Milton A. Lafitaga
Kaneohe,USA
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in [Area of expertise] and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Manager
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, ensuring the best pricing and terms for company profitability.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
- Attended industry events and conventions to expand sales opportunities.
Director of Corporate & Hospitality Development
Bishop Museum
01.2020 - 03.2024
- Worked with US/International wholesalers on overall strategies and collateral material
- Developed new program to expand museum experience for hotel partners through value proposition.
- Developed Military liaison with all branches to include a welcome briefing for new military families
- Responsible for overall tourism market segments, rates and pricing strategies for each market segment
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Increased corporate engagement through online donations program, via zoom presentations.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Director of Sales & Marketing
Embassy Suites by Hilton
03.2017 - 05.2019
- Company Overview: West Oahu, Kapolei
- Opened branded hotel in West Oahu for Hilton Hotels (186 keys)
- Developed and implemented overall sales and marketing strategies create and approve all marketing and sales collateral material
- Responsible for overall market segments, rate levels and sales strategies for each market segment
- Leveraged data-driven insights to adjust sales strategies in real-time, adapting to shifting market demands and competitive landscapes.
- Launched new products successfully into the market, coordinating marketing initiatives and comprehensive sales campaigns.
- Established strong partnerships with industry influencers to expand brand recognition and drive business growth.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for product expansion, leading to increased revenue streams.
- Managed complex negotiations with key accounts resulting in long-term contracts that bolstered annual revenue figures significantly.
- Established pricing strategies to maintain competitive pricing and maximize profits.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to help sales campaigns reach target audiences.
Director of Sales
Courtyard Marriott
01.2015 - 03.2017
- New branded hotel on the North Shore for Marriott Corporation.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for product expansion, leading to increased revenue streams.
- Established ambitious sales targets, managed deployment strategies, and developed go-to-market plans to capitalize on every revenue opportunity.
- Connected with prospects through trade shows, cold calling and local-area networking.
- Delivered accurate sales forecasts based on thorough analysis of historical data and current trends in order to facilitate informed decision-making at the executive level.
- Developed and implemented overall sales strategy for the hotel, created and approved all marketing and sales collateral material
- Developed and created overall marketing integration for the hotel in the community
- Responsible and developed hotel business plan, executed sales goals
- Oahu North Shore
Group/Sports Director of Sales
Outrigger Corporate Sales
05.2011 - 01.2015
- Solicited visiting collegiate sports teams with the University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Achieved sales revenue goals by 10 percent for sports groups for collegiate market
- Developed rate strategy for Big West, and Mountain West Conference teams for the University of Hawaii Athletics
- Developed and strengthened relationship with the Big West and Mountain West conference teams, visited the universities and met with Athletic Directors to secure team travel
- Collaborated with HTA Sports Manager to host sporting events in Hawaii and book sports team at Outrigger properties in Waikiki - i.e
- Rugby, Soccer, and Basketball
- Reported on Collegiate and Professional athletic events (Diamond Head Classic, Half Marathon) and programs to provide interesting sports stories.
- Coordinated logistics for team travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodations, meals, and itineraries during competitions or tournaments.
- Promoted a culture of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship among athletic teams.
- Streamlined budget management for sports programs, optimizing allocation of resources for equipment, travel, and facility maintenance.
Business Development Manager/Easy Fly program
NCL America
06.2005 - 07.2007
- Set up new onboard program on all three NCL America Fleet 1) Pride of America 2) Pride of Hawaii, and 3) Pride of Aloha
- Set up training and Easy Fly SOP program for passengers for all three ships
- Set up hotel operations desk for Easy Fly desk operations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Marriott Waikiki Beach, Hale Koa Hotel, and Prince Kuhio Hotel
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decisionmakers.
- Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
- Developed customized solutions for clients based on a deep understanding of their unique pain points, delivering exceptional value and driving repeat business.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
Corporate and Local Sales Manager
Aston Hotels & Resorts
10.2001 - 05.2005
- Developed corporate and business plan to increase sales revenues in the corporate market segment
- Developed business strategies after 9/11 to help increase corporate travel and secure corporate business and loyalty program
- Solicited local businesses, creating incentives for corporate clients to book events or team building retreats to increase client productivity
- Established strong relationships with key clients for long-term business growth and retention.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
Education
Stake Presidents Scholarship -
Brigham Young University Hawaii
04.1992
Diploma - Graduated
Kailua High School
06.1986
Skills
- Bilingual in Japanese
- Strategic Planning
- Market and competitive analysis
- Analytical problem solver
- New Business Development
- KPI Tracking
- Market Research
- CRM Software
- Marketing strategy
- Territory Management
- Salesforce
- Revenue Forecasting
References
- Glenn Vergara, Waikiki Resort Hotel, General Manager, 808-921-8600
- Reid Yoshida, Embassy Suites by Hilton Kapolei, General Manager, 808-284-1133 / 554-3899
- Tom Wakita, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Vice President of Sales, 808-225-9666
- Dean Nakasone, Aqua/ Aston Waikiki Sunset, General Manager, 808-351-9077
Affiliations
- Bishop Museum Association Committee
- Friends of the Capitol Modern
Certification
- Salesforce Certified Administrator - Salesforce.
- Delphi Certified
Languages
Japanese
Limited Working
Timeline
Sales Manager
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel
04.2024 - 10.2024
Director of Corporate & Hospitality Development
Bishop Museum
01.2020 - 03.2024
Director of Sales & Marketing
Embassy Suites by Hilton
03.2017 - 05.2019
Director of Sales
Courtyard Marriott
01.2015 - 03.2017
Group/Sports Director of Sales
Outrigger Corporate Sales
05.2011 - 01.2015
Business Development Manager/Easy Fly program
NCL America
06.2005 - 07.2007
Corporate and Local Sales Manager
Aston Hotels & Resorts
10.2001 - 05.2005
Diploma - Graduated
Kailua High School
- Salesforce Certified Administrator - Salesforce.
- Delphi Certified
Stake Presidents Scholarship -
Brigham Young University Hawaii
Similar Profiles
Marisa Teresa HennesseyMarisa Teresa Hennessey
HouseKeeper at Sheraton WaikikiHouseKeeper at Sheraton Waikiki
Maiko OrtizMaiko Ortiz
GUEST RECEPTION AGENT at KA LA'I WAIKIKI BEACH LXR HOTELS AND RESORTS (FORMER TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WAIKIKI)GUEST RECEPTION AGENT at KA LA'I WAIKIKI BEACH LXR HOTELS AND RESORTS (FORMER TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WAIKIKI)
Elijah BurtonElijah Burton
Beach Attendant at Waikiki Beach Services At The Sheraton Waikiki HotelBeach Attendant at Waikiki Beach Services At The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel