Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Certification
Websites
References
Timeline
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Laura Ana Knecht Blanche

Laura Ana Knecht Blanche

Morristown,NJ

Summary

Seasoned Director with background in strategic planning, team leadership, and performance optimization. Known for driving company growth by developing efficient operational strategies and fostering professional relationships. Demonstrated abilities in problem solving, decision making, and communication skills to influence key stakeholders. Proven record of delivering innovative solutions and achieving organizational goals. Focused on maximizing resource utilization to support scalable operations and increase bottom-line profitability. Organized and systematic with natural relationship-building and leadership talents.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Regatta Director

Knecht Cup Regatta
Cherry Hill, NJ
01.2019 - Current
  • Inherited a regatta that was failing in athletic and vendor participation, financing, and venue issues. I turned it into one of the nation's most successful and well-run regattas, per the coaches, vendors, referee corps, and community feedback.
  • Rolled out a program from scratch to triple the revenue stream in entry fees in a 4-year time period. Tripled the revenue stream for the two main merchandising vendors. Brought the regatta back to the Cooper River, as it had moved to Mercer due to administrative issues. Revamped the Judge Referee Committee to choose top-notch Chief Ref, and USRowing sanctioned. Worked with the Park to get support from the County Commissioners to make the venue more regatta-friendly, and help increase their revenue stream, as the event brings millions of dollars to the local economy. Worked with the LOC to coordinate a team of 50 to execute roles for the event seamlessly.
  • Supervise every aspect in every department of the regatta which includes a group of over 200 people inlcuding, park management, LOC management, Livestream Broadcast and Media Department, Schedule and Timing Department, Official Referee Corps Departement, Vendor Department and Volunteer Support Department, Customer/Coach Support Communication Management Department.
  • Review Data points with each of these departments annually to elevate performance each year including: increased participation from rowing community and greater exposure of the sport to the non-rowing community.
  • The regatta went from having NO media presence to FULL media presence: a website, all social media stream, and international LIVESTREAM broadcast with more than 20k viewers during the event, to national media attention and engagement.
  • Increased efficiany by Taking the regatta from paper entries to digital with regatta central, streamlined the weigh-in process, digitized the coach and cox meeting.
  • Coordinate all the food and travel vendors and negotiate additional revenue streams for the regatta.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Established performance metrics and evaluated staff to promote continuous improvement.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
  • Monitored industry trends to identify opportunities for expansion and innovation.
  • Negotiated high-value contracts with vendors and partners to optimize resource allocation.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
  • Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
  • Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
  • Cultivated relationships with stakeholders to secure support and funding for key initiatives.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction through the development of service improvement initiatives.
  • Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.

President of Sales and Marketing

Knecht Properties
Randolph, NJ
03.2010 - Current
  • 20 years of weekly Executive Sales and Business Management Coaching
  • Directed operations across offices in Hudson and Morris County.
  • Developed excellent rapport with custom builders to expand opportunities for growth.
  • Conducted comprehensive market research to stay informed on market trends and identify profitable investment opportunities.
  • Maintained strict compliance with industry regulations and ethical standards to protect clients, and ensure transparency.
  • Negotiated favorable terms and conditions on behalf of clients for various financial transactions.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with a diverse portfolio of clients to understand their investment needs and preferences.
  • Developed solutions to meet market gaps and drive company sales.
  • Trained and developed agents on consultative sales techniques while assessing needs of buyers to provide relevant properties.
  • Collaborated with legal and tax professionals to ensure all transactions complied with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Managed daily activities of a team of brokers, ensuring that all transactions were completed accurately and efficiently.
  • Monitored market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers to evaluate opportunities to reduce costs.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of all transactions in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Delivered presentations to key decision makers and offered financial recommendations.
  • Stayed up-to-date on marketplace trends and researched items in detail.
  • Identified areas for improvement within the organization's processes and procedures.
  • Facilitated training sessions for new brokers on topics such as sales techniques, product knowledge, enabling them to better serve customers.
  • Crafted and implemented marketing strategies to attract new clients and expand market presence.
  • Utilized cutting-edge technology to streamline transaction processes and enhance client service delivery.
  • Attended conferences, seminars, webinars, and other events related to the brokerage industry in order to stay abreast of developments in the field.
  • Negotiated between sellers and buyers over property prices and settlement deals.
  • Coordinated with internal teams, including analysts and support staff, to ensure seamless execution of investment strategies and client service.
  • Ensured compliance with federal regulations governing securities trading activities by reviewing customer orders and verifying accuracy of information provided by customers.
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, making critical decisions under tight deadlines to safeguard client interests.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and assisted in generating sales opportunities.
  • Provided guidance to clients regarding their investments and the current economic climate.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner by providing appropriate solutions.
  • Acted as buyer or seller representative when arranging sales.
  • Built positive and productive customer connections to drive consistent sales.

Sales Representative

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Hoboken, NJ
05.2006 - 02.2010
  • Recognized for exceptional performance as top agent in office.
  • Specialized in facilitating smooth buying and selling experiences for high-profile clientele.
  • Gained professional certification demonstrating expertise in Commercial Transactions.

Sales Representative

Halliburton Homes
Hoboken, NJ
09.2005 - 04.2006
  • Consistently delivered leading performance, earning distinction as office's top agent in Year 1.
  • Residential and Commercial Sales in many areas of Northern Jersey
  • Facilitated seamless transactions by providing full-spectrum assistance.

Education

NLP - NeuroLinguostic Programming

Mike Ferry Organization
Las Vegas, NV
01-2011

Bachelor of Arts - Music: Vocal Performance

Temple University
Philadelphia
05-2003

Executive Business And Sales Coaching - Business Development

Mike Ferry Organization
Las Vegas, NV

Skills

  • Competitive analysis
  • Marketing expertise
  • Revenue growth
  • Team management
  • Sales leadership
  • Pricing strategy
  • Sales presentations
  • Influencer partnerships
  • Business development
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Task delegation
  • Negotiation
  • Organizational development
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Relationship building

Accomplishments

  • Worked directly with a senator to get a bill passed in 2024, providing mandatory support for students with learning disabilities in public schools in New Jersey
  • Lifetime Achievement Award with the New Jersey Realtors Association for Sales

Languages

English
Professional
Hungarian
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Italian
Limited
French
Limited
German
Limited

Certification

  • Certified Relocation Professional, Global Mobility Specialist, National Women's Business Enterprise Certification, Accredited Buyer representative, Certified New Home Specialist, Council of Residential Specialists, Residential Construction Certified, e-Pro

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Regatta Director

Knecht Cup Regatta
01.2019 - Current

President of Sales and Marketing

Knecht Properties
03.2010 - Current

Sales Representative

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
05.2006 - 02.2010

Sales Representative

Halliburton Homes
09.2005 - 04.2006

NLP - NeuroLinguostic Programming

Mike Ferry Organization

Bachelor of Arts - Music: Vocal Performance

Temple University

Executive Business And Sales Coaching - Business Development

Mike Ferry Organization
Laura Ana Knecht Blanche