Karen Buchanan Malench

acrgk3@r.postjobfree.com

618-***-****

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Sales Associate 2013-2014

Macy’s Bolingbrook, IL

Built exceptional customer service through engagement, attitude and anticipating customers’ needs

Achieved department goals in a team selling environment

Assisted in placement of merchandise to maximize stores appearance

Maintained working knowledge of stores’ policies and procedures

Realtor/Broker 2000-2014

Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors Edwardsville, IL

Generated business through aggressive prospecting, networking and referrals

Top Multi-Million Dollar Producer – Based on successfully closing transactions, working with Buyers and Sellers and developing long term relationships with clients

Relocation Team Specialist – Twelve years of dedication to the successful relocation of transferees to the Metro St. Louis area. USAA Movers Advantage Program Certification and Cendant Mobility Referral Specialist

Identified resources in target locations and provided contact information and connections for the transferee and their families

Instructor – Tourism and Hospitality 1993-2000

Granite City High School Granite City, IL

Awarded Illinois State Grant to develop a curriculum for a Vocational Tourism and Hospitality Program

Designed hands-on classroom instruction material for students to learn all facets of the Tourism Industry to include functions of the Front Office and reservation procedures, Marketing Department, Food and Beverage Operation, Concierge Services, Meeting and Event Planning

Developed relationships with major St. Louis Hotels, Restaurants and Travel Agencies for students to conduct job shadowing experiences in various departments throughout each semester

Operated an in-house Catering Service where students planned, prepared and served meals for school related functions

Director of Sales and Marketing 1984-1993

Chase Park Plaza Hotel

And Convention Center St. Louis, MO

Responsible for annual marketing plan, strategic advertising campaigns designed to fulfill

maximum occupancy of hotel rooms and facilities

Developed and conducted persuasive verbal sales presentations to prospective clients

Successfully generated revenue for 50,000+ sq. ft. of meeting, convention and trade show/exhibit space

Proactively involved in Trade Show and Conferences to network and generate new business leads

Communicated effectively with sales team and internal departments to meet organizational needs

Managed and maintained relationships with key and potential clients to promote St. Louis as a positive destination for visitors, business and group travel

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL

Selected Achievements

Planned and hosted events for high profile clients including celebrities: Julien Lennon, Chuck Berry, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Linda Ronstadt, Jerry Lewis’ Variety Club Telethon, St. Louis Hockey Blues and St. Louis Baseball Cardinals

Published monthly newsletter for the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association

Nominated by the St. Louis Industry Council for Outstanding Sales, Marketing and Promotional Literature

Member of the National Association of Realtors