Name: Jessica
Position: Senior Sales Executive
Location: Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
Dream destination: A weekend at our brand-new resort!
Jessica knew she wanted to work at a Gaylord Hotel before she even graduated high school. “I first fell in love with Gaylord Hotels when I visited the Gaylord Palms during my junior year of high school in 2005,” she says. “I remember saying to myself, ‘I want to work here when I grow up!’” That dream became reality—and then some.
Today, Jessica is a Senior Sales Executive at the recently opened Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, California. We spoke to Jessica when she was part of the pre-opening team at the sixth Gaylord property, helping bring the brand’s signature blend of hospitality and entertainment to the West Coast. “We are excited to continue the brand legacy,” she says.
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Jessica’s journey has taken her from Conference Coordinator to sales leader, with unforgettable moments along the way—from dining on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to starring in a Gaylord National commercial. But her favorite memories? “Unplanned karaoke with our team,” she says. “Honestly, we can have fun in a cardboard box.”
Keep reading to learn more about Jessica’s career journey, her passion for hospitality, and what it means to be a Star (yes, that’s how associates are referred to at Gaylord Pacific).
How did your Marriott journey start?
I was hired at Gaylord National as a Conference Coordinator. That role was one of my favorites and shaped me into the sales professional I am today.
What’s your current role?
As a Senior Sales Executive at Gaylord Pacific, selling meeting and convention space to Marriott’s largest Northeast and International customers.
What does being a Gaylord Star mean to you?
It means being part of a family you can always lean on, surrounded by the best and most experienced in the industry. It’s about creativity, empowerment, and service with a passion. Every STAR is empowered to do their best. And most importantly, being a STAR means that the opportunities for your future career in hospitality are infinite.
How do you build meaningful connections at work?
That is precisely the “secret sauce” to our sales success at Gaylord Hotels. Our clients become our friends, and when we bring the human factor into every interaction, people naturally want to do business with us.
How has Gaylord supported your growth?
The brand helped build my confidence and supported my involvement in industry associations. That led to awards, leadership roles, and now my dream job.
What are some extraordinary moments you’ve experienced in your journey?
Too many to count! From President’s Circle trips in the Bahamas and Cancun or riding on the back of a motorcycle to a closing event at the Gaylord Texan, to spontaneous karaoke with the team—those small, joyful moments are the best.
How are you encouraged to be creative?
We’re an entertainment company at heart. From organizing silent disco in banquet kitchens to having Darius Rucker performing at Gaylord Rockies, creativity is part of our DNA.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
When our team comes together in person. That synergy, that energy—that’s why I’m in this business.
What has been the proudest moment in your career?
When I got offered the job at Gaylord Pacific. My now leader had the biggest smile on her face and asked, “Are you ready to crush it?” I was SO ready!
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