Business Development Manager

KAREN HOFFROGGE, CTC, MCC

**** ****** **** • Eden Prairie, MN 55346 • ********@*******.*** • 952-***-****

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Strategic Planning / Relationship Management

Entrepreneurial business development strategist with a record of demonstrated success supporting multiple business units across the United States. Adept at building and maintaining solid relationships with customer groups through mentoring and coaching. Exceptional travel and insurance industry experience.

Core competencies include:

• Excellent communication skills • Creative sales strategies, including

creation of leisure sales manual • Key client retention

• Solution-driven business

acumen • Territory support for approximately 50 business units throughout the U.S. • Ability to build, interpret and

critique business plans

• Persuasive and effective sales presentation skills • GDS systems knowledge (Sabre,

Apollo, and Worldspan) • Extensive travel and insurance

Background

• Ability to travel to meet business needs • Proven success with numerous

start-up organizations • Revenue driven

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, 2005 –MARCH 2009

CRUISE HOLIDAYS DIVISION OF THE TRAVEL ACQUISITION GROUP, Minneapolis, MN

(formerly, a division of CARLSON COMPANIES, Minneapolis, MN)

Oversaw approximately 50 Cruise Holidays franchise stores throughout the United States. Served as the liaison between corporate headquarters and the franchise owners to offer systems support, provide details of franchise policies and procedures, and introduce new products. Reviewed business budget and marketing plans, and offered solutions to increase sales and visibility. Provided training to new franchise owners. Created and delivered presentations regarding sales enhancement techniques during regional and annual meetings. Networked with other Business Development Managers to discuss and share successful business practices. Created a franchise-specific sales training program; presented this training during annual convention; and implemented training for franchises.

Selected Achievements:

• Developed a Successful Sales Strategy program, which was distributed to all of the franchises throughout the U.S. and Canada.

• Negotiated renewal contracts to retain key clients.

• Consistently develop strong, sustainable relationships with franchise owners.

SUPPORT SERVICE SPECIALIST, 2000 - 2005

CARLSON COMPANIES, Minneapolis, MN

Responsible for providing support to Carlson Wagonlit Travel Agencies and Cruise Holidays franchise stores in regards to training and policies/programs. Acted as a mediator between owners and suppliers to resolve issues. Provided timely follow-up and accurate attention to customers’ needs.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:

Sleepy Eye Travel, Inc. – Owner

Travelways American Express – Manager

Travelways American Express – Sr. Travel Consultant

4 Seasons Travel – Manager

Uniglobe Prestige Travel – Manager

Omni Travel – Lead Corporate Agent

Carlson Wagonlit Travel – Travel Consultant

INSURANCE EXPERIENCE:

State Farm Insurance – Office Manager (Automotive and Home insurance sales focus)

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Resource Management – Concordia College - St. Paul, MN

Certified Travel Consultant (CTC) designation

Accredited Cruise Counselor (MCC) designation

Licensed in Health, Life, Accident, Property and Casualty Insurance

Professional Development Courses/Training:

Effective Presentation Skills

Exceptional Customer Service

Analyzing Business

Languages

English fluently

Limited French

Limited Spanish

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