Our Team
Meet some of the most talented people on the planet.
Toni
Founder/President
Toni
Founder/President
Toni Jacaruso offers deep insight and expertise in sales, marketing and social media for hospitality industry clients. Embracing engagement over outdated, pushy sales tactics, she teaches people how to close sales and increase revenue. She excels at dovetailing social media with cutting-edge sales strategies to reach an ever-more knowledgeable and sophisticated consumer. Prior to founding JE in 2007, Jacaruso served as VP of Sales and Marketing for a top management company spanning hotels including Hilton, Marriott, and Intercontinental Hotel Group.
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Bill
Chief Operations Officer
Bill
Chief Operations Officer
Bill drives our technical and financial infrastructure. Bill is also focused on making sure our company’s strategic initiatives are always moving forward. His and Toni’s dynamic personalities and creative business approaches are what makes Jacaruso Enterprises continue to grow and prosper, while never losing sight of the most important people in the mix; Our clients! When not in the office, Bill can be found at the surf park in Austin or in Costa Rica riding waves – the stoke is on and the dream is real!
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Amanda
VP of Business Development
Amanda
Vice President of Business Operations
Amanda has spent her career helping owners drive results for their hotels by meeting and exceeding revenue goals. Her experience is across multiple disciplines—sales, marketing and revenue management—across multiple brands including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Intercontinental Hotel Group and Choice. She developed and led the revenue organizations for two of the most entrepreneurial companies in the hospitality industry including Noble Investment Group and OTO Development. She and her family live in Atlanta, GA, and travel as often as they can get away from the volley ball courts, soccer fields and golf course.
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Jason
VP of Digital Operations
Jason
VP of Digital Operations
Born into the hotel industry, Jason is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences to help develop brands, properties and people. From helping his parents run their beach hotel in his native New Zealand, to his current position as Vice President of Sales Operations for Jacaruso Enterprises overseeing our Directors of Sales Operations, Regional Directors of Sales and portfolio of hotels currently participating in Jacaruso’s Sales Support Programs across the US, Canada and South America, his experience spans hotel openings, operations, sales, marketing and revenue management. Jason’s natural leadership and exemplary career have translated to a loyal team of game-changing regional directors of sales who create strong bottom lines for our clients. His tenure in the hotel industry has nurtured a unique ability to address challenges, define what success means for the individual property, and work toward achieving it in cooperation with all investors, from the hotel owner and management company to the on-site team and guests.
Jason lives in Round Rock, TX with his family. When he’s not working, you’ll usually find him outside in the Texas sun enjoying time with his wife and daughter.
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Melanie
Vice President of Sales
Melanie
Vice President of Sales
Melanie’s real-life, in-the-trenches business experience includes over 15 years in the hotel and lodging industry. Melanie brings diverse knowledge of operational and sales expertise. Knowing what it takes to ensure customer satisfaction, Melanie has a proven track record of building and fostering relationships with clients that encourage customer loyalty and increase revenue. She excels at facilitating what it takes to close a sale and relationship selling. Melanie is eager to share her knowledge of brands such as Marriott, Hilton and IHG to assist others in their growth. She is also the mom of two girls currently attending college and has a passion for grilling and gardening. You can often find her doing both outside under the Texas sun!
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Matt
Financial Controller
Matt
Financial Controller
Matt Lemons has over seven years of accounting experience after graduating from Texas State University – San Marcos with a BBA in Accounting. His career began in as a Staff Accountant at sibling Government contracting companies. From there he moved on a SAAS technology startup company in downtown Austin, where he built the accounting department and processes from the ground up. Finally, he made his way to Jacaruso Enterprises as our Financial Controller, helping us oversee all of our accounting functions.
In his spare time, you can find Matt at all Texas State Bobcats football home games, as well as enjoying all college football. And when time and weather permit, he will be out golfing at local golf courses. And luckily his accounting skills are way better than this golfing skills!
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Janel
Senior Director of Marketing
Janel
Senior Director of Marketing
Janel entered the hospitality industry 10+ years ago after earning degrees in Marketing as well as Tourism Travel Services Management. With an emphasis on hotel sales, Janel has been privileged to work for some of the largest hotel brands in the world including Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, Choice and independent properties. In 2020, Janel transitioned into the Senior Director of Marketing. Some of her favorite job duties include creative messaging and developing strategy. In her spare time Janel enjoys practicing ballet, cycling, traveling, as well as spending time with her family and significant other.
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Katherine
Director of Operations
Katherine
Director of Operations
Katherine has over 18 years of Sales and Marketing experience with different brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Starwood and Radisson. She has maintained a great track record for achieving total hotel revenues by developing strategic business plans and establishing outstanding client relationships. Katherine’s passion is developing her team and closing that sale! In her leisure time she enjoys traveling with her husband and watching a NY Jets game.
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Amanda
Director of Operations
Amanda
Director of Operations
Amanda is a true Floridian and always felt like she would be part of the hospitality industry. She started working in hotels right out of college and has not stopped since. She has been in the hotel industry for over 12 fun filled years. She has worked with various flags within Marriott, Hilton and IHG. Amanda’s favorite part of what she does is building a relationship with her client and finding creative solutions to close the business. Amanda is married and is enjoying her new adventures into motherhood. She also enjoys spending time at the beach and watching various sports in her spare time.
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LaShonda
Director of Operations
LaShonda
Director of Operations
LaShonda was born and raised in St. Louis, MO (Go Cards!) where she began her hospitality career at a Hampton Inn. She’s worked with Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites and Marriott brands. Sales is her passion and her extensive experience in Revenue Management gives her a great competitive edge. For fun, LaShonda loves reading, baseball, traveling and shopping.
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Rachelle
Director of Training
Rachelle
Director of Sales & Training
Rachelle has over 10 years of sales, operations and revenue management experience. She loves to find ways to intertwine daily operations with the sales process to produce maximum results. She has experience with some of the top brands such as IHG, Marriott, Choice and Hilton and has spent her career continuing her training in sales to ensure she is bringing a dynamic approach to her clients. With the mindset of anything is possible with the right approach, Rachelle is an out of the box thinker that knows that one size never fits all. In her spare time Rachelle likes to reset with travel and any outdoor activity.
