HERALD - Hotel EquitiesI began my career in the hospitality industry as a Mail ... Many years later,...

SPRING 2019

Marriott Award Winners – Pg. 8Growth in Canada – Pg. 1 Maintenance Chief of the Year – Pg. 3

HERALD

Fairfield Inn & Suites – El Reno, OK – Pg. 4Opportunity Zone Groundbreaking – Pg. 5

On a Break with Patrick Trainor – pg. 7

HE AWARD

WINNERS

PG. 3

HERALD SPRING 2019 1

A BIG WELCOME! TO A MIGHTY 8-PACK HE was selected to operate eight hotels in the Alberta region of Canada. The hotel portfolio, consisting of IHG, Hilton and Wyndham branded properties is owned by APX Hotel Group. The combined total guestroom count is 749 and growing, with future development projects in the pipeline. The eight-hotel portfolio consists largely of IHG-branded hotels and includes two full service properties. The Holiday Inn & Suites Lloydminster features meeting and event space, as well as a restaurant and lounge in which guests can dine or relax. The Holiday Inn & Suites West Edmonton features meeting and event space and also offers guests the option to dine at their on-site restaurant.

“We immediately recognized Hotel Equities’ presence in market,” said Mike Lai, President of APX Hotels. “Not solely for the performance results and ability to capture business, but also for the positive impact their culture brings to the community. We are thrilled to provide our hotel staff the valuable benefits and resources that Hotel Equities has in their toolkit for success.”

WESTIN PRINCE, TORONTO ADDITION ENHANCES FULL-SERVICE AND RESORT DIVISION OF HOTELS HE assumed management of the 394-room Westin Prince Toronto which offers 28,000 square feet of versatile event space, as well as two on-site restaurant options. The ownership group has invested in a major renovation, including guestrooms and public space, which should be complete this summer. The full-service resort showcases luxurious accommodations in a resort-style setting and employs 400+ team members dedicated to exceeding guest expectations. “Our entire team is honored to partner with and support the associates at the Westin Prince, Toronto,” said SVP of Operations for HE, Bryan DeCort. “Hotel Equities’ accelerated growth in Canada allows us to scale our best-in-class service delivery and performance results to provide immediate impact for our owners.” “The Hotel Equities’ team is professional and experienced in operating a vast range of hotel classes from select service to resort-style properties,” said Maggie Zhang, owner representative. “Their diverse and expansive portfolio of hotels throughout North America, as well as their ability to be nimble and deliver top results, is impressive. The HE leadership team is devoted to ensuring their associates remain engaged through a deep-rooted culture that comes from the top. We are thrilled to partner with them to manage our asset.”

INVEST IN YOUR TALENT People leave their jobs for three reasons:

1. They don’t feel valued and appreciated by their direct supervisor.

2. They don’t see any room for growth/advancement.3. They don’t have an opportunity to use their skills

and talents.

I began my career in the hospitality industry as a Mail & Information Clerk, handing out keys behind the front desk. Eventually, I was recommended for Sheraton’s management training program which was monumental in influencing my career path. Many years later, and twenty years after establishing Hotel Equities, I returned to school to obtain my MBA in 2009 as an example that anyone can continue their growth.

Hotel Equities is a company that believes in the importance of continuing education at all stages. We invest a lot of time and resources into our Learning and Development programs. Hotel Equities has four programs focused on developing leaders, and one additional program coming soon.

We currently offer an Individual Development Program [IDP], Management Development Program [MDP] for associates who wish to advance to a management role, the Manager in Training Program [MIT] for recent college graduates and the Leadership Development Program [LDP] for associates who wish to move into a leadership role. To date, HE has completed ten classes producing 63 graduates from MDP and three classes producing 12 graduates from the MIT program.

As we continue to grow the company, it is critical to grow leaders as well. We invest in our Learning and Development programs because we value our associates. I want you to succeed, so we are equipping you with the tools to do so.

Now, let me ask you…leaders, are you identifying and investing in the talent on your team?

Hospitably,

Coach Fred

WITH FRED CERRONE


FROM MIT TO BD! Firm’s long-standing commitment to developing talent remains a top priority

Recent Manager in Training (MIT) graduate, Jack Meakin, has earned a promotion to business development coordinator. In his new position, Jack plays a vital role in owner relations, adding value for the firm’s partners through enhanced communications and data-driven recommendations.

Brad Rahinsky, HE’s president and CEO, regards the infrastructure expansions as mission critical to the company’s success. “Adding the right individuals, like Jack, to key roles improves our output and deliverables to stakeholders,” said Brad. “That kind of performance-driven growth model, when done correctly, continuously feeds itself.” During the MIT program, Jack worked at the Residence Inn by Marriott-Atlanta Perimeter Center/Dunwoody, GA where he gained critical hands-on experience working in all areas of hotel

operations, including hotel transitions.

