ERIC LYMAN
Palm Coast, FL 405-***-****
****.*.*****@*****.***
SUMMARY
Dynamic and results-driven Regional Director of Sales with a proven track record in driving revenue growth, maximizing profitability, and developing high-performing teams in both select-service and full-service hotels. Adept at liaising between hotel owners, management, and staff, ensuring seamless communication and alignment with business objectives. Highly skilled in navigating complex conversations with ownership groups, including difficult discussions about revenue strategies, expenses, and operational adjustments. My sales philosophy is centered around "heads in beds"—filling rooms to drive revenue—while monitoring ADR but focusing on the true profit driver, the REVPAR index.
Proven ability to analyze market trends, develop strategic partnerships, and implement sales strategies that consistently exceed revenue targets. Strong leadership in mentoring and developing teams, fostering a culture of performance and accountability. Experience in managing multiple brands, opening new properties, and reinvigorating distressed assets through targeted marketing and sales initiatives.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Champion Hotels & Development
Oklahoma City, OK & Palm Coast, FL
Regional Director of Sales (2010 – Present)
Successfully liaised between ownership, management, and hotel staff to ensure seamless operations and revenue growth. Skilled at addressing owner concerns, including challenging discussions about pricing strategies, revenue pacing, and performance adjustments.
Consistently achieved and exceeded budgeted revenues in both room sales and catering/banquets, contributing to increased profitability across multiple properties.
Drove REVPAR by effectively managing business relationships, optimizing revenue strategies, and quickly identifying and responding to performance gaps within the organization.
Developed and executed strategies for government, corporate, wholesale, and group meeting segments, ensuring strong performance and market penetration.
Key player in hotel openings, launching five hotels within 30 months, including the first two avid hotels by IHG globally, working closely with IHG executives to shape the brand’s direction.
Expert in STR report analysis, using data-driven insights to maximize hotel performance and outpace competitors in key markets.
Led quarterly financial analysis, scheduled investor meetings, and presented performance results, developing and executing action plans based on feedback.
Stratosphere Hospitality (2007 – Present)
Owner / Sales & Marketing Consultant
Founded and operated a successful sales and marketing business, assisting distressed hotels with website management, Google AdWords campaigns, and revenue optimization strategies.
Analyzed Google Analytics to track performance and enhance digital marketing effectiveness.
Provided consulting services for hotels struggling to increase market share, implementing customized sales and revenue strategies to drive profitability.
The Hotel of South Beach / The Park Central Hotel – Miami Beach, FL
Director of Sales & Marketing (2004 – 2007)
Developed and executed luxury and boutique hotel sales strategies, driving occupancy and revenue in a highly competitive market.
Strengthened relationships with international wholesalers and fulfillment companies, securing a steady flow of high-value guests.
Spearheaded marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness and solidified the hotels’ positioning in the boutique luxury market.
Island Club Resort & Spa – Orlando Vacation Investments – Kissimmee, FL
Director of Sales & Marketing (2003 – 2004)
Established key corporate and wholesale accounts, increasing occupancy and direct revenue.
Successfully repositioned the hotel within the competitive Orlando market, driving increased group and leisure bookings.
Ocean Walk Resort – Wyndham Resorts – Daytona Beach, FL
Director of Hotel Sales (2001 – 2003)
Oversaw all sales and revenue initiatives for a premier resort property, maintaining a strong market presence.
Worked closely with corporate and wholesale accounts to drive consistent revenue.
Hyatt Place – Central Florida – Prime Hospitality
Senior Director of Sales – Full Service (1999 – 2001)
Managed a high-performing sales team, focusing on driving group and corporate sales.
Implemented revenue strategies that improved market share and profitability.
KEY SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth – Expertise in driving REVPAR index and optimizing ADR strategies.
Liaison Between Owners, Management & Staff – Comfortable navigating complex conversations with owners, even in challenging financial discussions.
Hotel Openings & Brand Development – Played a key role in launching five hotels, including the first two avid hotels by IHG globally.
Corporate & Group Sales Leadership – Skilled in building strong relationships with corporate, wholesale, and government accounts.
Mentorship & Staff Development – Passionate about mentoring sales teams and hotel staff to drive high performance.
Financial Analysis & Investor Relations – Experience in presenting financial results, developing action plans, and executing strategies for revenue growth.
Marketing & Digital Strategies – Proven track record in managing SEO, Google Ads, and analytics-driven marketing initiatives.
CERTIFICATIONS
ServSafe Certified
Professional Sales Skills Certification
Professional Negotiating & Skills for Successful Leadership
Project Management Certification