Today we’d like to introduce you to Yeisi Perez.
Hi Yeisi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a proud graduate of the University of Florida, where I earned my degree in Hospitality and laid the foundation for my career in the hotel industry. I began locally in Gainesville through an internship at a boutique property, which quickly turned into a full-time opportunity. I ultimately stepped into the role of Director of Events & Catering, overseeing complex, high volume events with a small team. The experience was fast paced and formative, but it also made me realize the importance of finding the right long-term fit.
Looking to broaden my skill set, I made the move to another Gainesville property as the Business Travel Sales Manager. That transition allowed me to truly learn hotel sales from the ground up, with a strong focus on room revenue, account strategy, and the operational discipline required to run an effective sales department.
Today, I serve as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Holiday Inn Gainesville University Center, located directly across from the University of Florida. We’ve just completed a transformative $13 million renovation over two and a half years, and I’m proud to be leading the sales and marketing efforts as the property enters this next chapter. The role allows me to leverage both my events background and sales experience while helping position the hotel as a premier option in the Gainesville market.
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?
The path hasn’t been a smooth one, and there have been plenty of obstacles along the way. Being young in the industry has come with its own set of challenges. Not only in earning credibility with clients, but at times even with the people who hired me. I’ve had to learn quickly how to lead with confidence, make data driven decisions, and advocate for strategies that may not have been immediately comfortable but were necessary for long term success.
Layered on top of that have been external pressures beyond anyone’s control. Navigating hotel sales during economic uncertainty, rising operating costs, and persistent inflation has required constant recalibration. Balancing client expectations around pricing and value while protecting the financial health of the property has become an everyday exercise in strategy, communication, and compromise.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a full-service hotel located directly across from the University of Florida, offering unmatched convenience for campus-related travel, corporate business, athletic events, and conferences.
We specialize in group room blocks and event-driven business, supporting university programs, sports teams, and association meetings. Our proximity to venues like the Stephen C. O’Connell Center and the Reitz Union allows us to simplify logistics and deliver value to planners.
What sets us apart is our hands-on, solutions-focused approach. We provide flexible contracts, competitive rates, and responsive communication from planning through execution. Following our recent renovations, we’re proud to offer a refreshed product backed by a service-driven team committed to long-term partnerships and seamless guest experiences.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality that has been most important to my success is intentional drive. I approach my work with a clear sense of purpose, setting defined goals and taking proactive steps to achieve them rather than waiting for opportunities to come to me. Throughout my career in hospitality and sales leadership, I have learned that success comes from anticipating needs, staying organized, and following through with consistency and accountability.
Equally important is my relationship centered mindset. I believe strong results are built on genuine connections with clients, colleagues, and the community. Focusing on creating meaningful experiences and understanding what people truly value has allowed me to lead effectively, grow business opportunities, and manage complex projects with both strategy and empathy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theuniversityhotel.com
- Instagram: holidayinn_ufgainesville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUniversityHotel/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holiday-inn-gainesville-university-center-an-ihg-hotel/