Jack is one of many examples of why Hotel Equities believes developing their associates is a worthwhile investment. The Manager in Training program is fairly new, at three years old, and has produced three alumni classes, with a fourth class beginning this summer.

Jack Meakin

Coach’s Corner


iCare AwardBrooke Stall, Lead GM/Hotel Manager

Courtyard Atlanta/Alpharetta GA

Pillar AwardTa’Neika Blue, AP Specialist

Atlanta, GA

Hotel of the YearAmi Beasley, GM

Fairfield Inn & SuitesHoliday/Tarpon Springs, FL

Chairman’s AwardJoe Fallis, Lead GM/GM

Residence Inn Atlanta Perimeter Center/Dunwoody, GA

Feeding the Talent PipelineMichael Giangrosso, GM

SpringHill SuitesHouston Medical Center/NRG Park, TX

Maintenance Chief of the YearIsaac Willams, Maintenance Chief

Four Points by SheratonAtlanta Airport West, GA

Director of Sales of the YearAlex Bryant, DOS

Home2 SuitesSt. Louis/Forest Park, MO

GM Rookie of the YearVinod Masih, GM

Fairfield Inn & SuitesEdmonton North, AB, Canada

General Manager of the YearLeslie Hayes, GM

Island House Hotel – A Double Tree by HiltonOrange Beach, AL

Congratulations!

Hotel Equities’ Annual Awards 2019

RevGen Hotel of the Year Fairfield Inn & Suites Uncasville, CT

House Profit Improvement DoubleTree - Island House Orange Beach, AL

Highest Guest Satisfaction Residence Inn Dunwoody, GA

Guest Score Improvement Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Clearwater, FL

House Profit Residence Inn Dunwoody, GA

Accountant of the Year Tim Ross Atlanta, GA

Scoreboard Mover Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Clearwater, FL

Hotel Ramp Up Home2 Suites Carbondale, IL

RPI Award Fairfield Inn & Suites Uncasville, CT

RPI Improvement Fairfield Inn & Suites Scottsbluff, NE

Top Line Sales TownePlace Suites Tallahassee, FL

Top Line Sales Improvement Courtyard Midlothian, TX

Lowest Turnover Fairfield Inn & Suites Marianna, FL

BSA Champion Fairfield Inn & Suites Edmonton, AB, Canada

QA Champion Home2 Suites St. Louis, MO

Trip Advisor Awards Doubletree Island House Orange Beach, AL

Fairfield Inn & Suites Uncasville, CT

Fairfield Inn & Suites Holiday Tarpon Springs, FL

SpringHill Suites Pensacola Beach, FL

Residence Inn Dunwoody, GA

Four Points Energy Corridor Houston, TX

SpringHill Suites St. Petersburg Clearwater, FL

Towneplace Suites Tallahassee, FL

Fairfield Inn & Suites Edmonton, AB, Canada

Fairfield Inn & Suites Gainesville, GA


NOW OPEN! FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT IN EL RENO, OKLAHOMA

The hotel, located at 1501 Domino Drive, is owned by Sky Hospitality, Inc. and managed by Hotel Equities.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Oklahoma City El Reno offers a unique and functional new guestroom design, addressing the needs of the modern guest to stay productive while traveling.

“Hotel Equities has been a great partner throughout the hotel’s development phase,” said Bhavesh Patel, owner representative for Sky Hospitality, Inc. “Their reputation in the industry and award-winning guest service gives us confidence that our hotel will be managed with integrity. We are excited to open the doors and create a unique experience for guests visiting El Reno.”

A UNIQUE DUAL-BRANDED HOTEL ADDITION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA HE will manage the 258-room Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott dual-branded hotel. The hotel site is located in Langley, BC. Construction on the hotel, owned by Mitchell Hospitality, Inc., is anticipated to begin mid-2019 with plans to open in 2021.

Dual-branded properties, while relatively new to the Canadian market, are becoming more attractive to developers who are reaping the benefits of the concept. “We are proud to partner with the owners on this hotel development,” said Joe Reardon, chief development officer for HE. “The dual-branded model is intended to attract a more diverse range of guests, as well as meet the market’s increased demand for various types of accommodations…”

The Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott dual-branded property will occupy two individual buildings joined by shared common spaces including the lobby, fitness and recreation facilities and nearly 8,000 square feet of event space. Dining will be available at the property’s on-site restaurant and lounge.

