Grace Velez

Grace’s career in the hospitality industry started at Westgate Resorts, where she worked for over 15 years. She began as a tour desk agent and worked her way up to Director of Specialty Sales. As a director, Grace oversaw specialty sales operations for all of Westgate Resorts nationwide. She is proud to say that the departments she managed were key in helping break a sales record of over $2,000,000 in specialty sales.

Grace then went on to work for the local CVB in Kissimmee, Florida, Experience Kissimmee. Experience Kissimmee is the official tourism authority for Osceola County. As a team, they developed sales, marketing, and communication programs that encouraged millions of overnight guests annually. As this area was known as the Vacation Home Capital of The World, she then ventured out and began her sales career.

Grace began her sales career as a Director of Sales for Oak Plantation Resort and The Days Inn at Oak Plantation (Wyndham). She knew she had found her place in the hospitality industry. Helping families and groups build life-long vacation memories was very rewarding. It was just as rewarding to be able to make families feel comfortable with the transition to temporary homes, no matter the reason. Creating the “home away from home” feel and the friendly treatment of all guests is what hospitality is all about.

As Grace enjoyed working with the Wyndham Brand, she went on to work as the first Sales Manager for Magic Village Views, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. It was a wonderful opportunity where she gained the experience of promoting a new build property and prospecting for new business. This in turn also helped families create wonderful new memories!

Grace has joined Sandpiper Hospitality as a Regional Sales Manager, and we are glad to have her on the team!