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Natalee
Director of Talent
Natalee
Director of Talent
Natalee brings 20 years of industry experience to the table. Showcasing a vast expertise in talent management, recruiting, sales, strategic planning and hotel operations, Natalee consistently delivers results. Her super power is successfully recruiting the industry’s finest sales sharks to the JE team while crushing goals and making lasting impressions. Natalee enjoys being a wife, mother, friend and mentor to those around her. In her free time she enjoys strong coffee, road trips, exploring the great outdoors and rooting for her hometown sports teams – Blues hockey and Cardinals baseball!
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April
Director of Training
April
Regional Director of Sales & Training
April has 13 years of sales experience in the hospitality industry and leaves a lasting impression on the teams that she works with. April’s experience with Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Club Carlson and Wyndham hotels has taught her to be creative in prospecting and closing and will inspire your team to be successful! Her expertise is with extended stay, large convention center sales and revenue management. When she isn’t selling she still enjoys “reeling in the big one” while fishing! She is married with twin daughters who love to play hockey.
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Kim
Regional Director of Sales
Kim
Regional Director of Sales
Kim is the “Southern Belle” of the JE team. She has been in the hotel sales industry for over 14 years and has loved every minute of it. She enjoys interacting with hotels and helping them to achieve their goals. Kim has extensive sales experience in helping to motivate your team, thinking outside of the box for creative ideas and closing the sale. Kim is a proud military brat and believes that moving around so much has given her that special ability to never meet a stranger.
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Tawny
Regional Director of Sales
Tawny
Regional Director of Sales
Tawny has over 20 years of hospitality experience. Throughout those years, she has worked with several select service and full services hotels within Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Choice, and Best Western. Her focus has always been in sales with a keen sense for uncovering new business. Tawny is hardworking, dedicated and has never walked away from a challenge. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids. In her spare time you will find her at her kids sporting games or at the mall searching for the next big deal!
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Kellie
Regional Director of Sales
Kellie
Regional Director of Sales
Kellie was born and raised in New England (GO PATS!) where she began her hospitality career straight out of college. She grew up always having a desire to work in the Hospitality Industry and has been fortunate to gain extensive knowledge working for Starwood, Hilton, Wyndham and Choice properties. Kellie is goal driven, hardworking and over the top organized! She loves to see Hotels succeeding and building strong relationships with the staff and clients. Kellie recently got married, and is enjoying life as a newlywed and being a Dog Mom to two Golden Retrievers. For fun, she loves to workout, build & create decoration items and spend time with family and friends.
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Tamara
Regional Director of Sales
Tamara
Regional Director of Sales
Tamara has thrived building relationships in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. She loves to sell and loves a challenge but most of all, she wants the hotels she works for to succeed. Having started her hospitality career working the Caribbean and Mexican markets she is well versed in diverse markets. Tamara has been a sales leader for various brands such as Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. Tamara lives in Daytona Beach with her husband, step daughter and squirrel obsessed Chiweenie dogs. She loves to teach yoga, cook and enjoys going to concerts in her down time.
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Laura
Regional Director of Sales
Laura
Regional Director of Sales
Laura began her hotel career as a Guest Service Associate while in college in 1994 and has been in management for 15+ years as a Director of Sales. She has worked with brands such as Hampton, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Staybridge Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. She enjoys assisting hotels in becoming successful and maximizing their greatest revenue potential. She believes that every hotel staff member is a valuable asset to the sales team and that everyone plays an important role in the sales process. When not busy uncovering and closing new business, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon and their four children: Brodie, Trae, Katie Beth, and Alexander.
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Jessica
Regional Director of Sales
Jessica
Regional Director of Sales
Jessica is a sales veteran with over twenty years of experience and has enjoyed the past eight years in the hospitality industry. She has led sales efforts for multiple hotel chains and mid-scale hotel brands including Fairfield Inn and Suites, Comfort Inn and Suites and Comfort Suites. Jessica cultivates excellent relationships with new prospects and existing customers. She combines an entrepreneurial drive with business-management skills to drive gains in revenue, market share and profit performance. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Jessica now resides in Georgia where she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, cooking and traveling.
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Nicole
Regional Director of Sales
Nicole
Regional Director of Sales
Nicole is a self-motivated, results driven individual who has proven to effectively and efficiently execute any task at hand. She has a strong customer centric mindset mixed with a passion for the Hospitality industry. With over 10 years of experience, Nicole has worked with various brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. She thrives in establishing excellent rapport, leading to customer satisfaction and long term relationships. In her personal time she enjoys spending time with family, staying fit, and chasing around her two needy Chihuahua’s Chloe and Dolly.
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Kate
Regional Director of Sales
Kate
Regional Director of Sales
Kate is a focused and passionate sales professional with more than 10 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. She has built her knowledge while working with top hotel brands such as Hilton, IHG, Choice, Marriott, and Carlson. Kate has learned that building strong, trusting relationships with her clients is the #1 key to success. For fun, Kate enjoys traveling the country, reading, and taking walks with her dog, Calvin.
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Lindsay
Regional Director of Sales
Lindsay
Regional Director of Sales
Lindsay has been in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years with most of her time in the Sales and Catering departments. She has worked with IHG, Choice and several independent hotels. Lindsay’s passion is building long term relationships with her customers through her loyalty, honesty and fun loving nature. Lindsay loves to enjoy the outdoors with her husband and three Labrador Retrievers and watching her home town teams the Boston Bruins and the New England Patriots.
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Korie
Regional Director of Sales
Korie
Regional Director of Sales
With 11-years of dynamic sales experience, Korie is an experienced Regional Director with a demonstrated history and significant understand of B2B and B2C Sales, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Account Management, Social Media, Event Management, Media Relations, and eCommerce. She is a strong sales professional with a B.S. focused in Advertising & Marketing from Kent State University.
