Name: Kathy S.
Position: Senior Sales Executive
Hotel: Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
Dream destination: I would love to travel to Auckland, New Zealand, London and Italy.
Sometimes good things come in small packages, but when Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opens in the San Diego area in May 2025, it’s going to set the record straight that great things can come in huge packages.
With 1,600 guest rooms and suites, 477,000 square feet of convention space, 10 bars and restaurants, a water park, and more, Gaylord Pacific is poised to basically be its own resort city. And if the property’s pre-opening sales team has its way, that resort city will be fully populated and thriving by opening day.
→ Gaylord Pacific Is Hiring! Be a Part of the Team
“Our leadership team has empowered us to do whatever it takes to secure the business,” says Kathy, a Senior Sales Executive for the property. “I am empowered to host the most amazing site inspections in order to wow each guest; I can even finish off with a sunset cruise on the San Diego Bay.”
Kathy’s job is to “persuade and influence group clients to bring their conferences to the extraordinary new Gaylord Pacific,” she says, adding that she feels “like the luckiest person alive” to have this role.
Such a statement speaks volumes about her team and the new property, given that she’s worked in several departments and locations during her 35-year-plus career with Marriott, including catering sales in New Mexico, Texas, and Illinois; and group sales and sales leadership in Colorado. After spending more than half of her Marriott career working remotely from Denver as a Senior Sales Executive for the JW Marriott Marco Island, about a year ago, Kathy made the jump to Gaylord Pacific, which she calls the “crown jewel of the San Diego coastline.”
Below, learn why Kathy, a triple-decade Marriott vet, is “thrilled” to be a part of the pre-opening sales team at Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center.
You’ve had a storied career journey at Marriott—how did it start?
Ironically, I was an on-premise wine specialist trying to secure the Marriott Albuquerque’s house wine account. The Director of Food & Beverage at the time told me “I have some good news and some bad news: The bad news is that we went with another wine selection for our house wine. But, we would like to offer you a Catering Sales Manager position to join our team.”
That was 35 years ago. I’m sincerely grateful for losing that house wine account and becoming a part of the most amazing hotel company in the world.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being curious! In general, I am a firm believer there is business behind every opportunity. If I see or hear of a new company, I immediately research where they are headquartered, and whether they plan conventions or meetings. Some of my most favorite career wins have been opportunities that I uncovered myself and then brought to fruition by booking their conference. Digging deep for new clients has always been a passion of mine.
More specifically to this property, I love showcasing Gaylord Pacific as a blank canvas of opportunity. It allows my clients to envision ways they can make their conference most memorable. The setting on the San Diego Bay is so peaceful, and the proximity to Little Italy, Old Town, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, the world-famous Torrey Pines, and so much more is extraordinary.
How do you make meaningful connections in your role?
Relationships and good conversations lead to long-term friendships with all of my clients. I have made so many dear friends in this industry over the years, many of whom bring their business to each of the resorts I have worked for. I am driven to make meaningful connections to ensure we provide solutions for everything the client is looking for.
How are you encouraged to be innovative and creative in your role?
Mediocrity bores me. I love to make every interaction a memorable one, taking advantage of every minute I have with a client to connect. Once I learn what is important to them, I immediately think of creative ways we can make their program most memorable.
What are some ways Gaylord Hotels has supported you in learning, development, and growing your own career?
Gaylord Hotels’ leadership provides me with so many tools and resources; it is fun to learn new ways to make an impact on business. (Those sunset cruises are a new favorite!) I am also surrounded by the best sales professionals in the industry, and I learn from them every day.
Our General Manager is always first to meet our clients, sharing his personal commitment to make their conference successful. Our entire executive team is always there to assist me in getting creative in order to close on business. Additionally, we have a wonderful support team that helps us execute the most memorable site tours.
All of my colleagues feel like family. We work so well together and support each other in everything we do. I have had the most amazing career, and I will only retire when I stop having fun!
