Monique M. McKenzie
Bradenton
Summary
Dedicated and customer-centric Sales & Marketing professional with a strong commitment to delivering personalized experience and consistent service. Seeking a position to leverage my travel, sales, marketing, business development, communication, negotiations, and product expertise skills to help companies find custom solutions that meet their unique needs. Resourceful professional in management operations known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational improvement. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies and enhancement of team performance.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Development Representative
Harte Hanks (formerly InsideOut Solutions)
St Petersburg
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Company Overview: T-Mobile Account
- Conducted research on key personas and contact information through prospecting and discovery
- Utilizing Salesforce, Outreach, AWS, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn network of professionals, and TechTarget
- Engaged with outbound leads to qualify potential customers for an appointment through calls, emails, follow-up, and appointment confirmation for the Account Executive
- Accurately managed and documented lead interactions and prospecting activities in Salesforce, and Outreach
- Work closely with our sales counterpart and marketing team to refine outreach strategies, leverage insights from campaigns, and improve the effectiveness of the lead generation process
- Beta tested AI email engagements or tailored messages to engage prospects and move them down the sales funnel, for a variety of campaign initiatives
- Participated in training and development opportunities, stayed up to date with industry trends, and applied feedback to enhance our sales techniques
- Provided onboarding training for new SDRs
- T-Mobile Account
Amazon Fulfillment Center Warehouse Center
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Retrieve customer orders, ready, and pack them up
- Use scanners to read bar codes on products
- View prompts on screens and follow the direction for some tasks
- Troubleshoot problems
- Ensure product meets quality requirements
- Load boxes into trucks for shipment
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hotel Haya, Ybor City
Tampa
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Company Overview: (Aparium Hotels)
- Led a team of three Sales Managers and one Sales Coordinator
- Drove and developed strategies and tactics to impact $3M Group and $2M Catering goals
- Acted as Catering Sales Manager for all local catering events, weddings, and corporate and social gatherings
- Partnered with Lifestyle and F&B Directors to create unique local experiences and events
- Re-energized the Business Travel program to impact midweek business
- Developed and promoted groups, catering, and leisure offerings
- (Aparium Hotels)
Director of Sales Catering
The Sarasota Modern, A Tribute Portfolio
Sarasota
07.2021 - 02.2022
- Company Overview: (Marriott International Property)
- Achieved growth in group rates, Corporate Negotiated room nights, and total Room by implementing effective strategies
- Increased Catering revenue by 42% and exceeded crossover goal by 20%
- Renewed existing business accounts and strategically and developed key tactics to revive new accounts through Business Development
- Developed Sales Coordinator in Meetings, groups, banquets, and catering events
- Supported Operations in navigating the impact of COVID
- (Marriott International Property)
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hotel Indigo, Sarasota, FL
Sarasota
02.2019 - 03.2020
- Company Overview: (IHG Hotel Group Property)
- Led a team of two with a $5 Million budget in a challenging market
- Developed aggressive market approaches to find revenue streams outside the market norms through tactical Business Development
- Grew Catering & Events from $100K to $200K with a focus on small weddings/events
- Explored international markets and maximized brand resources
- (IHG Hotel Group Property)
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hyatt Regency, Bethesda, MD
Bethesda
09.2015 - 02.2016
- Company Overview: (Hotel Franchised)
- Managed a team of six, achieving 81% total team goal and 99% leisure
- Realigned sales support and retrained Sales Coordinator to effectively support the Sales team
- Directed daily business reviews, approved contracts, and developed new strategies
- Developed Business Management strategies to streamline government rated impact with a focus on Corporate and Association focus within vertical markets
- (Hotel Franchised)
Associate Director of Sales & Marketing
Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar
New Providence
01.2015 - 09.2015
- Company Overview: New Providence, The Bahamas
- Directed and managed a regional group sales team, partnering with Catering/Convention Services
- Coordinated joint opportunities with three other brands to maximize room revenue and event space
- Created Business Development strategies for key international and US Domestic wholesale, FIT, OTA, Travel agencies
- New Providence, The Bahamas
Director of Sales, Business Travel, Leisure & Diplomatic
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, VA
Tysons Corner
05.2010 - 01.2015
- Developed Business Management strategies to replace 4,500 room nights across ten key Corporate Accounts, strategically shifting volume from new and existing accounts to mitigate anticipated losses
- Implemented a Business Management campaign on digital and social media, resulting in a 20% growth in weekend room nights in both new and existing markets/channels