She has worked with Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, Choice and La Qunita branded hotels onsite and remotely, implementing out of the box sales efforts, approaches to expand relationships and compelling ways to exceed expectations with the continuous goal of increasing bottom line and engaging both the team and guests.
With the balance of vitality and grace, she has excelled in her commitment to capture the best business in the market. Korie’s passion for closing the sale and motivating your team maximizes revenue and creates unsurpassed value.
When she is not prospecting new business, she enjoys golf and yoga, homemade pasta and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
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Lori
Regional Director of Sales
Lori
Regional Director of Sales
Lori has worked in the hospitality industry for 23 years in positions including, General Manager, Operation’s Manager, Director of Sales and Regional Director of Sales. Her brand expertise includes Choice Hotels International, IHG, Best Western, Wyndham as well as independent brands. She is a true expert in her field and specializes in profit generation and customer relations. Lori lives in mile-high city and is married with three children. In her spare-time she enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
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Joshua
Regional Director of Sales
Joshua
Regional Director of Sales
Joshua has been in the hotel sales industry for over 10 years. He has represented multiple brands within Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, IHG, and Carlson. Joshua’s favorite part of the sales process is uncovering new business; his passion, drive, and follow up are what makes the professional relationships grow. When Joshua is not working on closing new business for his hotels, he can be found playing sports, running, camping, or spending time with his very large family.
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Christin
Regional Director of Sales
Christin
Regional Director of Sales
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Brenna
Regional Director of Sales
Brenna
Regional Director of Sales
Brenna has over eleven years in the hotel industry, representing full and focused service brands in Sales, Operations and Event Management for Marriott, Hilton and Wyndham. Her passion for building genuine, long lasting relationships with her clients and hotel staff has brought her tremendous success. Brenna engages her team members in the sales process with the goal to drive revenue and produce results. Her enthusiasm and ability to motivate her hotel teams are keys to these accomplishments. At the end of the work day, you can find Brenna spending time at the lake with her twin daughters and two dogs, working out, or enjoying the local live music scene.
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Becca
Regional Director of Sales
Becca
Regional Director of Sales
Becca is the other “Southern Belle” of the JE Team. She has been in the sales industry for over 8 years. She has worked with brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Choice and IHG. She genuinely and authentically cares about all of her clients and believes every staff member is a valuable asset. In her free time Becca enjoys hiking, spending time with her fiancé and working out. Becca resides in Lexington, KY.
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Susan
Regional Director of Sales
Susan
Regional Director of Sales, Brand Specialist
Born and raised in Houston, TX Susan uses her southern charm to make a lasting impression. Susan has been in the hotel industry for over 15 fun and exciting years. She began her career while in college at a Holiday Inn and continued her career working with various brands such as Marriott and Hilton. Susan was awarded Director of Sales of the Year Texas Region for Hilton Garden Inn in 2012, for her ability to drive revenue and generate maximum results.
Susan’s dynamic relationship building skills, along with her ability to think outside of the box ensure she is always saying YES to her clients.
Susan married her high school sweetheart 14 years ago and they are loving life with their two daughters and two dogs! When not spending time with her family Susan enjoys exercising and shopping for her daughters!
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Chelsea
Regional Director of Sales
Chelsea
Regional Director of Sales
Chelsea Hord has joined Jacaruso Enterprises after 8 years of service with Texas Western Hospitality in DFW. Chelsea started her hospitality career shortly after graduating from Texas Tech University with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Her first position was as a front desk associate at a Residence Inn where after 9 months she was asked by her management company to move to sales and help open a new TownePlace Suites in Fort Worth. From there, her select service sales experience came to include a Hampton Inn & Suites for 4 ½ years and then back to Residence Inn where her last role was as Director of Sales. Chelsea’s husband is also in the hospitality industry and is currently a General Manager for a Hampton Inn & Suites in DFW. They have 2 daughters that are 6 and 3. Chelsea also has 2 dogs; Crockett and Cali.
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Patty
Regional Director of Sales
Patty
Regional Director of Sales
Patty began her journey in the hotel industry when she was 18 years old and hasn’t looked back since. She has held may positions within the operational and sales side of many brands and is well versed in the culture of Hilton. Aside from being a former General Manager, she is an expert in the SMERF Market, Catering Departments and Corporate sectors. Her Canadian background makes her a friend to all and combines well with her competitive attitude and upbeat customer-oriented persona. Patty resides in Birmingham, MI with her husband and has a 3-Year-old Brittany Spaniel, Oakley and LOVES Orange Theory Fitness.
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Bill
Regional Director of Sales
Bill
Regional Director of Sales
Bill’s career is a family affair as his entire family has worked in the hotel industry. Bill was raised at the Broadmoor Hotel where he fell in love with industry. During his 24-year professional career he has worked across several different brands ranging from IHG, Choice, Sheraton and Wyndham. Bill has a wide range of expertise ranging from Food and Beverage, Operations as well as Sales and Marketing and has served on the Regional Advisory Board for CHOC. His passion is helping people achieve their dreams in the industry we love. Bill loves to mentor other hospitality professionals to meet today’s challenges. When he is not busy helping his properties achieve their goals he is spending time with his wife and 2 children as well as their 5 dogs.
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Mandie
Regional Director of Sales
Mandie
Regional Director of Sales
Mandie has over 20 years of combined hotel sales and operations experience with brands such as Home2 Suites, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Courtyard & Residence Inn. She has a proven track record of consistently winning high-levels of business within a competitive market place. In her off-time she enjoys working-out, spending time with her husband, their two daughters, and three dogs.
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Michelle
Regional Director of Sales
Michelle
Regional Director of Sales, Brand Specialist
Michelle has worked within the hospitality industry for over 21 years, specializing in hotel sales. She started her hospitality career during the 1996 Olympic Games and developed her varied experience managing every market segment before becoming a Director of Sales over 12 years ago. Her experience has primarily been in major markets including Atlanta, Nashville and Dallas representing brands including Wyndham, Crowne Plaza, Sheraton, W Hotels, Le Meridien, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree as well as independent boutique properties. Her analytical approach to the selling process has been the driver for success. She believes that the devil is in the details, especially when focused on new customer acquisition.
