Trudi Williams

Strategic, relationship-driven hospitality and business development executive with 25+ years of experience building revenue, developing new markets, creating strategic partnerships, and leading sales initiatives across hospitality, property management, real estate, tourism, and service-based businesses. Brings extensive Nashville market expertise and a proven ability to identify opportunities, develop decision-maker relationships, build pipelines, and manage the complete sales process from prospecting through contract. Experienced across hotel, extended-stay, short-term hospitality, residential property management, tourism, and destination marketing environments, with a strong understanding of the owner, investor, developer, corporate, and guest perspectives.

Proven success generating new business through proactive prospecting, networking, outside sales, relationship development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Entrepreneurial "builder" who enjoys creating sales opportunities, developing scalable processes, improving systems, and connecting people and technology to drive growth. Highly proficient with HubSpot, Asana, Slack, ChatGPT, Google Workspace, CRM platforms, and technology-enabled sales workflows.

Comfortable using AI and automation to improve prospecting, research, communication, reporting, organization, and overall sales efficiency.

Founder / Business Development Director at Blue Daisy Nashville — Consulting Practice (2019-01 – Present)

Founded and lead an independent business development and strategic partnership practice supporting hospitality, tourism, nonprofit, event, and service-focused organizations

• Build business opportunities from the ground up through prospecting, networking, strategic partnerships, referrals, community engagement, and direct relationship development
• Develop customized sales and marketing strategies designed to increase visibility, generate qualified opportunities, and create sustainable revenue
• Identify decision-makers and develop relationships across hospitality, real estate, corporate, nonprofit, tourism, and community sectors
• Build and manage strategic partnerships that create new business opportunities and expand market reach
• Leverage technology, CRM systems, AI tools, project management platforms, and digital collaboration tools to organize prospecting, relationship management, marketing initiatives, and business development activity
• Use HubSpot, Asana, Slack, ChatGPT, and Google Workspace to manage workflows, research prospects, develop communications, organize projects, collaborate with partners, and improve productivity
• Develop sponsorship, partnership, fundraising, experiential, and marketing opportunities for clients and partners
• Represent clients at networking events, fundraising events, hospitality functions, and community gatherings to develop relationships and generate opportunities
• Serve as Nashville Ambassador for major charity golf and fundraising events, expanding relationships with corporate leaders, hospitality professionals, investors, and community stakeholders
• Selected Clientele: John Daly/Major Ed Pulido Heart of a Lion Foundation; Waymore's Guest House + Casual Club; Frank Rally Post; Kenect Nashville; Ascent Hospitality

Senior Sales Manager at Holiday Inn Nashville – Vanderbilt (2024-01 – 2025-01)

Generated new corporate, group, university, medical, association, and SMERFE business through proactive prospecting and relationship-based sales

• Built and expanded relationships with Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Peabody College, Belmont University, corporate organizations, and community stakeholders
• Conducted cold outreach, sales appointments, outside sales, networking, account development, and strategic prospecting to create new revenue opportunities
• Managed the complete sales cycle from initial prospecting and qualification through presentations, site inspections, negotiation, contracting, event planning, execution, and follow-up
• Identified new opportunities by researching organizations, understanding decision-maker needs, and aligning hotel offerings with client objectives
• Monitored account production and developed strategies to increase room-night production, group business, repeat business, and overall account value
• Collaborated with Revenue Management to evaluate pricing, inventory, displacement, account strategy, and revenue opportunities
• Conducted customized property tours and site inspections designed to convert qualified prospects into contracted business
• Built long-term relationships with corporate, healthcare, higher education, association, and community organizations
• Managed event and group business from contract through execution, coordinating client requirements with Sales, Operations, Banquets, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, and Engineering
• Generated, reviewed, updated, and distributed BEOs and participated in BEO review, pre-convention, and event management meetings
• Used CRM and sales technology to manage account activity, prospecting, follow-up, and pipeline development
• Ranked #1 and #3 globally in IHG sales competitions while consistently exceeding revenue goals

Senior Sales Manager at Placemakr Hotels (2023-01 – 2024-01)

Directed multi-market sales initiatives across Nashville, New York City, Washington, DC, Texas, Georgia, and Virginia

• Developed new corporate, group, and extended-stay business through proactive prospecting, cold outreach, networking, strategic partnerships, and relationship-based selling
• Sold hospitality accommodations and experiences to corporate clients, groups, and organizations requiring flexible and extended-stay lodging solutions
• Developed relationships with decision-makers and identified opportunities for recurring and portfolio-based business
• Managed prospects through the complete sales process from initial outreach and qualification through presentations, property tours, negotiation, contracting, and account management
• Conducted high-impact property presentations and site tours that successfully converted prospects into contracted business
• Developed market-specific sales strategies focused on occupancy growth, account acquisition, market penetration, and long-term revenue
• Partnered with Operations and Guest Services to ensure client expectations were successfully delivered
• Managed group and event requirements, including BEOs, event planning, client walkthroughs, operational coordination, and post-event follow-up
• Participated in event management meetings and cross-functional planning sessions to ensure successful execution
• Worked across multiple markets and properties, developing a strong understanding of scalable sales practices and multi-market hospitality operations

Multi-Site Lease-Up Community Director at Elmington Property Management (2020-01 – 2022-01)

Led sales, revenue generation, leasing, and occupancy strategy across four residential communities representing more than 500 units and $240 million in assets

• Managed sales and leasing teams responsible for acquiring new residents and accelerating occupancy across multiple properties
• Developed market-specific sales strategies based on competitive analysis, pricing, demand, positioning, and local market conditions
• Collaborated with marketing, construction, operations, and leadership teams to accelerate lease-up and stabilization
• Conducted prospect presentations, property tours, follow-up, relationship management, and conversion activities
• Built relationships with residents, corporate partners, community organizations, and local stakeholders
• Used market intelligence and performance reporting to adjust sales strategies and improve occupancy
• Developed a strong understanding of property-level economics, asset performance, market positioning, owner/investor priorities, and the relationship between occupancy and revenue
• Consistently exceeded leasing and occupancy goals in highly competitive Nashville submarkets

Assistant General Manager at Mint House Hotels (2019-01 – 2019-12)

Managed operations for a technology-forward hospitality environment serving short-term and extended-stay guests

• Oversaw front office, guest services, housekeeping coordination, vendors, staffing, budgeting, and guest experience
• Worked closely with Sales and Revenue Management to align operational performance with occupancy and revenue objectives
• Developed practical understanding of the relationship between sales, guest experience, property operations, occupancy, and profitability
• Monitored financial and operational performance and implemented initiatives to improve property results
• Collaborated cross-functionally to enhance operations and guest satisfaction

CLI Real Estate School - Licensed TN Realtor 2018

Ball State University - Business + Marketing