- Maintained a remarkable 157% RevPAR Index during the Government Shutdown in October 2013, employing strategic tactics with non-government companies to achieve budgeted goals
- Fostered internal talent development, facilitating the growth of a Sales Coordinator to the position of Sales Manager in 2013 and achieved 30% growth in Special Corporate accounts -5% increase in Entertainment and Diplomatic groups
- Achieved a 20% growth in Special Corporate accounts and a 5% increase in group bookings through Entertainment and Diplomatic groups in 2013
- Successfully developed Billing SOP for resolving billing and collection issues with Embassies and departments
- Recovered $1 million in past due revenues and eliminated excessive billing errors and past due revenues by implementing strategies to collect 30-60-90 past due revenues effectively
- Surpassed total Transient rooms revenue budgets by 4.4% (2011) and 5.5% (2010), earning recognition as the 2010 Transient Team of the Year
- Achieved a remarkable 12.1% REVPAR growth against a budget of 8.9% for total Transient Sales in 2011
- Maintained a top-tier ranking (1 of 7) in the competitive market set while achieving a 178.6% REVPAR against a budget of 153% in 2011
- Exceeded Special Corporate revenue by 19.5% through strategic segmentation, room mix optimization, and targeted sales activities in 2011
- As a selling DOS, personally drove Diplomatic and Entertainment market growth, increasing rates by 13% and revenue by 20% in 2011
- Successfully collected $1 million in outstanding debt from various Embassies and Gulf Coast clients in 2010, introducing new billing SOPs and maintaining a debt-free status through 2011 and beyond
- Surpassed Employee Engagement Survey goals by 11%
- Identified and developed successful Sales Managers for Diplomatic/Entertainment and Business Travel/Leisure
- Directed and led the team during DOSM transition in the first Quarter, developing 2012 Sales Executive Plans, goals, incentives, and LPPs, and wrapping up year-end 2011 results for all
Complex Director of Sales
The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE
Los Angeles
09.2009 - 05.2010
- Developed Business Management Strategies to identify and solicit 43 National and Key Accounts for Business Travel for both properties, impacting travel for opening efforts in February and April
- Hosted Educational FAMS for 150 key luxury travel agents, contributing to a $4 million budget for both properties in 2010
- Strategically promoted a “Welcome Wagon” campaign to new legal, educational, fashion, and corporate entities/contacts, impacting a $1 million budget in 2010 for both properties
- Established participation for The Ritz-Carlton in Virtuoso, Signature, Altour, and FHR programs, with consideration for JW Marriott, while promoting The Ritz-Carlton on STARS website to impact a $2 million budget for The Ritz-Carlton
- Identified and solicited the Big Six (6) Entertainment Studios – Warner Bros., Paramount, MGM, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, and Fox, moving market share by hosting junkets, key-level actors, travel agents, and key contacts for total account management
- Developed key Asian Wholesale markets for both properties through fair pricing, fams, and national GSO support, with a direct impact of $300 million for both properties
- Developed and managed a team of four with strategic sales and tactical efforts focused on driving market share
Director of Sales, Leisure & Business Travel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, CA
Laguna Niguel
05.2008 - 09.2009
- Developed Business Management strategies for a Leisure focused market, while growing Business Travel and key local partnerships i.e The Pageant of the Masters
- Lead a team of two, the Front Desk and Guest Services – a team of nine
- Key partnerships that allowed us to be successful were AAA, AMEX/FHR, Entertainment and Wholesale
- Developed creative packages targeting drive market – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara
Director of Sales, Business & Leisure Travel
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, FL
Sarasota
02.2005 - 05.2008
- Company Overview: “Pre-Opening Team”
- Achieved a 43% growth in Transient Revenue goals by September 2009 by realigning leisure efforts from service to sales and revamping market strategies and team goals to drive volume due to a lagging group market
- Restructured goals and sales efforts with a focus on Wholesale, Business Travel, E-Commerce, and discount programs, resulting in a 48% revenue growth and 52% room night increase in 2008 – 2009
- Implemented a group goal to assist Quarter 2, 2009, and assisted Group Sales with a $60 million lift from Key Virtuoso/Signature and FHR Partners
- Drove Marketing efforts with Half Moon Bay (same owners), achieving an additional $500 million (20% revenue growth) to impact Midweek July/August and a 7% revenue growth off-season weekend/weekday
- Increased the 2007 budget of $2 million by 9.9% for the leisure market
- Successfully turned around the Wholesale market in 2005, strategically meeting each account, developing room night and revenue goals, and monthly tactics
- By the end of 2007, we grew room nights from 1,312 to 2,108 (38% growth); grew ADR from $174 to $204 (15% growth); and grew revenue from $227,901 to $430,028 (53% growth)
- Exceeded Transient budget revenue ($13.5 million) by $3 million in 2004
- Initiated the hotel’s conversion to Pepsi brand products based on a local partnership with Tropicana in 2004, resulting in 3,000 room nights and $500,000 in business travel in the second year of hotel opening: $500,000 in Catering events and $350,000 in Groups from various affiliates
