Business Development Luxury Travel
Resume:
Kristina
DeBruyn
E N T R E P R E N E U R / I N D E P E N D E N T B U S I N E S S
O W N E R
****************@*****.***
Luxury Travel Advisor and Small Bakery Business
Owner with over 17 years of industry expertise,
specializing in bespoke travel experiences and new business development. Demonstrated strong skills in employee engagement, sales & marketing, and
maintaining high-end resort relationships to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty. Known for curating personalized itineraries and driving substantial
revenue growth through effective collaboration with hospitality partners both in the travel and hospitality industries.
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR Dec 2023 - Sep 2024
ULTIMATE JET VACATIONS Miami, Fla.
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
ADVISOR
Aug 2021 - Dec 2023
ARCHER TRAVEL SERVICE, INC. Grand Rapids MI
Agency Operations & Management:
Luxury Travel Planning & Itinerary Creation:
Concierge & Client Service Excellence:
Industry Partnerships & Certifications:
OWNER/OPERATOR Jul 2007 - Aug 2021
Great Harvest Bread Co. Grand Rapids MI
Bakery Ownership & Management:
Financial Management & Operational Efficiency:
Customer Experience & Brand Enhancement:
Operational Excellence:
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN
NURSING
Grand Rapids Community College
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Grand Rapids Community College
S K I L L S
Multi-Unit Operations Management
Market & Territory Expansion
Continuous Improvement
Employee Engagement
Team Building & Coaching
Performance Metrics
Guest / Customer
Experience Budget Administration
Revenue Growth
Cost Controls
Payroll
Accounts Payable and
Forecasting Sales & Marketing
Public Relations
New Business Development
Regulatory
Compliance
Purchasing
Hospitality Leadership
Food & Beverage Operations Facility
Maintenance
Safety Protocols
Menu Development
Inventory Management
Inventory Management
Travel certifications available upon
request.
E X P E R I E N C E
Curated Travel Experiences: Designed and delivered bespoke luxury travel itineraries, exceeding client expectations with personalized recommendations and seamless execution.
Destination Expertise: Cultivated in-depth knowledge of premium destinations worldwide, including cultural nuances, hidden gems, and exclusive access to VIP experiences.
Client Relationship Management: Built and maintained strong, long- term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and discerning travelers, providing exceptional service and personalized attention. Itinerary Planning & Coordination: Developed detailed travel itineraries, including flights, accommodation, transportation, activities, dining reservations, and special requests with the assistance of my personal concierge.
Crisis Management & Concierge Services: Provided 24/7 on-call support, proactively addressing any travel disruptions or emergencies, and offering concierge services for visa assistance, travel insurance, and other travel-related needs.
Budget Management & Cost Optimization: Assisted clients with budget planning and cost optimization, identifying clients' personal value-driven options while maintaining the highest standards of luxury and exclusivity.
Technology Proficiency: Utilized advanced travel technology platforms and CRM systems to manage client portfolios, track bookings, and streamline operational processes.
Business Development: Actively sought and secured new business opportunities through networking, industry events, and targeted marketing efforts.
Developed and implemented comprehensive travel agency procedures, including contracts, travel request forms, service agreements, payment procedures, and billing tools. Managed all aspects of agency operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow and client satisfaction.
Designed and crafted bespoke luxury travel itineraries for both domestic and international travel, incorporating flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, ground transportation, and unique experiences. Specialized in group travel planning, successfully organizing and executing a 15-day international itinerary for a group of 40, coordinating all logistics including flights, transportation (buses, boats, hotel transfers), hotel room blocks, restaurant reservations, and daily excursions.
Provided exceptional client service and support, acting as a dedicated concierge during group travel, addressing travel delays, missed flights, lost luggage, and individual client needs. Maintained strong client relationships by ensuring prompt and accurate responses to inquiries and providing personalized attention.
Established and maintained professional relationships with key suppliers, including airlines, hotels, tour operators, and ground transportation providers.
Achieved and maintained certification through Archer Travel, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and industry best practices.
Owned and operated a successful, high-volume Great Harvest Bread Company franchise, achieving annual sales of $1.2 million. Developed and implemented strategic business plans, including menu development, marketing initiatives, and operational procedures.
Successfully launched and managed a second franchise location, overseeing all aspects of construction, equipment installation, staff hiring and training, and operational startup.
Led and motivated teams of 12-15 employees across both locations, maintaining high employee morale and achieving 90% employee retention.
Demonstrated strong leadership and problem-solving skills, successfully navigating challenges such as a major fire and effectively rebuilding the business.
Implemented cost-cutting measures, reducing inventory and payroll costs by 18-19%.
Developed and implemented robust financial controls, including inventory management, ordering processes, and bookkeeping. Utilized QuickBooks for accounting, payroll, and financial reporting. Enhanced the guest experience by expanding the menu to include a full-service cafe with breakfast, lunch, soups, salads, and hot/cold sandwiches.
Increased storefront size from 1200 sq. ft to 2500 sq. ft, adding a 30-seat dining area to enhance customer comfort and dining options.
Consistently achieved high guest satisfaction scores, scoring 95% or higher on all secret shops conducted by the franchise corporate office.
Developed and implemented standardized operating procedures, ensuring consistency in food quality, service, and customer experience across both locations.
Redesigned hiring and training processes to improve employee performance, enhance customer service, and foster a positive work environment.
Maintained a high level of quality control, emphasizing the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and adhering to strict food safety standards.
E D U C A T I O N
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