Michelle lives in Texas with her husband, two children, two dogs and a cat. Outside of work, she can be found supporting her children at the natatorium as her son is a competitive diver and her daughter is a competitive swimmer.
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Tiffany
Regional Director of Sales
Tiffany
Regional Director of Sales
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Abby
Regional Director of Sales
Abby
Regional Director of Sales
Abby brings 14 years of hospitality experience to the Jacaruso team. Working as a Director of Sales and in operations as both a General Manager and Area Manager with brands including Best Western, IHG, Marriott and Radisson as well as independent properties, Abby loves to “think outside the box” and problem solve. She understands the relationship between sales, operations and driving the bottom line. Creating relationships and taking care of people to make lasting memories for the traveler she works with makes her uniquely successful. In her free time she is a “sports mom” for her three sons, loves trying new recipes, cheering for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and moonlighting as Mr. and Mrs. Claus with her husband.
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Dee Dee
Regional Director of Sales
Dee Dee
Regional Director of Sales
Dee Dee began her career in the hospitality industry 18 years ago in Operations. The past 15 years has been spent in Sales which is her true passion. She has a proven track record in multi-brand properties including Choice, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Best Western and Marriot as well as independent properties. When she is not working, she stays very busy along with her husband raising twin teenage girls and two rambunctious Jack Russell fur babies.
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Donna
Regional Director of Sales
Donna
Regional Director of Sales
Raised in Missouri but couldn’t get to Texas fast enough. Donna is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Hospitality degree and more than 28 years of hotel experience in both focused and full-service properties. She brings knowledge of Radisson, Marriott and Hilton branded hotels in the both General Manager and Director of Sales roles. Winning awards and client’s hearts along the way, she enjoys helping hotels fill those shoulder nights.
Donna met her husband of 27 years in college and together they have raised two busy boys now entering college themselves. In her spare time, she loves planning that next family trip to a place they have never visited.
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Sydney
Regional Director of Sales
Sydney
Regional Director of Sales, Brand Specialist
With a bachelors in Hospitality Management from Rosen School of Hospitality Management at UCF, Sydney has had the luxury of being immersed into the industry at a young age and currently have over 7 years in the hospitality industry. She has worked with multiple brands including Hyatt, Hilton, Wyndham, and IHG, varying management companies and owners. She has experience with extended stay properties in addition to hotels undergoing renovations and underperforming properties. She also has experience in diverse segmentations to include wholesale, convention sales, group, catering, corporate and local negotiated business and contract.
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Millie
Regional Director of Sales
Millie
Regional Director of Sales
Millie has worked in the hospitality industry for over 14 years specializing in hotel sales. She is always looking for creative ways to close the sale and exceed revenue goals. Her ability and passion in identifying market opportunities, developing profitable, effective sales and marketing strategies to win the business is her motivation.
She understands and enjoys engaging, training and motivating team members in the sales process in order to drive revenue and create effective results.
Her experience includes selling for select service, full service and extended stay properties with brands such as Marriott, IHG and Hyatt. She comes with experience in developing new business opportunities during hotel pre-openings and establishing lasting client relationships during hotel renovations
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Danielle
Regional Director of Sales
Danielle
Regional Director of Sales
Danielle has been in the hotel industry for 8 years representing IHG, Hilton, Marriott, and AmericInn Brands. Her favorite part of the industry is prospecting new business which provides the opportunity to communicate and engage with people from around the world. There is nothing more satisfying than building client relationships to become a trusted resource for their travel and hotel needs. Danielle resides in Minnesota with her boyfriend Steve. In her free time she volunteers extensively with young women to promote volunteerism while positively influencing self-esteem. When the snow finally melts she enjoys time outside in the vegetable and flower garden, golfing, biking, and spending time on one of the area’s many lakes. She loves to play host with friends and family and most recently enjoys looking for recipes to cook in the Instant Pot.
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Kimberly
Regional Director of Sales
Kimberly
Regional Director of Sales
Kimberly is a Nashville native and has been in the hospitality industry for 13 years serving in business travel sales, directing sales teams, corporate group sales, leisure group sales as well as complete account management.
She began her career within the Hyatt Corporation then successfully transitioned to the Hilton family and has most currently been a dedicated Marriott team member. Through hotel management companies, Kimberly has worked with most brands within the industry.
Kimberly has a strong background in account production on immediate and national levels, revenue management, as well as customer engagement and service.
Kimberly has a strong passion for dance and wellness. She is also a proud mother to her fur son, Cooper.
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Melissa
Regional Director of Sales
Melissa
Regional Director of Sales
As an awarding winner top sales leader, Melissa has proven to excel in her career in the hotel sales industry. She has the ambition to succeed, the drive to increase revenue and a strong ability to build long-lasting partnerships. Her personal goal is to consistently exceed her client’s expectations and do what it takes to close a deal. She has been through multiple years of sales success trainings and her knowledge and experience shine through her competition. In her spare time, Melissa loves to travel, take her two huskies to the beach and you will often find her in the kitchen cooking delicious meals.
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Stacy
Regional Director of Sales
Stacy
Regional Director of Sales
Stacy is a motivated sales leader with more than 10 years of sales and marketing experience in the hospitality industry. She discovered her passion for hotel sales while studying Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech. Her experience includes selling for select-service, full-service and extended stay properties. Stacy also has an extensive background in hotel openings, conducting market analyses and developing top lines and business plans. She takes pride in fostering relationships with her team and clients respectively and believes persistence always pays off. Her proactive nature and “go-getter” attitude have always made her hotels successful.
Born and raised in the DC area, Stacy now resides in beautiful Charleston, SC with her husband, son and very fat cat. She is an adrenaline junkie at heart, where she has gone as extreme as sky diving and bungee jumping in Australia on the same day. She also loves cooking, making Pinterest perfections and creating special memories for her little boy.
