Reed Benton, M.S. Imc Email & Phone Number

Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

I was promoted to build the destination services department, including establishing budgets, optimizing resources, and developing solutions to help promote the county and drive revenue growth. As a key leader within the organization, I drive continuous process improvements, as well as marketing strategy that helps increase market competitiveness and visitor spending.SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:✔ Implemented solutions that aligned with contemporary tourism trends to drive sustainable growth and market competitiveness. ✔ Achieved measurable increases in visitor engagement and spending.✔ Reduced operating costs by 50% through cost-saving negotiations on existing contracts and cost-effective alternatives.✔ Improved visitor satisfaction by implementing training programs that improved quality of information given, updated visitor guides, and improved digital resources.✔ Deployed targeted marketing campaigns that improved market competitiveness, along with establishing partnerships and enhancing resource accessibility.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

I joined the organization to establish relationships with local businesses, event planners, and other key stakeholders, focusing on developing tailored experiences to entice visitors to book meetings, events, and getaways in Kalamazoo County. In this role, I demonstrated top performance and was promoted to Director of Operations and Destination Services.

Marquette, Michigan, United States

I was one of the first employees hired at the new property, overseeing the end-to-end build-out and launch of the Hilton-brand hotel. I led the full scope of the project, from construction, hiring, training, sales ramp-up, and opening the hotel. I established a high-performing team with a strong service-focused culture.During my 10 years as the GM, I earned the property 7 Hilton Corporate Awards and established it in a top 50 ranking for guest services and Quality Assurance.SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:✔ Maximized budgets by negotiating with suppliers, as well as optimizing staff schedules and workloads.✔ Achieved 95%+ on QA audits, maintaining the company’s rigorous standards and brand reputation.✔ Increased revenue and profitability YOY by optimizing pricing which increased occupancy and average daily rates.✔ Led the market in KPI, exceeded 100% index in ADR and RevPar.

Plymouth, Michigan, United States

I managed a select-service hotel, restaurant, and banquet operations, overseeing HR processes on the property, including new hire paperwork, employee discipline, terminations, changes, and payroll processing. I was responsible for budget management and payroll and directed team recognition meetings while also employing employee incentive programs. Additionally, I established and implemented action plans for SALT improvements within various areas and each department. During a period of management company and ownership change, I served as interim general manager.SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:✔ Streamlined departmental procedures and optimized hotel reputation scores by 15%.✔ Collected over $25K of past due payables and executed procedures to maintain balances in current status.

Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States

I oversaw and supervised all duties performed by front office employees, conducting effective training sessions for all new front desk team members. I developed and implemented new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for front desk operations, resolving customer complaints to ensure guest satisfaction.SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:✔ Developed and implemented new SOPs for front desk operations, significantly improving operational efficiency.✔ Established new guest area guides, enhancing the level of services and guest satisfaction.

Bachelor Of Science In Hotel Restaurant Management, Hotel And Restaurant Management

I completed the Hotel and Restaurant Management program, which equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities for leadership roles.

Master Of Science - Ms, Integrated Marketing Communications

This program, offered by an AACSB-accredited business school, provided advanced skills in branding, messaging, and media integration.