Dee Ann DeForest

Orlando, Florida 407-***-**** ac7yo8@r.postjobfree.com www.linkedin.com/in/dee-ann-deforest STRATEGIC MARKETING DIRECTOR

Field Marketing / Training & Development / Business Development / SEO / CRM / Restaurant & Hospitality Strategic Planning / Local Markets / Market Launch / Google Analytics Account Management / Growth Strategies / Brand Development / ROI Analysis / Ecommerce Accomplished marketing representative with a proven track record of elevating brand awareness while driving business results through the execution of strategic marketing plans for industry leading organizations. Creates and executes integrated marketing programs within multi-site/multi-location corporate organizations. Cultivates and develops new markets while simultaneously deploying forward-thinking tactics in highly competitive industry segments. Key career highlights include...

• Trained and motivated high performing brand management and marketing teams for startup and growth companies

• Redesigned operational protocols to maximize revenues and customer engagement

• Evaluated and analyzed strategic marketing plans to ensure high levels of effectiveness and ROI on expenditures

• Deployed new marketing strategies to drive double-digit revenue growth in established restaurant locations

• Created standardized local marketing playbooks to ensure consistency of execution and messaging License: Florida Real Estate, Notary Signing Agent CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Drove exceptional sales and growth results. Served as SME to rapidly respond to declining sales in underperforming markets with a standardized marketing strategy. increasing restaurant sales to +4.7%, including improving struggling markets +1.7%. Exceeded restaurant growth goals by 2.3%, including contributions of $18M from group dining sales.

• Exceeded gift card sales goal by 25%. Rebranded e-commerce program and deployed a one-day promotion. Exceeded sales expectations and significantly contributed to exceeding a $1M goal by 25%.

• Optimized dining space to drive revenue growth. Identified ways to reconfigure dining space to accommodate large parties, resulting in higher overall occupancy and higher revenues.

• Launched online marketing strategies resulting in $2.2M in new sales. Identified new opportunities to boost the company’s online presence, including OpenTable, and implemented new marketing strategies. Assisted in the creative and content development to ensure proper execution of communication messages.

• Developed nationwide group dining program and field marketing programs. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish standard operating procedures for all group dining events. Led training for field teams to enable and equip them to capture local business. Developed and delivered all training materials, reporting and marketing collateral to the field and all levels up to C-level executives.

CAREER HISTORY

Marketing Manager / Director of Training, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. 2017-2018 Developed extensive marketing and training programs to support initial opening and ongoing programs. Created a company-wide digital marketing structure while implementing training programs for 400+ employees. Integrated Brand & Marketing Manager, Tavistock Restaurant Collection. 2016-2017 Managed all field marketing programs for 10 individual brands across 11 locations. Collaborated with PR agencies to deploy integrated marketing strategies while driving sales through creative tactics including online and digital marketing strategies. National Local Marketing and Field Sales Manager, Darden Specialty Restaurant Group. 2006-2015 Directed global brand initiatives for a major restaurant group featuring leading brands including Bahama Breeze, The Capital Grille and Yard House. Managed local marketing budgets. Deployed online reservation programs and oversaw local implementation of strategic marketing plans. Sales & Marketing Manager, Bahama Breeze Island Grille. 2002-2006 Managed daily operations accounting for $7M including group sales of $1M. Identified local branding opportunities and executed all national marketing programs. Actively solicited new business while building strategic relationships in the local market. The Walt Disney Company 1998-2002

Regional Operations Manager, East Coast Guided the execution of operating standards for ESPN Zone locations, including a cross functional program to revamp menu offerings. Executed management and staff training programs. Operations Training Manager, New Openings Managed the launch of 5 new locations, with responsibility for recruiting, hiring and onboarding of 1,500+ employees

Earlier: Site Operations Manager, ESPN Zone; Corporate Trainer, Hard Rock Café.