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Lizette
Regional Director of Sales
Lizette
Regional Director of Sales, Brand Specialist
Lizette has over 7 years of experience with various brands including Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt. Her passion for sales is what fuels her drive to succeed. Lizette has a proven track record of exceeding goals and customer expectations. Her persistence, expert negotiation skills and attention to customer needs, allow her to consistently close the deal. She knows that people do not believe what they hear, they believe what they see and that makes her result driven. Lizette focuses on creating relationships to establish long-term partnerships with her prospects, by creating trust and adding value. She is also book worm and prides herself in the growth of her in-home library. You can often find Lizette cruising in her jeep on some beach or off-roading the SoCal mountains.
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Heather
Regional Director of Sales
Heather
Regional Director of Sales
Heather is a true team leader whose positivity and upbeat nature is infectious. She has over 5 years of hotel sales experience working with Hilton, IHG, and Marriott. Heather has a proven track record of meeting and exceeding goals and is always the first to uncover new business in the area. She has the uncanny ability to create genuine and honest connections with her clients and guests alike and excels in leveraging those relationships to maximize revenue. When Heather isn’t busy prospecting you can find her going on adventures with her husband and son. Together they love enjoying the outdoors, dinnertime dance parties, and cheering on their beloved Pittsburgh Sports teams!
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Alicia
Regional Director of Sales
Alicia
Regional Director of Sales
Alicia Perry, CMP, HMCC
Alicia has over 13 years of Hotel and Hospitality experience. Serving in various roles throughout her career to include Sales, Catering, Events, and Revenue Management, her diverse background has given her a complete understanding of how all the pieces fit together to ensure overall success. Her inherent competitive drive has served her well as she pushes for gains in market share and an increase in overall ADR. She enjoys the hunt for new business and consistently generates new pipelines for her hotels. Alicia has primarily worked with Marriott brands, both Full Service and Extended Stay, as well as with independent luxury boutique hotels. She is a Certified Meeting Professional as well as Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certified and has a true passion for the hotel industry. Alicia is married and has two daughters. In her spare time she loves spending time at the lake and the beach with her family.
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Eve
Regional Director of Sales
Eve
Regional Director of Sales
Eve joins us with over 15 years of experience. She began her hospitality career while studying at UNLV and working at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. She continued her career working with major brands in addition to independent boutique properties across the US and Canada.
Eve strives to deliver exceptional service at all times and prides herself on developing trusting relationships with potential and existing clients. Her vast amount of experience has landed her accounts that didn’t seem possible to achieve by most. Her expertise dominates all facets; Corporate, Tour and Travel, Government, Association, Entertainment, IBT, and SMERF.
Currently Eve resides in Las Vegas with her husband and two daughters and loves to travel as much as possible.
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Marybeth
Regional Director of Sales
Marybeth
Regional Director of Sales
After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Hospitality Tourism Management, Marybeth began her career in Operations but quickly discovered her passion for Sales. She was given the opportunity to travel and has worked for Hilton brands including Hampton Inn and Suites, Homewood Suites, and Home2 Suites across 3 states. She has extensive experience in University Sales and adapts well to new markets. She has worked in the hotel industry for 4 years and truly enjoys getting to know people and creating lasting relationships. She enjoys pool time, cooking and baking, and being with family and friends. She currently resides in Lexington, KY with her boyfriend and puppy (coming soon)! Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
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Tenille
Regional Director of Sales
Tenille
Regional Director of Sales
Tenille has been in the hospitality business for over 14 years and has worked for the Hilton and Marriott brands at Homewood Suites, Residence Inn, Marriott Resorts, Springhill Suites & Fairfield Inn & Suites. She finds her relationships with clients to be the most rewarding, but is equally excited by finding the right mix of business to exceed revenue goals and increase the bottom line. Tenille is a native Floridian who enjoys the beach, traveling with her husband and daughter and being outdoors with family and friends.
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Gina
Regional Director of Sales
Gina
Regional Director of Sales
Gina has been in the hospitality industry for 20 years where she began as a part time waitress and social concierge for Caesars Pocono Resorts. Her love and passion for the industry grew quickly and she prides herself on developing lasting relationships and being a reliable team player. Gina consistently delivers exceptional service which has always revolved into client referrals and customer loyalty.
Having succeeded in all industry markets including Corporate, SMERF, Tour & Travel, Government, Association and Entertainment, her most recent proud achievement has been becoming a mother of now two fun loving mini-hers. Gina, her husband and both very energetic children reside in NEPA where they love being outdoors and enjoying new life experiences together.
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Amanda
Regional Director of Sales
Amanda
Regional Director of Sales
With a bachelors in Business Management, and nearly 10 years in the hospitality industry, Amanda has demonstrated budgeting, sales, and revenue management skills. As a General Manager for over 7 years, Amanda has worked directly with AmericInn and Wyndham brand hotels. She has extensive experience in contract negotiations with group and corporate sales, and is most rewarded by exceeding revenue goals and brand expectations through creative prospecting.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys outdoor activities with her two daughters and Great Dane (Zoe). Growing up in Wisconsin has led to a lifetime of hunting, fishing, camping, and wildlife adventures!
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Deborah
Regional Director of Sales
Deborah
Regional Director of Sales
Deborah has been a part of the hospitality industry since 2004. Throughout the years she has worked in Food & Beverage and has shown incredible leadership skills as both a Director of Sales and General Manager. After wearing many hats, it was clear to Deborah that her heart really did favor sales where she has found that being an empathetic and passionate person allows her to fully achieve and exceed her goals (while also knowing that a little friendly competition doesn’t hurt either). Having spent time in her career ensuring that a hotel continued to grow during one of the worst economic crisis in our region, she understands the dedication and hard work it takes to keep the right business. Her portfolio includes Hilton, Hyatt Place, Comfort Suites, and Best Western brands. When she is not had at work you can catch her walking her St. Bernard and Shih Tzu or with her husband trying out their green thumbs.
