MELISSA BUSH
Aurora,CO
Summary
Vision-driven Sales Leader with career-long record of operations, business development, relationship and project management success for leading hospitality organizations. Tenacious manager with 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. Passionate about career development and thrive in an environment where I can share knowledge and mentor young professionals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
THE JACQUARD HOTEL & ROOFTOP, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
DENVER, CO
01.2019 - Current
- Exceeding YTD Group room night goals, pace currently 80.2% over 2021.
- ADR Growth 16.8% over 2021 and total group revenue 110% over 2021.
- Banquet and Catering Revenues 138.5% over 2021 ($1,317,559)
- Strategically direct wales team to increase hotel awareness ultimately generating more demand and lead closure. (18.15% YTD)
- Create communications and events with Cherry Creek North Tourism, Visit Denver, Global Sales, and Area Sales to drive business into The Jacquard
- Emphasize marketing hotel through many channels to promote for all group, business transient, leisure, and catering business, including print and digital marketing streams. In addition work with Social Media company to develop short and long term plans
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies.
- Performed competitive analyses and adjusted sales and marketing strategies accordingly.
- Work with Corporate Branding Team to ensure all aspects of The Autograph Collection branding elements are experienced at The Jacquard Hotel
- Collaborate with Public Relations firm to direct messaging, articles, photography, and influencers to create buzz and interest in The Jacquard Hotel
- Represents Sales Department as member of Hotel Executive Leadership Team
- Hired, supervised and coached 6 Sales team members on sales strategies to optimize performance.
DIRECTOR
MARRIOTT CITY CENTER / HILTON DENVER CITY CENTER
DENVER, CO
07.2016 - 08.2018
- HOTEL DIVESTED AND BECAME HILTON DENVER CITY CENTER in December 2018
- Assisted with transitioning hotel from Marriott to Hilton, which included recruiting, hiring, and training Sales Managers, Marketing Manager, and Assistant Director of Sales
- Mobilized property sales team in developing sales targets, focus, and alignment to exceed annual revenue targets
- Increased awareness for hotel through partnership with Visit Denver and Hilton Worldwide Sales organization, which includes sales trips, customer engagement, and trade shows
- Maximized revenue potential and market share by developing sales strategy for business transient, group, and catering business with Revenue Management
- Conducted weekly and monthly group forecasting and production meetings, reporting to regional and ownership teams
- Provides updates on all key performance metrics
- Represented Sales Department as member of Hotel Executive Leadership Team
- Directed property sales team in exceeding revenue goals by strategizing group and catering targets
- Aligned objectives and bridged communications with Visit Denver, Global Sales, Area Sales, and Sales Office to drive business into hotel
- Directed development of effective sales strategy for business transient, group, and catering business to increase revenue potential and market share
- Redesigned hotel site tour process to include more detailed progression to increase leadership involvement resulting in higher lead closure percentages
- Coordinated with corporate marketing team to promote hotel for all group, leisure, and catering business, including print and digital marketing streams
- Promoted visibility and image of Hilton Brand, collaborating with Marketing Manager on print and digital marketing streams
- Represented Sales Department as member of Hotel Executive Leadership Team.
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE
JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT AND SPA
08.2012 - 07.2016
- Focused on accounts within Midwest and Central West market, as well as Affinity and International segment, concentrating on more than 301 peak room nights
- Achieved annual $5 million revenue goal by developing and implementing Plans and Actions focused on specific business for current and future years
- Ensured hotel profitability and market share, focusing on business development, solicitation, and growth of existing accounts and segments; doubled segment performance within year, achieving Year-End RevPAR results over 108%.
AREA SALES LEADER
COLORADO MARRIOTT HOTELS
06.2009 - 08.2012
- Achieved $19.3 million (110% of goal) in group pace revenue globally by directing team of 9 area account executives in increasing account share and driving revenue across all Marriott brands
- Oversaw sales efforts that resulted in $21.7 million in group room revenue (5% growth over previous year) and $60.3 million in business transient accounts (8% growth over previous year)
- Collaborated with regional marketing team in developing, evaluating, and executing marketing initiatives for group and leisure business
- Facilitated communication with General Managers regarding sales activity and results, as well as communication with Owners, General Managers, and sales leaders regarding Reader Board Services and Agency 360 Reports
- Strengthened franchise and owner relationships in Colorado market by reporting sales results on bi-monthly status calls and meetings
- Earned 86% for Sales Team Overall Satisfaction on annual Associate Engagement survey.
Associate Market Sales Director
Fort Collins Marriott Hotels
Ft. Collins, CO
06.2009 - 11.2009
Director
Marriott's Rocky Mountain Sales Office
Denver, CO
06.2008 - 11.2008
Director of Sales and Marketing
Denver Marriott West
Denver, CO
04.2006 - 06.2008
Assistant Director
Marriott's Rocky Mountain Sales Office
Denver, CO
01.2003 - 04.2006
Sports Market Account Executive
Marriott International
Denver, CO
06.1999 - 12.2002
Sales Manager, Sr. Sales Manager
Denver Marriott City Center
Denver, CO
12.1996 - 06.1999
PBX Operator, Front Desk Associate, Concierge, Catering Assistant, TQM Coordinator, And Front Desk Supervisor
Denver Marriott Southeast
Denver, CO
06.1989 - 06.1994
Education
Associate of Science - HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Job Specific Training -
Relevant coursework included: Advanced Communication for Sales Leaders, Impact Leadership, Change Management, Effective Communication, Training Role of a Sales Leader, Sales Edge I and II, Hilton Sales School and Director of Sales Symposium
Skills
- Team Recruiting and Onboarding
- Mentoring and growing successful sales teams
- P&L Responsibility
- Budgeting and Expenditures
- Promotions and Marketing Strategies
- Social Media Platforms
- CI/TY, various Marriott Property Systems, CVENT, Agency360, STR reports, Microsoft Office Suite
- Lead Qualification
Additional Information
- AWARDS AND HONORS
- Gold Circle Award winner
- Cluster Sales Team of the Year
- Marriott Gold Circle Chairman's Recipient
- Special Achievement Award, Sports Market
- Cluster Sales Team of the Year
- Sales Excellence Team of the Year Award,
- Marriott Top Booker Award,
- Marriott Top Sales Producer Award
Golf
I am an avid golfer and love the opportunity to spend time on the links! I love to travel and often our trips are to very special golf destinations.
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING - THE JACQUARD HOTEL & ROOFTOP, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
01.2019 - Current
DIRECTOR - MARRIOTT CITY CENTER / HILTON DENVER CITY CENTER
07.2016 - 08.2018
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE - JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT AND SPA
08.2012 - 07.2016
AREA SALES LEADER - COLORADO MARRIOTT HOTELS
06.2009 - 08.2012
Associate Market Sales Director - Fort Collins Marriott Hotels
06.2009 - 11.2009
Director - Marriott's Rocky Mountain Sales Office
06.2008 - 11.2008
Director of Sales and Marketing - Denver Marriott West
04.2006 - 06.2008
Assistant Director - Marriott's Rocky Mountain Sales Office
01.2003 - 04.2006
Sports Market Account Executive - Marriott International
06.1999 - 12.2002
Sales Manager, Sr. Sales Manager - Denver Marriott City Center
12.1996 - 06.1999
PBX Operator, Front Desk Associate, Concierge, Catering Assistant, TQM Coordinator, And Front Desk Supervisor - Denver Marriott Southeast
06.1989 - 06.1994
Arapahoe Community College - Associate of Science, HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Marriott Training - Job Specific Training,
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