Jennie Kaplan Woodson
Jennie has spent the last 9 years working her way up the food chain in hospitality sales and taking ownership in her career growth. She juggled restaurant, catering, and event jobs down in San Diego before moving to Sonoma to sell the Hyatt from initial inquiry to closing the final tab at a hotel that was central to wine country tourism. Then she moved to San Francisco to sell her DREAM property, the Hyatt Regency on Embarcadero, before the pandemic took it all away 4 weeks later. She didn’t panic and instead used the covid layoff to learn more about wine, and is now combining her love for both industries into a fruitful career marrying Hyatt hotel sales during the week with wine sales in Sausalito on the weekend. She can sell you room blocks, event space, and even sell the wine to pair with your food for your trip to the CIty By The Bay!
Available wherever you listen to podcasts!
Highlights from the Interview
Audrey: Jennie, thank you so much for joining us today on Women Just Like You. I'm excited to discuss your career in hospitality sales and your experiences so far.
Jennie Kaplan Woodson: Thanks for having me, Audrey. It's funny how you asked me right after getting our nails done—I couldn't say no to that. Excited to dive into hospitality sales with you.
Audrey: I was nervous asking, but you were so cool about it. So, when you were a kid, did you see yourself in hospitality sales?
Jennie Kaplan Woodson: Not at all. I never had a clear career goal as a child. I went into college aiming for a business degree because it seemed versatile. I stumbled into hospitality by accident when I saw a classmate engaged in these fun projects for her intro to hospitality class. That sparked my interest, and here I am, nine years later, still in the field.
Audrey: That's an interesting start. And soccer—does it still play a part in your life?
Jennie Kaplan Woodson: Soccer was a big part of my life until I was 18, but now, I’ve shifted to kickball in San Francisco. It’s a bit less demanding, but keeps the spirit alive.
Audrey: Kickball sounds fun and a great way to keep active. Can you tell us more about your career path and how you navigated to where you are now?
Jennie Kaplan Woodson: Absolutely. My journey wasn’t straightforward. I began with interests in events and meetings during my college hospitality program, which included working in restaurants—a great fit for a full-time student. My first real job in the field was with Wyndham Hotels as a sales and catering coordinator. That role opened the door to hotel sales, which I discovered I had a knack for.
I’ve worked in various hotels, moving from San Diego to Sonoma County, and most recently, I took a position with Hyatt, which was an upgrade in both the product and my salary. Over the years, I've developed from handling local hotel sales to broader, more strategic sales roles that impact multiple properties.
Audrey: It sounds like a fulfilling journey with strategic moves. What does a day in the life of a group sales manager look like?
Jennie Kaplan Woodson: It’s diverse. I handle everything from the initial client proposal to contract signing. I set up rates, discounts, and manage space bookings for events. Once a contract is signed, our planning team takes over to execute the details. It’s not the pushy sales stereotype; it’s more about building relationships and ensuring our clients think of us first for any events or group needs.
Audrey: And your side job at a wine bar, how does that fit into your life?
Jennie Kaplan Woodson: The wine bar job began as a fun activity during COVID but turned into a passionate side project. It complements my main job by enhancing my understanding of wine, which is useful in hospitality and client entertainment. It keeps me connected to my community and allows me to enjoy wine while working, which is a bonus.
Audrey: That integration of passion and profession seems really fulfilling. Lastly, any advice for those facing layoffs or career transitions?
Jennie Kaplan Woodson: Use it as an opportunity to pursue something that excites you. If you’ve been laid off, consider it a chance to redirect your career toward something you’re passionate about, whether that’s advancing your education, shifting industries, or even turning a hobby into a career. It's about finding joy and fulfillment in your work, whatever direction that may take you.