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Joanie
Regional Director of Sales
Joanie
Regional Director of Sales
Joanie began her travel career at a cruise line when she was 18 and her hotel career as a Catering Coordinator before moving into sales. She has been in management for 15+ years as a Director of Sales and a General Manager. She has worked with brands such as Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Hyatt Regency. An expert in the Business Travel market as well as Corporate and Sports Groups. Joanie resides in Lubbock, TX with her Husband and 3 cats. She has a passion for cooking and loves watching her youngest daughter play collegiate volleyball. Go Lions!
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Bryanne
Regional Director of Sales
Bryanne
Regional Director of Sales
Bryanne has a passion for cultivating and maintaining client relationships. With over 10 years in the hospitality industry, she has come to love the fast-paced and diverse culture of hotel sales. She always goes above and beyond for every client and enjoys the fun and challenging environment that the hospitality industry provides. She has experience with brands such as IHG, Marriott, and Choice.
In Bryanne’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and three dogs. Bryanne resides in East Tennessee and takes every opportunity to explore the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
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Jacquelyn
Regional Director of Sales
Jacquelyn
Regional Director of Sales
Jacquelyn is a goal oriented, outgoing and trustworthy sales leader with 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality and travel industry. She has an impressive track record of surpassing goals and maintaining brand standards with Sheraton, Embassy Suites, Marriott and Extended Stay Brands. Proven expertise in designing and overseeing sales initiatives, increasing revenue, sales management, marketing and managing various market portfolios to include Corporate, Government, Association and SMERF. A strategic and forward-thinker who possesses a fundamental grasp of contemporary sales techniques to increase market share and maximize customer relationships. Enjoys the challenge of generating new business opportunities and solving problems with resolution.
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Lara
Regional Director of Sales
Lara
Regional Director of Sales
Lara has over 20 years in the hospitality industry that started with receiving a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from The University of Kentucky. She has sales and marketing experience ranging from a 60 room historic boutique to a 675 room convention hotel. Her brand experience ranges from Marriott, IHG, Hilton and Omni and has served as Director of Sales for both extended stay and full-service. Lara specializes in share shifting to increase RevPar and building new business through relationship sales. She has successfully opened a hotel, won several top sales awards and has worked throughout the country exposing her to many markets and clients. Not only did she exceed budgets during a downturn economy, she was able to create partnerships that created new business with each move.
Lara resides in Lexington, KY with her husband Brock, son Brodie, husky Mila Kunis and cat 2Pac. You can find the whole family rooting on the University of Kentucky Wildcats throughout the year. She also might be found skydiving, snowboarding or snorkeling with sharks.
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Tylar
Regional Director of Sales
Tylar
Regional Director of Sales
With several years of multi brand experience, Tylar has risen through the departmental ranks and established herself as a true sales leader. With an unwavering passion for people, problem solving and conversation, she has been able to build relationships that have been fundamental to the success of her hotels. Tylar has proven that thinking outside of the box and implementing creative techniques that engage guests, clientele, team members and the community is the key to not only meeting, but exceeding revenue goals. Anytime someone asks her what she loves so much about her job, the answer is always the same: “I’m in hospitality, and the core of hospitality is to be kind, welcoming and generous; who wouldn’t want to do that every single day?”
In her free time, you can find Tylar day dreaming on the IKEA showroom floor, at one of Pittsburgh’s many new restaurants or hanging out with her cat!
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Tammy
Regional Director of Sales
Tammy
Regional Director of Sales
Tammy has over 20+ years of successful hotel sales experience, she excelled in her roles with achieving the Circle of Excellence Award and being nominated as Director of Sales for the Year. Tammy has worked with Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and Wyndham hotel brands.
As a relationship builder and hunter for business, Tammy’s passion for sales, training and generating top line revenue ensures that each hotel continues their drive to operate at optimal levels.
A native of North Carolina, Tammy have received recognition of achievement from her volunteer work with Forsyth County Safe on Seven (Domestic Violence Unit); Board Member of Legal Aid of North Carolina; Board Member of AOHT (Academy of Hospitality & Tourism) as well as serving as Vice President of Forsyth County Tourism Alliance.
In her spare time, Tammy enjoys baking and spending quality family time with her husband and two children.
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Courtney
Regional Director of Sales
Courtney
Regional Director of Sales
My hotel life began in 2006 behind the front desk of a Marriott Residence Inn. It was there I started learning all the different elements and possibilities the hospitality industry had to offer. I spent the next four years completing my hospitality management degree along working with Choice, Hilton and several boutique properties in varies roles. My first job out of college was a Sales Assistant role for an IHG property that lit my passion for sales and I have never looked back. I stayed with IHG for the next 7 years. I look forward to joining your team and getting to know each of you.
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Jesse
Regional Director of Sales
Jesse
Regional Director of Sales
Jesse currently lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife and two boys. With over 9 years of experience in the hospitality industry with both Operations and Sales experience. Jesse has been very successful with reputable brands in the industry, such as, Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott. Jesse has an extensive background in Prospecting for new accounts, relationship building and account saturation. He has held various positions on property level, which include: Sales Manager, Catering Sales Manager, Director of Sales and Complex Director of Sales. Jesse is an expert on Corporate, SMERF Group, Association and Government segments.
In his spare time, Jesse loves to spend time with his family/friends and traveling (stay-cations). Jesse lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife, two kids and small dog.
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Carla
Regional Director of Sales
Carla
Regional Director of Sales
Carla is a 27-year veteran and an accomplished hospitality industry professional. She has a record of excellence in devising and implementing sell strategies and revenue management that contribute to positive financial results while improving member/guest services. Carla specialize’ s in business development and building long lasting relationships with her clients. Her free time is spent with her American Bulldog, Loki, or at the white sandy beaches on the Gulf coast of Florida enjoying the Salt Life.
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Deborah
Regional Director of Sales
Deborah
Regional Director of Sales
A 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, having worked with nearly every major brand from Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, etc. of some of the nation’s most in-demand travel markets, including Las Vegas and New England. Adept at understanding business opportunities, developing strategic goals and implementing tactical plans to meet these goals. Deborah enjoys motivating teams to grow volume in addition to building profitable customer relationships. Possesses strong relationship building skills, collaboration and project management skills. Deborah loves to bring humor and perspective to all interactions.
