Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Nelson.
Jenna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my start in hospitality at 14 years old, bussing tables at a busy Italian restaurant. Those Saturday nights taught me the value of hard work, quick thinking, and the power of a great team — lessons that would stick with me throughout my career. A few years later, I spent two summers working at a Girl Scout camp, where I learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and collaboration. Guiding campers and working closely with a team in a dynamic environment taught me how meaningful it can be to create a positive experience for others.
After earning my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and completing a Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University, I began my professional career in sales and business development. Today, I am proud to serve as the Director of Sales for a portfolio of two Hilton hotels — the Home2 Suites by Hilton Nokomis Sarasota Casey Key and the Hampton Inn & Suites North Port. In this role, I lead strategic business development efforts, create lasting partnerships, and focus on delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to be recognized for my results and leadership, including being named Rookie Sales Leader of the Year, generating nearly $6 million in sales in 2024, and being honored as both an SRQ Magazine 35 Under 35 nominee and a Young Professional of the Year finalist.
My career has been shaped by a passion for service, a love of building relationships, and a drive to create meaningful results for the people and organizations I work with.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Early in my career, one of my biggest challenges was stepping into leadership and sales roles at a young age. I often found myself sitting across the table from people who had been in the industry for decades, and it took time and persistence to build credibility. I learned to lead with preparation and confidence — coming to every meeting with data, solutions, and a collaborative mindset. Over time, that approach helped me earn trust, close significant business, and eventually take on responsibility for multiple hotels.
Another challenge I’ve faced is balancing my passion for career growth with being a mom to my six-year-old daughter. The hospitality industry moves quickly, and there are always opportunities to do more, sell more, and be more involved. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize what matters most — both at work and at home — has been one of the most important lessons of my journey. It’s made me more focused, more efficient, and more empathetic toward others navigating similar challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Director of Sales for the Home2 Suites by Hilton Nokomis Sarasota Casey Key and the Hampton Inn & Suites North Port, I specialize in building partnerships that drive business and create meaningful experiences for our clients and guests. My role involves strategic business development, cultivating relationships with corporate and group clients, and ensuring our hotels deliver not just a great stay, but a truly memorable experience.
I’m known for my ability to connect with people, understand their unique needs, and find solutions that work for everyone. I take pride in being approachable and collaborative — I don’t just sell rooms, I help solve problems and make things easier for my clients. One of my proudest accomplishments was generating nearly $6 million in sales in 2024 while also being recognized as Rookie Sales Leader of the Year within my company after only being with them for 6 months.
What sets me apart is my genuine passion for hospitality and my commitment to building long-term relationships. I view every client interaction as an opportunity to create trust and add value — not just for the business at hand, but for the partnership overall. I believe this relationship-first approach is what allows me to deliver strong results year after year.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve learned that every big opportunity comes with a little bit of risk — and that’s not something to fear, it’s something to manage. I wouldn’t call myself reckless, but I do believe in stepping outside my comfort zone when it means growth.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was moving to Florida in 2020 without really knowing anyone and essentially starting over. I had to build my network, my reputation, and my career from the ground up in a brand-new market — all while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic. It was intimidating at times, but it forced me to get creative, put myself out there, and focus on building meaningful relationships. Those early efforts are what ultimately led me to where I am today.
I think risk-taking, for me, is about calculated courage. I ask myself: “What’s the worst that could happen, and what’s the best that could happen?” If the potential growth and impact outweigh the fear of failure, I usually take the leap — and almost every time, it’s led to incredible opportunities. Taking that approach has made me a more confident sales leader, willing to try new strategies, explore new markets, and push past fear in order to deliver meaningful results for my clients and teams.
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