Steve Forsberg
Alpharetta
Summary
To obtain a Sales Director or Sales Management position in a challenging environment with a highly motivated Company.
Financially savvy Hotel Development Executive with 25 years of highly successful Hotel Franchise Development who is motivated by identifying challenges and building strong customers. Seasoned Vice President of Development with background in strategic planning, team leadership and project management. Skilled at identifying growth opportunities and driving business expansion efforts. Known for leading cross-functional teams, enhancing operational efficiencies, and delivering impactful solutions to drive company success. Strong ability to forge beneficial relationships with stakeholders while maintaining focus on bottom-line results.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Development
Hard Rock International
Hollywood
01.2022 - 02.2026
- Partnered with an investment fund to develop 10-12 Reverb upscale hotels across US, facilitating over 900M in CAPEX and 250M in equity investment.
- Sold 4 new Reverb hotel franchise development deals doubling our size in North America.
- Developed robust pipeline of potential franchisees through strategic prospecting, cold calling, email campaigns, and referrals from hospitality companies, securing 12 deals for leadership committee approval.
- Within first 6 months, sourced and signed 4 LOI development agreements in key markets.
- Led all stages of the Franchise process and built strong relationships with Management companies, consultants, lenders, architects and independent developers to become their trusted advisor.
- Facilitated the launch of Reverb Hotels by Hard Rock in the Eastern US and Canada.
- Expanded the Reverb by Hard Rock franchise in New Construction and Conversion hotels across the Eastern US and Canada in the Upscale Segment.
Chief Development Officer
Edenburg Hospitality
Miramar
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Established Edenburg Hospitality as the 'Preferred' vendor for Wyndham, Radisson, and Sonesta. A first for Edenburg in its 19 year history.
- Added 13 new customers with a contract value exceeding $10,000,000.
- Developed and executed strategies introducing Edenburg Hospitality to US market during COVID pandemic, positioning company for recovery.
- Built a bench of future sales leaders to support long-term organizational growth.
- Managed diverse sales team of 4, mentoring to foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Expanded Edenburg brand visibility in hospitality procurement sector, enhancing market presence.
Vice President Franchise Sales and New Development
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Parsippany
01.1999 - 01.2020
- 2015 to 2020; Vice President Franchise Sales and New Development; Responsible and managed 6 Sales Directors for both Conversion Sales and New Construction Sales in the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Caribbean for all Wyndham franchised brands.
- Achieved 'Presidents Club' performance for all 21 years. A Wyndham Franchise Sales record.
- Exceeded 'Execution' and 'Opening' quotas consistently for 21 years as Sales Director and Regional Vice President, driving revenue growth.
- Sold 400+ franchises across all Wyndham brands, contributing to brand expansion and market presence.
- Sold the first franchised Tryp and Registry Collection by Wyndham brands in the US.
- Honored as regional vice president of the year in 2016.
- Elevated to the role of regional vice president in 2015.
- Solid track record of hiring and developing a strong sales team.
- Developed and implemented profitable program contracts, enhancing franchisee support and operational success.
- 2007 to 2015; Managing Director; Responsible for both Conversion and New Construction for all economy brands and also managed a Sales Director in the state of Florida.
- Led sales initiatives for conversion and new construction in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Territory Sales Manager
W.W.Grainger, Inc.
Dalton
01.1994 - 01.1999
- Grew annual territory revenue performance from $1,700,000 to over $3,300,000.
- Developed major 'Contract Buying' programs that generated substantial revenue growth.
- Consistent top 5% performer within the three state region.
- Provided sales and service support to 2000 companies across manufacturing, healthcare, government, and new accounts in North Georgia.
Key Account Manager
Hantover, Inc.
Atlanta
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Managed key client relationships to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Conducted regular account reviews to identify client needs and solutions.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams on strategic initiatives.
- Managed sales and service for large product line in Food Processing Industry, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.
Communications Specialist
Wits' End Productions
Atlanta
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Engaged corporate executives to promote corporate video production for training and product launches, enhancing communication effectiveness.
- Developed internal communication strategies for diverse teams at Wits' End Productions.
- Created engaging content for various platforms, enhancing brand visibility and outreach.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging across projects.
Operations Manager/Partner
Hertz Penske / Sunbelt, Inc.
Atlanta
01.1988 - 01.1990
- Supervised team of ten, overseeing hiring, job estimating, and inventory control management to ensure operational efficiency.
- Managed sales and revenue generation, contributing to company's growth through new product introductions, market expansion, and pricing strategies.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficiency and compliance with company standards.
- Managed team schedules and assigned tasks to optimize workforce productivity.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, marketing
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC01-1988
Skills
- Business development
- Franchise development
- Sales performance management
- Contract negotiation
- Pipeline management
- Market strategies
- Performance tracking
- New business development
- Brand development
- Team leadership
- Leadership and mentoring
- Networking skills
- Negotiation skills
- Training and mentoring
- Cold calling techniques
- Team collaboration
Custom
Available upon request
Custom
- Wharton Business School Sales Training
- Wyndham Salesman of the year three times
- Wyndham VP of the year
Timeline
Vice President of Development
Hard Rock International
01.2022 - 02.2026
Chief Development Officer
Edenburg Hospitality
01.2020 - 01.2022
Vice President Franchise Sales and New Development
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
01.1999 - 01.2020
Territory Sales Manager
W.W.Grainger, Inc.
01.1994 - 01.1999
Key Account Manager
Hantover, Inc.
01.1992 - 01.1994
Communications Specialist
Wits' End Productions
01.1990 - 01.1992
Operations Manager/Partner
Hertz Penske / Sunbelt, Inc.
01.1988 - 01.1990
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, marketing
Western Carolina University