Erin Cook, 33, works in Austin, Texas, as director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. As a 2019 40 Under 40 honoree, Cook discusses her passion for the events industry.
*Connect with Cook on LinkedIn.
What I do: I help my teammates, colleagues and stakeholders reach our financial goals by clearing barriers and collaborating on solutions. My objective daily is to find creative ways to improve upon past performance and motivate my team to do the same through unique sales tactics and marketing communication. While I love to watch the joy in my team when we hit strategic and financial targets, my true passion is helping individuals succeed and reach their personal and professional goals.
How I got here: I learned at an early age the sense of accomplishment that comes with a job well-done and, thankfully, some of my first positions were in hospitality serving and bartending my way through college. I didn’t have clear direction when I graduated of my path, but I was fortunate enough to meet with a recruiter from Hyatt who thought my personality would be an excellent fit in sales. Little did I know that conversation would take me to four different states and five different cities learning different cultures, markets and leadership lessons along the way!
My greatest career accomplishment: My greatest career achievement is seeing both past and present team members be recognized for their achievements within my organization and industry, rise professionally into leaders and organizers, and make financial gains that allow them the freedoms to live life on their terms.
Impressive stats: I achieved the highest revenue producing year to date in 2018 at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines with the sales and marketing team. I am a four-time winner of Hyatt’s Annual Elite Performer, awarded to the top sellers within the company; 2016 Top 10 North America performance to quota; and team member of the 2013 Sales Team of the Year.
What are you working on right now that you’re excited about? My overarching goal for 2019 is to make our site tours as exciting, fun and memorable as our resort. We have such a unique property, with our longhorns, alpacas, horses and baby goats, all surrounded by 405 acres of protected wilderness just east of Austin. We want to ensure our guests truly experience Lost Pines, not just dates, rates and space!
What I do outside of work: I took up golfing three years ago and while I’m not an expert player, I am an enthusiastic one! I love to take advantage of the benefits Hyatt offers with travel. In my free time, I’m usually jetting off to a new place or planning my next trip!
Favorite vacation destination: Hyatt Regency Maui and Andaz Maui are my two favorite hotels on my favorite island. I had the genuine privilege of living and working in Maui for a little over a year and miss it every day. It’s such a special place and I plan on making the trip there annually or more if I can. I love the scenery and watersports, but the amazing people make it my favorite destination.
Favorite icebreaker line: What’s your favorite type of ice-cream? That question is dual-purpose; first, we bond over dessert, and then I can also learn a new flavor to add to my list!
Travel hack: I always travel with a light sweater, scarf and hydrating mist. You never know on airplanes if you’ll need an extra layer or two and, if you don’t, the layers double as a pillow! Hydrating mist refreshes your skin and gives you a little wake-up before heading to your destination.