- Delivered revenue-generating programs from community partners with key local events to The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota: 2007, 2008 JA Golf Tournament ($100,000 profit over 2 years); Champs Sports Celebrity Event ($25,000 profit in the off-season); Merrill Lynch FA monthly meetings ($20,000 profit per quarter)
- “Pre-Opening Team”
Education
Florida Realtor License -
02.2023
Certificate - Real Estate Sales Associate
Ed Klopfer Schools
04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Florida International University
North Miami, FL12-1996
Skills
Sales and Business Development
- Lead Generation and Qualification
- Sales Strategy Development and Execution
- Prospecting Techniques and Cold Calling
- Sales Forecasting and Market Analysis
- Negotiation and Closing Skills
Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
- Salesforce Proficiency
- CRM Management and Tracking
- Customer relationship building and maintenance
- Guest Profile and Reservation Management
Marketing and Communications:
- Email Marketing and Outreach
- Social Media and Digital Platform Management
- Marketing Campaign Planning and Execution
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Brand Resource Management
Analytical and research skills
- Market Research and Trend Analysis
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Financial Record Management
Interpersonal and leadership skills
- Effective Communication and Active Listening
- Team Collaboration and Training
- Creative Problem-Solving and Adaptability
- Professionalism and Quality Service Orientation
Organizational skills:
- Time Management and Prioritization
- Detail-oriented and goal-driven approach
Leadership Programs
- 2006, Day Chair Youth Leadership
- 01/01/05, 12/31/06, Day Chair Leadership Sarasota County
- 01/01/04, 12/31/05, Leadership Sarasota Class
- 01/01/99, 12/31/00, United Way Leadership Program
- 01/01/05, 12/31/08, Junior Achievement Board of Directors
- 2006, Advisory Board Black Business Professional Networking
Industry Programs
- 01/01/98, 12/31/99, Visit Sarasota Community Orientation
- 1999, 11th Citizens Law Enforcement Academy – Sheriff Monge
Accolades
- 2010, The President’s Circle – The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner (Virginia)
- 2007, J. Williard Marriott Award of Excellence Recipient for outstanding service
- 2007, Gulf Coast Business Review top '40 under 40' Business Executives
- 2004, The President’s Circle – The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
References
available upon request
Volunteer Programs
- 01/01/25, Present, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Program
- 01/01/19, 12/31/20, Children First Volunteer Program
- 01/01/04, 12/31/06, American Breast Cancer Team Captain
Systems
- Microsoft Office - Advanced (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- GoogleSuites
- CRMs - Envision
- Salesforce
- Sales Pro
- CVENT
- Conference Direct
- Marsha
- LightSpeed
- Opera
- MGS – Marriott systems
- GDS Systems (Sabre, Amadeus, Worldspan)
- Delphi
- Lanyon
- Hotelligence
- Agency360
- Teams
- TechTarget
- Salesforce (new version)
- Outreach
- ZoomInfo
- Cradle Point
- CSM
- Dotloop
- Canva
Affiliations
- 2025 – Present: Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Program
- 2019 - 2020: Children First Volunteer Program
- 2004- 2006: American Breast Cancer Team Captain
Leadership Programs & Advisory Boards:
- 2006: Day Chair Youth Leadership
- 2005 – 2006: Day Chair Leadership Sarasota County
- 2004-2005: Leadership Sarasota Class
- 1999-2000: United Way Leadership Program
- 2005 – 2008: Junior Achievement Board of Directors
- 2006: Advisory Board Black Business Professional Networking
Industry Programs:
- 1998 – 1999: Visit Sarasota Community Orientation
- 1999: 11th Citizens Law Enforcement Academy – Sheriff Monge
Accolades:
· 2010: The President’s Circle – The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner (Virginia)
· 2007: J. Williard Marriott Award of Excellence Recipient for outstanding service
· 2007: Gulf Coast Business Review top “40 under 40” Business Executives
· 2004: The President’s Circle – The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Timeline
Amazon Fulfillment Center Warehouse Center
10.2022 - 02.2023
Sales Development Representative
Harte Hanks (formerly InsideOut Solutions)
08.2022 - 12.2024
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hotel Haya, Ybor City
03.2022 - 07.2022
Director of Sales Catering
The Sarasota Modern, A Tribute Portfolio
07.2021 - 02.2022
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hotel Indigo, Sarasota, FL
02.2019 - 03.2020
Director of Sales & Marketing
Hyatt Regency, Bethesda, MD
09.2015 - 02.2016
Associate Director of Sales & Marketing
Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar
01.2015 - 09.2015
Director of Sales, Business Travel, Leisure & Diplomatic
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, VA
05.2010 - 01.2015
Complex Director of Sales
The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE
09.2009 - 05.2010
Director of Sales, Leisure & Business Travel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, CA
05.2008 - 09.2009
Director of Sales, Business & Leisure Travel
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, FL
02.2005 - 05.2008
Florida Realtor License -
Certificate - Real Estate Sales Associate
Ed Klopfer Schools
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Florida International University
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