She loves to travel with my husband. Her passions are cooking, gardening, cars and hanging out with family and friends. In addition to also enjoying with German Shepard “Brutus”.
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Brooke
Regional Director of Sales
Brooke
Regional Director of Sales
Brooke has been in the customer service industry for 30 years. She started out in the restaurant industry but for the last 18 years has been in the hotel industry. Her first job in the hotel business was as a catering sales manager but she was interested in the guestroom side and soon became a sales manager and worked her way up to Director of Sales. Brooke has a background with Marriott and Independent Brands and along with sales, she has worked heavily with revenue management to make her hotels successful. She has a strong work ethic and loves to help guide and support her team members.
Born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland Brooke loves the outdoors and spending her free time hiking or on the water.
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Ronda
Regional Director of Sales
Ronda
Regional Director of Sales
Ronda has 15 years in the hospitality industry. Her knowledge starts with working the front lines all the way through Hotel Manager and Director of Sales. She focused on learning all aspects of the hotel prior to settling in on the Sales side of things. Her knowledge of the whole operation gives her the ability to asses client needs as well as hotel ability to fulfill. It insures both the client and the hotel are a great fit for each other! She has worked with IHG, Hilton and Marriott to name a few. Starting right out of Highschool she enjoys the hospitality industry fully! In her spare time Ronda enjoys watching her boys play sports, spending time with friends, sitting pool side and showing her kids the country!
In his spare time, Jesse loves to spend time with his family/friends and traveling (stay-cations). Jesse lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife, two kids and small dog.
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Katie
Regional Director of Sales
Katie
Regional Director of Sales
Katie has ten years of experience in hospitality with Marriott along with her degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Allegany College of Maryland. Katie quickly found her passion for sales through loving to prospect for new business. Katie been awarded for her skills with regional awards from Concord Hospitality and spotlighted in the March 2018 edition of The Allegany Magazine of Cumberland, MD. In Katie’s spare time she loves to travel with her husband to music festivals and concerts.
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Erin
Regional Director of Sales
Erin
Regional Director of Sales
Erin, with a passion for travel and people, is a ten year established hotel sales professional with various brands. Erin has built a solid foundation of clients through genuine interactions and a lot of southern charm. Her drive for success has a proven track record of growing market share across her career. When Erin isn’t working she enjoys reading, crafting, and hiking.
She loves to travel with my husband. Her passions are cooking, gardening, cars and hanging out with family and friends. In addition to also enjoying with German Shepard “Brutus”.
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Whittney
Regional Director of Sales
Whittney
Regional Director of Sales
Whittney has over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Over the course of her career she has held various positions ranging from Front Desk to Director of Sales. Whittney has experience with many brands including IHG, Marriott, Choice Hotels, La Quinta Inn, and Hilton! She currently resides in her hometown Texarkana, TX with her son Trinton Allen. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, as well as running, coaching her all-star cheer team, and being an advocate for people with exceptional needs.
Born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland Brooke loves the outdoors and spending her free time hiking or on the water.
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Sue
Regional Director of Sales
Sue
Regional Director of Sales
Beginning her career in operations and working her way through each department, Sue has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. With a degree in Hospitality Management and Meeting Management, Sue has acquired experience from convention & visitors bureaus, sales sourcing companies, full service hotels, resorts, select service and extended stay properties. She has experience in a variety of brands including Marriott, IHG, Choice, and Independent properties. Sue’s favorite part of her job is waking up every day to a new challenge to find business that is a best fit for a client’s needs. Sue is proud of her home state of Minnesota and loves to take time to enjoy the many lakes with family and friends. At the end of the day you can find her relaxing with a good book or creating a new project to enhance her home.
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Sarah
Regional Director of Sales
Sarah
Regional Director of Sales
Sarah has nearly twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry. She started as a front desk associate during college. She’s been an operations leader and a sales leader and even dabbled in Revenue Management. She has supported select service, full service and extended stay properties and has experience with multiple brands including Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham and Radisson. She believes that relationships are the most valuable thing a person can have and she makes it a point to have a discussion with someone new every day. She was born in raised in upstate New York and now lives in the Austin area. When she’s not working to find new business for her hotels, she’s spending time with her husband and daughter. She enjoys going for walks, watching cooking shows and connecting with friends.
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Bernadette
Regional Director of Sales
Bernadette
Regional Director of Sales
“The hotel business is my passion!” With 20+ years of experience with multiple brands, Bernadette has led teams as a General Manager, Director of Sales and a Regional Director of Sales. She loves operations as well as sales, driving revenues and building long lasting relationships is her focus. She has four wonderful children, a granddaughter and grandson. Originally from California, she now lives in Omaha Nebraska. She has spent time in Texas, Arizona and Ohio with extensive time in the Omaha Nebraska market. She enjoys helping people and making them smile!
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Mark
Regional Director of Sales
Mark
Regional Director of Sales
With almost 15 year of experience in the Industry, Mark started his hospitality career in room service, then event management and eventually worked his way into Sales. He prides himself on being open and honest with his clients and always has their best interests in mind. His creative approach to challenges usually yields successful results. He has been a part of award winning sales teams and been nominated as “Salesman of the Year” twice by two different management companies. He has worked across many different brands including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Wyndham and Choice.
Originally from Toronto, Ontario Canada, Mark spends his free time with his two kids, creating Art, bartending, coaching and playing Hockey.
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Paige
Regional Director of Sales
Paige
Regional Director of Sales
Paige has been in the hospitality business for over 20 years with experience across multiple brands and hotel chains. She has experienced hotels of all varieties which has enabled her to grow her toolbox of skills. Paige works to ensure that the guest, owner, and team are all achieving their desired results.
Paige is a Montana native and spends her spare time exploring the outdoors, reading, and exploring the world through the eyes of her children.
