Kenneth Plumley
Kannapolis
Summary
Lead Product Specialist with extensive experience in the automotive sector and a strong background in hospitality event planning. Proven skills in sales promotion, corporate training, and non-profit fundraising. Expertise in developing effective training programs tailored to organizational needs, enhancing employee performance through engaging methods and team-building activities. Committed to leveraging years of industry knowledge in a long-term role to drive success and growth.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cadillac Academy Trainer
GP Strategies Corporation
Charlotte
01.2022 - Current
- Responsible for delivering in-person training for 33 Cadillac dealerships across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, which includes Cadillac core classes (developed by the Center of Learning) and creating additional training based on the needs of each dealership.
- Conduct monthly podcasts and virtual training sessions for five US zone sales teams.
- Served as the core trainer for multiple modules related to the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ and OPTIQ launch.
- Assisted with the 2022 LYRIQ ELECTRIQ American Launch Tour in Monticello, Austin, Dawsonville, and Indianapolis.
Lead Automotive Product Specialist
Productions Plus - The Talent Shop
Charlotte
04.2018 - 02.2022
- Selected as top applicant for Chevrolet Motorsports Team 2020 Tour.
- Created welcoming experiences for guests, including GM employees, retirees, and families at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Developed training sessions for Product Specialists at Test Track Pavilion and Truck Tour team members on Trailer systems, OnStar, and Cross Brand integration.
- Educated guests on current General Motor vehicles with emphasis on Chevrolet brand features: technology, safety, performance, appearance, comfort, and ownership ease.
- Served as fill-in lead for National Chevrolet Truck Tour 2019.
Sales Representative
Vacation Village Resorts
Celebration
12.2017 - 04.2018
- Conducted personalized face-to-face tours of Vacation Village properties to enhance client engagement.
- Demonstrated comprehensive product knowledge across all membership levels and buying options nationwide.
- Utilized RCI upgrades to maximize customer satisfaction with resort offerings.
Vacation Counselor
Diamond Resorts International
Orlando
07.2017 - 12.2017
- Conducted personalized face-to-face tours of Diamond Resort International properties to align vacation packages with client needs.
- Demonstrated comprehensive product knowledge across all membership levels and purchase options within Diamond Resort International.
Production Stage Manager
Freelance/ Independent Contractor
Orlando
11.2009 - 03.2017
- Coordinated over 100 volunteers during load in, strike, and load out for 2011 UCP of Central Florida Gala.
- Managed backstage operations for 'Edgewood Children's Ranch' Gala, overseeing all cues and logistics.
- Supervised same day load in and strike, ensuring efficient execution for multiple events.
- Directed volunteer activities for 2009 'Edgewood Children's Ranch' Gala, covering House Manager responsibilities.
- Facilitated VIP movement and closing activities during 2010 Silent Auction, coordinating 40 volunteers.
- Collaborated with Production Creative Team for 2010 and 2011 UCP of Central Florida Galas.
- Executed seamless operations for 'An Evening at the Palace' Gala Silent Auction as Production Assistant and House Manager.
- Oversaw volunteer coordination to ensure successful event execution during high-pressure environments.
Development Coordinator
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Orlando
03.2015 - 02.2016
- Secured over $60,000 in sponsorships and in-kind contributions for 2015-2016 concert season.
- Developed corporate sponsorship agreement standards to enhance clarity and compliance.
- Established internal CSM database to track sponsorship benefits and promotional materials.
- Supported event committees and Director of Development in creating event budgets and timelines.
- Supervised set-up and dismantling of events, ensuring adherence to established plans.
- Maintained ticket and donor database, generating weekly donation reports for various departments.
- Coordinated affiliate social media outputs, including event promotions and updates.
- Created engaging blog posts to boost audience engagement for special events.
Event Manager
BidPal, Inc
09.2012 - 03.2015
- Served as primary liaison for Event Chair to ensure seamless event execution.
- Secured BidPal's (2013) largest event in Central Florida, raising a record $350,000 for the client.
- Trained volunteers on registration processes and operation of handheld units.
- Supervised BidPal Assistants and Tech Leads to promptly resolve issues during events.
- Created and managed schedules for Event Managers and BidPal Assistants to meet budget and quality standards.
- Assisted Regional Sales & Event Manager in recruiting and training new staff in Central Florida.
Education
Theatre -
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD12.2002
Skills
- Problem solving
- Employee training and development
- Curriculum design
- Virtual training delivery
- Presentation skills
- Relationship building and management
- Customer satisfaction strategies
- Brand storytelling techniques
- Event planning and coordination
- Customer engagement initiatives
Certification
- Walt Disney Operations Trainer
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Maximize Fundraising with Blended Gifts
Awards
- The Disney Heroes Award
- The Walt Disney World Resort Security Awareness Award
Accomplishments
- The Disney Heroes Award: The Disney Heroes Award recognizes and honors Disney employees (Cast Members, Crew, and Employees) who perform extraordinary, life-saving acts, whether on or off the clock. This award celebrates the heroic deeds of Disney employees who go above and beyond their duties to ensure safety, both at work and in their personal lives.
Timeline
Cadillac Academy Trainer
GP Strategies Corporation
01.2022 - Current
Lead Automotive Product Specialist
Productions Plus - The Talent Shop
04.2018 - 02.2022
Sales Representative
Vacation Village Resorts
12.2017 - 04.2018
Vacation Counselor
Diamond Resorts International
07.2017 - 12.2017
Development Coordinator
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
03.2015 - 02.2016
Event Manager
BidPal, Inc
09.2012 - 03.2015
Production Stage Manager
Freelance/ Independent Contractor
11.2009 - 03.2017
Theatre -
Anne Arundel Community College
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