Jerry Wargo Brings Nationwide Perspective to Lanier Islands Growing Sales Team

BUFORD, Ga. - April 2, 2015 - PRLog -- In early March 2015, Southern lakeside resort – Lanier Islands – added a new team member to its growing sales force. Jerry Wargo – a seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry and bona fide globe-trotter – joined the Islands as its newest senior sales manager. Boasting an astounding career history that spans 35 years and includes such industry leading corporations as Marriott, Hyatt and Wyndham, Wargo’s concentration will extend beyond the boundaries of promoting this Georgia destination to corporate groups within the state and surrounding region. He also plans to take the scenic resort to the national stage. After investing millions of dollars in the construction and renovation of the resort’s infrastructure and accommodations over the last 10 years, Lanier Islands earned the recognition as an esteemed member of the Southern Living Hotel Collection in 2014. The timing of the addition of Wargo to the sales team and the combined goal to woo a national audience to the Southern shores of Lake Lanier are opportune.

“Whether in my own backyard or on the other side of the country, what I enjoy most about sales is the opportunity to meet new people and develop enduring relationships,” explained Wargo. “It’s so important to establish rapport, trust and credibility, and to realize that you’re not simply selling a product, but an experience. It makes me feel good to have a hand in the realization of an excellent experience, and Lanier Islands is the ideal location to create a truly memorable experience.”

Wargo joins the Islands from a beachfront resort in Hilton Head, where he first had an opportunity to meet and collaborate with Lanier Islands’ new Director of Sales, Michael DiLeone. DiLeone took the helm of the sales department in Third Quarter 2014. As DiLeone seeks to grow his sales staff and expand the resort’s reach beyond the Southeast, he knew Wargo would make a terrific addition to the team.

“I reached out to Jerry in hopes of bringing him onboard – not just for his wealth of experience on a national scale and within the Atlanta metro area, but also for his ability to tell a story,” said DiLeone. “Lanier Islands has a great story to tell, and Jerry is an incredible storyteller. Beyond that and the fact that we work really well together, I admire his dedication to the craft of hospitality sales. His ability to connect with groups is a skill set we are seeking at the Islands, and we are really looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Wargo’s focus will be primarily on pharmaceutical companies and incentive travel. He believes that the natural beauty of the Islands, coupled with access to all of the offerings within the 1500-acre resort – which includes three choices of accommodations, conference services and unique settings for gatherings, 18-hole lakeside golf course, a wide array of activities and more – makes it well-worth the one-hour drive up I-85 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Particularly for the one thing he considers the Islands greatest differentiator for groups: its variety of team-building options.

“Team-building is a huge asset to companies,” said Wargo. “If carried out correctly, team building often results in stronger relationships and employee retention. While the service and accommodations at the Islands are frequently mentioned in reviews, team building experiences often achieve top-billing among groups that elect to incorporate them into their meetings, retreats or gatherings.”

Beyond his three and a half decades in the industry, Wargo feels his greatest benefit to the groups he serves is in the role of customer advocate. He feels it is vital to listen carefully to the customer in order to design and provide the best possible experience. When not hard at work introducing new groups to Lanier Islands, Wargo spends time at his home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He and his wife, Gail – who also boasts more than three decades in the hospitality industry – have two children in college: Katie, who is a Graduate student at the University of Georgia and Kevin, who is a sophomore at the University of Dayton.

Groups that wish to plan a company meeting, corporate retreat or team-building event at Lanier Islands are encouraged to call (770) 945-8787. To learn more about Lanier Islands, its accommodations and amenities, interested parties are invited to visit www.lanierislands.com.

About Lanier Islands: Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lanier Islands. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. As the resort’s crown jewel, Lake Lanier is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes, encompassing 38,000 miles of surface area and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia. Legacy Lodge and Legacy Villas enhance the resort’s broad assortment of accommodation choices and meeting sites – making it the ideal choice for corporate meetings and company retreats. Popular excursions like fun in the sun at the boardwalk-themed LanierWorld, zip lining through the trees with Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding on a lakeside trail from the Equestrian Center, and renting a boat and ski equipment from Harbor Landing make the resort a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Tranquility – the Spa and the picturesque 18-hole Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play, and with more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides- and grooms-to-be as a highly sought-after Destination Wedding site.

Lanier Islands is steadily securing a solid standing for their unique vision of the future of this luxury retreat, their unswerving dedication to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, and their signature brand of Southern Hospitality. In 2014, the Resort was awarded with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and became a member of the highly esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection. For more information, schedule a tee time, learn package details or make reservations, call (770) 945-8787 or visit Lanier Islands’ website at www.lanierislands.com.