I hope this works, I hate talking about myself. LOL
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Ann
Regional Director of Sales
Ann
Regional Director of Sales
Ann is a passionate Hotel Sales Professional with 15+ years in the Hospitality Industry. My background includes top brands like IHG, Hilton, Wyndham and Independent hotels. I have managed Sales teams in both Full Service and limited service settings that include selling meeting space, guest rooms and executing all event details. My goal is to build strong relationships with my hotels, clients and team members, while delivering positive results to my Owners. I focus on closing the deals and I always strive for the big wins.
When Ann is not working, she is spending time with her husband, 2 daughters and 2 mastiff rescue dogs. We love to travel as a family, and we all share a passion for The Ohio State Buckeyes, Walt Disney World and beach vacations!
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Rachel
Regional Director of Sales
Rachel
Regional Director of Sales
A love of the hotel industry, Rachel has a passion for Sales and seeing hotels exceed beyond their goals. She brings a strategic approach to hotel sales and emphasizes the personal touch in all property and client relationships.
Rachel has extensive property level operations and sales experience in multiple brands. She has created and led major brands national sales teams and has been the Director of Operations for a Management Company. Also, she has directed field support, training, reservations and sales account management at the regional and national levels.
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Stephanie
Regional Director of Sales
Stephanie
Regional Director of Sales
Stephanie is a highly self-motivated, focused and knowledgeable Marketing, Sales, Public Relations and Revenue Management Director offering 19+ years of experience in the hospitality industry. Her experience ranges from private resorts to branded properties to include IHG, Laquinta, Marriott and the Convention & Visitors Bureau side where she specialized in the Sports Market Segment. Recognized for being a talented, valuable asset with independent work abilities requiring minimal supervision, she carries a “get it done” mentality with whatever is needed for her hotels. Stephanie is an expert in the SMERF market, Meetings and Conventions sectors. She has a demonstrated track record related to business, sales management and operational skills to deliver maximum benefit to her companies She understands the relationship between sales, operations and driving the bottom line. In her opinion there is nothing more rewarding than building relationships to become trusted resource for clients and partners travel needs.
Originally from Toronto, Ontario Canada, Mark spends his free time with his two kids, creating Art, bartending, coaching and playing Hockey.
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Wilks
Regional Director of Sales
Wilks
Regional Director of Sales
After traveling the world in the US Air Force and attending college, Wilks began his career in the hospitality industry nearly 9 years ago. He has experience working with multiple brands, in both select service and full service properties, and has always been known for his attention to detail, persistent drive to generate revenue and dedication to building great, lasting, relationships with his clients. In his first year as a Director of Sales,he more than tripled the annual revenue generated in previous years, and he always strives to consistently provide increases in revenue and market share for his hotels, through focused prospecting, market analysis, and always being attentive to the needs of his clients. His primary area of expertise is in Corporate and Government sales, but he also has extensive experience working with the Entertainment industry – particularly film and television productions.
Wilks lives with his wife and young son in a home they designed and build on forty-four acres of beautiful wooded land about fifteen miles outside of Baton Rouge, LA. When he isn’t working, Wilks loves to spend his lime fishing, woodworking, collecting fine wines and rare knives, shopping for antiques, cooking gourmet meals and attempting to bake, and growing a variety of hot peppers in his garden, which he uses to make his own hot sauces.
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Brandy
Executive Assistant
Brandy
Executive Assistant
Born and raised in Louisiana but a true Texas girl now. Love helping others and being a part of the hospitality industry. Married to my best friend of 21 years and we have 2 children Austin who is a freshman at University of Texas, and Madi a sophomore at Cedar Ridge. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends and vacationing at any BEACH! Hook’em Horns!
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Jo
Director of Financial Operations
Jo
Director of Financial Operations
Jo is the glue that holds JE together. She can multi-task better than a Cirque Du Soleil juggler. (Not that we are comparing ourselves to a circus.) Jo is a true Toni whisperer and her intuitive nature, coupled with her overwhelmingly impressive proficiency, makes our company stronger. If there is a go to person, her name is Jo! Jo and her husband, John, have four children and live in Round Rock, TX.
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Bebe
Customer Account Specialist
Bebe
Customer Account Specialist
As a Customer Account Specialist, Bebe’s day to day tasks are all about the money. From drafting invoices to processing payment to collections, crunching numbers is Bebe’s favorite form of exercise. Bebe has been with Jacaruso since 2019 but has a background performing the same work in the medical field for 16 years. In her spare time, you can find Bebe feeding the less fortunate, planning her dream vacation to the island of Puerto Rico or eating a refried beans taco. Bebe has three daughters and 5 grandchildren and has a bucket list of things she hopes to do including attending the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade.
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Steve
Salesforce Developer
Steve
Salesforce Developer
Steve’s software experience started by writing video games on a home computer when he was 10 years old. Born in England, Steve moved to Dallas and then to Austin to complete his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Texas. Steve then honed his software skills at National Instruments and other firms in Austin before joining Jacaruso Enterprises in 2017. Steve loves travelling, hiking and swimming in Austin’s beautiful outdoor spaces and has a passion for people, science and technology. Steve believes that patience with others is of paramount importance in the technical field and that if you can’t explain something in layman’s terms you don’t truly understand it.
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Brian
IT & Salesforce Administrator
Brian
IT & Salesforce Administrator
Technophile, degrees in CE & EE, and a geek for Physics, Math, and History.
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Abbie
Marketing Manager
Abbie
Marketing Manager
Abbie has 10+ years of experience in the Creative Design & Marketing industry. Her career began by working for a national window & door company where she collaborated with hundreds of clients, vendors, and sales representatives to achieve their individual marketing and sales goals.
In her spare time, you can find Abbie spending time with her dog June Carter Cash, cooking her favorite Italian dishes, and attending events in Nashville.
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Shawna
Content Editor
Shawna
Copywriting, Messaging, Grammar Interventions
A seasoned copywriter with experience in branding, messaging and creative direction, Shawna’s work spans all media, especially print and interactive marketing and advertising. Shawna has both B2B and consumer experience for clients in a range of industries, including hospitality and high tech.
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