Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Foster.
Hi Wendy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The hospitality industry offers some of the most rewarding opportunities available. Many employees advance through the ranks, with some starting as housekeepers and ultimately achieving positions as general managers throughout their careers.
Sales represents my second career path. Prior to this, I spent 28 years in the banking industry before transitioning into hospitality—a move that felt like a natural progression for me. My involvement with the local Tourism Development Authority facilitated direct engagement with our community’s only hotel. When the General Manager transitioned to a higher role as Director of Operations within his management group, he reached out to me, inviting me to consider the position of Director of Sales. This marked a significant turning point in my career.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Clashing personalities can present significant challenges in the workplace. As a Sales Director, you collaborate closely with the General Manager and the Revenue Manager, which required considerable adjustment on my part. Additionally, you interact with every employee in operations to ensure they fully comprehend the needs, desires, and expectations of each group or company. Effective customer service necessitates that all employees demonstrate courtesy and possess a clear understanding of their roles. At times, workplace dynamics can be challenging; therefore, gaining a deeper understanding of your co-workers and their motivations can significantly enhance your working relationships with them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My Story – A Career Built on Connection, Creativity, and Community
I’m a sales and marketing leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, building relationships, and elevating brands — primarily in the hospitality industry, but also across nonprofit, retail, and financial services sectors. At my core, I specialize in creating meaningful connections — between businesses and their clients, between communities and opportunities, and between ideas and action.
Today, I serve as Director of Sales at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach, where I lead full-cycle sales and marketing strategies for a high-traffic coastal property. I’m known for turning complex challenges into clear action plans and for consistently exceeding revenue goals through targeted campaigns, email marketing, and strong client engagement. My work combines data-driven strategy with relationship-first leadership, leveraging tools like Salesforce, Revinate, and Canva to drive results that are both measurable and memorable.
But my path has never been one-dimensional. I’ve also served as a Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Maya Hotels, where I earned back-to-back Excellence in Sales awards, led hotel openings, and worked across multiple markets. I’m especially proud of my time there — not just for the numbers I hit, but for the teams I built and the long-term client relationships I nurtured.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend analytical thinking with creativity, and to navigate both the structured world of corporate operations and the dynamic demands of entrepreneurship. I founded DooDads Unique Gifts and DW Jewelry Shop — a creative venture that took upcycled vintage flatware and transformed it into handcrafted jewelry and gifts. That experience sharpened my skills in branding, e-commerce, and direct marketing, while feeding my passion for design and sustainability.
Beyond the private sector, I’ve also been deeply invested in community development. As Executive Director of the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation, I led initiatives that supported local economic growth, worked with city leaders, and helped secure the long-term health of the community. My nonprofit experience taught me the power of collaboration, grant writing, and grassroots leadership — and it’s where I found one of my greatest sources of pride: helping others thrive.
What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t a title or a single project. It’s the range of impact I’ve been able to have — from mentoring staff and shaping guest experiences, to helping small businesses grow, to leading community initiatives that leave a lasting mark.
I’m not just a sales leader. I’m a connector, a creator, and a community advocate — someone who believes that success is built not just on strategy, but on heart, hustle, and human connection.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was the oldest child and the only girl, with two younger brothers — so you could say I learned leadership and negotiation skills pretty early on! Growing up, I was a mix of creative energy, curiosity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
I loved anything that let me express myself — I spent hours dancing around the house, playing the piano, and singing (sometimes whether anyone wanted to hear me or not!). Music and movement were definitely my outlets. I was also the kind of kid who was always organizing something — whether it was a game, a project, or a plan for the weekend.
Family meant everything to me. I have so many great memories of camping trips, fish fries, and just being together. Those simple moments around the fire or the dinner table really shaped who I am — they taught me the value of connection, tradition, and making time for people you care about.
One of the biggest adventures of my teenage years was being a foreign exchange student in Norway during my junior year of high school. That experience opened my eyes to different cultures and perspectives — and gave me a lifelong love for travel and learning.
And like a lot of kids in my generation, I practically lived at the skating rink on the weekends. That was the place to be — skating in circles, listening to music, laughing with friends. It’s funny how those simple things stay with you.
Looking back, I was always a mix of creative, driven, and people-focused. I loved exploring new things, but I also had a strong sense of responsibility — probably a mix of being the oldest and just genuinely wanting to take care of the people around me. Those qualities have followed me into every role I’ve taken on, from business to community leadership.
