facebooktwitteryoutubeiconFollow Me on Pinterest

Eric Studer

Contact

Contact-image

Board Member

Address:
Eureka Springs AR 72631

Phone: 214-676-3860

Fax: 479-253-9465

http://retreatatskyridge.com

Contact Form

Send an email. All fields with an * are required.

Links

Other information

Other information:

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Strategic change agent known for achieving multiple goals on time and within budget, producing more with less, creative problem solving, and utilizing a common sense approach to planning. Able to communicate with and motivate employees at all organization levels. Experienced cross-functional team leader, trainer, and mentor.

EXPERTISE

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Marketing & Sales 
Wildlife Park Marketing and Operations Including Entertainment & Show Production
Motor Sports Marketing and Sponsorship Solicitation       
Branding, Brand Management, Advertising, Sales Promotion, Public Relations
Market Research Analysis, Strategic Marketing Plan Development
CRM Planning, Loyalty Program Design/Supervision
Web Site Development, SEO/ SEM, Social Media    
Co-Op Marketing Programs, B-to-B Marketing, Trade Show Management
Communications, Training Program Design and Administration

CAREER

Inn Nature Hospitality, Inc. 2008-Present - The Retreat at Sky Ridge Resort and Sky Ridge Pavilion Event Center
Co-Founder & Executive Vice President         

Acquired and successfully repositioned 25 year-old resort in NW Arkansas. Improvements included: full facility renovation, opening the largest event center in West Eureka Springs, new hiking trails and creation of community labyrinth. Implemented re-branding marketing campaign with new web site, social media plan, co-op promotions, more efficient reservation system, public relations, improved guest service programs and sales affiliate expansion

 

Accor North America (Sofitel, Novotel, Red Roof Inn, Studio 6 & Motel 6) 1995-2008
Senior Vice-President Marketing 

Grew category leading brand awareness & RevPAR despite decreased budgets and stagnant unit growth
Directly managed marketing & public relations for three leading US economy hotel brands and tactical support for two upscale international hotel brands
Selection & management of full-service advertising/PR agencies, consultants, and research firms
Developed & supervised all franchise B-to-B marketing, sales plan development & support, and franchisee sales & marketing training program development
Created first in-house graphics group ($1.5 Million Net Savings –1st Year) 
Introduced first national phone card program in lodging industry ($6 Million Gross Profit-1st Year)
Design & implementation of multiple national sponsorships/co-op promotions with brand leaders including: VISA, American Express, Dominos Pizza, Canine Companions for Independence, National Hot Rod Association and Pro Bowlers Association 
Designed first national sustainable development program, “Earth Guest Week”, with wildlife celebrity Jack Hanna

 

HighwayMaster Mobile Communications - Wireless Communications & GPS Technology Provider for Long Haul Trucking Market
Vice-President Marketing   

Created “Push-Pull” marketing strategy, taking new start-up company to #2 market position in less than 24 months of product introduction
Managed all B-to-B advertising, sales team support, trade show initiatives, data base development, and public relations
Design and supervision of motor sports hospitality program for company-sponsored four car SCCA Trans-Am Racing Team - responsible for client entertainment, team sponsorship funding & sales promotions
Negotiation of marketing agreements with Featherlite Trailers, Kenworth, and Goodyear, saving over $3 million in 12 months, while creating new sales and product distribution/service channels

Florida Leisure Acquisition Corporation - (Silver Springs, Weeki Wachee Springs, Holiday Inn, Bimini Reef Club, Wild Waters & Buccaneer Bay Water Parks)   
Limited Partner – Vice-President Marketing & Operations     

Responsible for brand re-positioning, marketing, sales, and public relations for all parks & hotels
Reversed 12-year decline in attendance within first 18 months of new ownership
Created special event series generating $2.5 Million in incremental revenue (1st Year)
Design/Implementation of new rides, animal shows, and F&B offerings
Established co-op partnerships with Coors, Frito-Lay, Kodak, and Universal Studios increasing marketing funds by 11%
Public Relations /TV appearances with Jack Hanna, and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Host - Jim Fowler

Rent-A-Center - Largest Rent-To-Own Company in North America (Over 600 Retail Locations)
Director - National Marketing                                   

National advertising campaign management including budgeting, agency selection & supervision          
Managed VALS & PRIZM based store location analysis and media planning
National sales promotions, Public Relations, and POP material development
Achieved goal of company listing on NYSE

Holiday Inn Hotel Corporation
Director - National Advertising & Promotions                           

Implemented & supervised “Hospitality Promise Room Guarantee”, “Forget Something?” and “Great Rates” - programs still being used today
Implemented & managed lodging industry’s first loyalty program; Holiday Inn “Priority Club”, generating $8 Million in incremental sales during first 18 Months
Managed multiple hotel sales promotions including the industry’s first NFL promotion; “Touchdown Tickets” generating $2 Million in incremental room revenue

EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS

The Ohio State University - Dual BS Degrees in Marketing & Real Estate
MOBIUS Advertising Awards - Judge (over 5 years)
Creekwater Native Turtle Rescue & Rehab Center - Co-Founder
Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce - Member
Eureka Springs West Tourism Association - Board Member
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (America’s Largest Big Cat Sanctuary) – Board Member
Alliance Francaise de Dallas (Non-Profit French Language School) and Scott Griffin Motor Sports - Former Board Member

ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS

President’s Award (Most Prestigious Corporate Employee Recognition) – Accor North America
Senior Mentor in Management Mentor Program (5 Years) - Accor North America
Ad Age Magazine’s “Top 100 Campaigns of the Century” - Motel 6 “We’ll Leave the Light On!”
Recipient of Sports Car Club of America’s First “Outstanding Sponsor” Award – HighwayMaster Mobile Communications
Over 25 Mercury, Galaxy, Gold Addys, and Golden Pencil Awards –Holiday Inn, Silver Springs, Motel 6, Studio 6   
Voted “Best Guest Speaker” at Memphis State University (Two years) – Holiday Inn Hotel Corporation
Designed template-marketing plan utilized by more than 140 Alliance Francaise non-profit French language school chapters. Resulted in obtaining marketing co-op funds/subsidy from Paris headquarters - first time in organization’s history


Additional information & references available on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/profile/view?id=36968998&trk=tab_pro