Collette Johnson

Account Executive, Visit Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Age: 31

“I look at change as a new opportunity,” says Collette Johnson. With her positive attitude, winning smile, and resolve, Johnson has forged her path in hospitality since her first teenage jobs in fast food. From hotel PBX operator to sales management, forward-thinking Johnson always looked ahead for her next step. At Holiday Inn’s front desk in Birmingham, Ala., she peered across the hall to sales and had to find out more. What she learned ignited her desire, and two front desks later she asked Embassy Suites’ new GM how she could land a sales role. Training for a year until a job came open, Johnson started selling in the SMERF market. That thirst to learn drove her to a larger market and corporate sales at Embassy Suites Orlando. At a dinner for the CVB, the Visit Orlando director repeatedly mentioned a sales opening, and almost six years later, Johnson has climbed to account executive for Visit Orlando’s entire SMERF market, as well as corporate and association sales for Texas. As her 167 percent sales achievement for 2010 attests, sales is clearly her niche. “It’s a gift I have, selling and connecting with others,” she says. —K. Manfredi