Melissa Whetstone Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago, Illinois, United States

•Fostered consultative selling process focused on listening and finding a reasonable solution that met actual needs and objectives of the customer (SPIN)•Combined entrepreneurial drive with business-management skills to drive gains in revenue, market share and profit performance•Communicated a clear, strategic sales vision, effectively training and coaching both veteran and junior sales team members focused on building long-term, value-based relationships that enable achievement of sales objectives•Performed business reviews quarterly to provide leadership and strategic direction to achieve optimal performance•Collaborated with Marketing and Business Development Teams to develop and implement successful and agile sales and marketing strategies adjusting to the ever changing market (proactive and reactionary)•Built and implemented annual, quarterly, and monthly strategic business plans to accurately forecast and track goals

Rochester Hills, Michigan, United States

•Responsible for marketing and sales for multi-property sites with an average of $5M independent living and $3.3M memory care•Increased annual revenue for memory care by 30% and over 50% annual revenue for independent within 6 months•Developed and executed annual and quarterly sales plans and budgets•Deep knowledge of competitive intelligence, pricing, and strategic marketing to assure optimal exposure•Proactively used analytics and personal interactions to monitor community sales performance

Greater Detroit Area

•Established and maintained professional relationships with referral sources, including nursinghomes, assisted living facilities and hospitals for parts of Oakland, Wayne, and Livingston Counties•Working knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid rules and regulations•Prepared a goal-directed development plan to educate healthcare providers and the general publicabout the hospice program•Served as a liaison between hospital and discharge location by visiting patients, recommendingDME and/or supplies, arranged for medications prior to discharge to ensure a smooth transition

•Led training and professional development of leasing professionals overseeing a total of 667 units•Responsible for marketing and sales leading to total of $13M; retained $7.4Mand increased annual sales by $4.5M•Increased occupancy for 667 units from 81% to 96% within 6 months•Analyzed strengths and weaknesses (SWOT) compared to the competition and recommend different tactics •Gathered and completed competitive analysis of competitor to aid in strategy and best economic pricing for profit•Developed and implemented site Marketing Action Plan to promote community fully and securely meet sales goals•Actively sought opportunities to increase income, decrease expenses or add to the overall value of the community

•Managed Senior Living Community Specialists evaluating interactions with prospective residents and families, provided coaching and feedback on community positioning, sales processes and closing•Performed business reviews each selling cycle and provide leadership and strategic direction to Community Specialists in order to achieve performance objectives•Collaborated with Marketing and Business Development Teams to develop marketing plans and successfully implement plans on a community basis•Built and maintained successful resident referral program which led to constant flow of soft leads and sales•Developed working relationships with sources including legal and financial professionals, senior organizations, hospital discharge planners, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities, clergy, and medical insurance providers

Greater Detroit Area

•Grew new and existing business by representing our total audience solution product suite and ensured campaigns were properly implemented, monitored and optimized•Met with clients through a consultative needs-based selling approach to create custom digital and print advertising campaigns that exceeded customer expectations•Utilized product suite which includes graphical display ads online and ad networks, mobile, video, text, apps, digital directories, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, social media optimization and print•Proactively identified business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing, referrals, and lead databases

Auburn Hills, Mi

•Managed the performance review process for 5 direct reports by providing positive andconstructive feedback along with monitoring professional development needs to meet goals ofdepartment•Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with Deans, faculty, and academicdivisions to support initiatives related to high-impact engagement efforts with employers andalumni•Provided consultative services to employers to develop customized recruiting strategies whereappropriate for campus relations and recruitment initiatives•Created, facilitated, and evaluated career-related programs and workshops that are reflectiveof the current economy and needs of our students•Facilitated measures to impact or create employer advisory boards to seek industry expertiseand develop continuous improvement programs•Managed and facilitate employer recruiting and branding strategies to gain appropriate visibilityand connections with campus community and students•SHRM Student Chapter Adviser/Alumni Association Adviser•Provided feedback to faculty and administration concerning market and hiring trends

Master Of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Business Administration

Bachelor Of Science, Business Administration