study of the twinning project between Montpellier, France, and Concepción, Chile
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Chinese (Mandarin)
Professional
French
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Regional Sales Manager
Garnier-Thiebaut USA
10.2023 - Current
National Sales Manager Hospitality Division
Garnier-Thiebaut USA
12.2022 - 09.2023
Business Developer
French-American Chamber of Commerce at the French Embassy
01.2019 - 02.2020
Business Developer Intern
French-American Chamber of Commerce at the French Embassy
01.2018 - 08.2018
Business Developer and Accountant
L.B. Cenickel
01.2017 - 09.2017
Volunteer
Association Youth for Understanding
09.2015 - 08.2018
Cultural Event Organizer
University Paul Valery
09.2015 - 02.2017
Office Assistant and Accountant Intern
L.B. Cenickel
09.2015 - 12.2016
Receptionist Intern
Hôtel Ibis
12.2008 - 12.2009
Master's 2 - Applied Foreign Languages (LEA) - International Project Negotiation, Chinese major and Spanish minor
University Paul Valery
Master's 1 - Applied Foreign Languages (LEA) - International Project Negotiation, Chinese major and Spanish minor
University Paul Valery
Summer Program - Chinese Language and Culture
University of Caijing, Central University of Finance And Economics
Bachelor's - Applied Foreign Languages (LEA)
University Paul Valery
Baccalauréat - French high school degree
Lycée La Merci