ON AIR SOON: REVERB BY HARD ROCK DOWNTOWN ATLANTA AMPS UP FOR 2020 OPENING Construction progress for the REVERB by Hard Rock™ Downtown Atlanta hotel is moving along as planned and is on schedule to open in February 2020. Local developer Bolton Atlanta, LP and Hotel Equities have partnered together to open and operate the inaugural hotel for Hard Rock’s newest generation of music-centric hotels. REVERB™ is the brand’s entrance into the select-service category.

The 195-room hotel is located adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, offering direct access to the world-class sports and entertainment venue, as well as a rooftop bar with outstanding views of the Atlanta skyline. This will be an exciting and non- traditional hotel for downtown Atlanta’s thriving business market.

Hard Rock’s Senior Vice President of Hotel Development Todd Hricko added, “We’ve already started receiving guest and group booking inquiries for REVERB by Hard Rock™ in Atlanta. This tells us we are fulfilling a demand in one of the most dynamic and thriving cities in the U.S.”


FIRST-EVER OPPORTUNITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT The new development sets the stage for the implementation of the Opportunity Zone program.

HE and Virtua Partners celebrated the groundbreaking of the new 130-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott being constructed in the Phoenix, AZ suburb of Avondale. As part of the groundbreaking ceremony, a roundtable policy meeting took place for stakeholders, policymakers and thought leaders to discuss how to assess, measure and track the social impact of Opportunity Zone projects. “Being first is significant because this project is where the rubber meets the road for the Opportunity Zone program,” says Quinn Palomino, Principal and Co-Founder of Virtua Partners. “There has been much speculation about how this program will unfold and now it’s being realized. We want to set an example for how others can adhere to the mandates of this program to provide both attractive, tax-advantaged investments and real social benefit to local communities.” One way Virtua Partners is providing social benefits through its first project is by offering on-the-job training opportunities to entry-level employees of the hotel. Virtua Partners, in conjunction with its affiliated hotel management firm, Hotel Equities, provides employees of the properties it manages several on-the-job management and leadership programs with the goal of promoting entry-level employees to management-level positions. “We are wholeheartedly committed to providing opportunities for advancement to our associates,” says Brad Rahinsky, President and CEO of Hotel Equities. “We believe it because we’ve lived it. I started as a bellhop. The Founder of Hotel Equities, Fred Cerrone, started in a hotel mailroom. We were fortunate to have people who believed in us and helped us grow professionally. We strive to offer those same opportunities to others, regardless of background, education or circumstance.” To date, nearly 100 employees have graduated from one of Hotel Equities’ training programs and 60 percent of those graduates have gone on to fill upper-management roles within the company.

HOTEL EQUITIES ENTERS THE STATE OF WASHINGTON! The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Tacoma DuPont offers 500 square feet of meeting space and is located at 1515 Wilmington Drive. The hotel is owned by Northwest Lodging, LLC. “We are thrilled to mark our entry into the state of Washington with the addition of this great Marriott hotel in the Tacoma DuPont area,” said Joe Reardon, Chief Development Officer for HE. “Our above-property team is focused on producing high-performance results for the hotel, as well as being an active and meaningful contributor to the DuPont/Tacoma community.”

“We are proud to partner with Hotel Equities to operate our Fairfield hotel,” said Khalid Chaudhry, owner representative for Northwest Lodging, LLC. “We are confident they will manage our asset to the highest standards, delivering superior overall results that keep guests returning.”

ICARE


HE & ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION TEAM UP Hotel Equities has decided to partner with Alzheimer’s Association. We will create and participate in monthly fundraising events to support the organization. The first of these events was Jersey Day. This event was designed to celebrate

opening day for baseball season. If you donated $5, then you could wear your favorite team jersey to work! Pictured are the following: Tim Ross, Staff Accountant; Jessica Bryant, Administrative & Operation’s Coordinator; Sommer Shiver, Director of Communications; Ruth Kornegay, Executive Assistant; Ta’Neika Blue, AP Specialist; Toi Brown, Director of Human Resources; Ansley Runager, Marketing Coordinator; Terry Mizell, Staff Accountant; Jack Meakin, Business Development Coordinator and Brad Rahinsky, President and CEO.

FEED THE HOMELESS HE Associates and their families volunteered to feed the homeless at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. Contact Sebastian De La Hoz [email protected] if you are interested in volunteer opportunities.

SOLES4SOULS At the Annual Conference, the company collected shoes for Soles4Souls. This organization is a non-profit whose mission is to “create sustainable jobs and provide relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world”. The MIT class chose this as the community service project that everyone would participate in. Some of the Managers in Training helped drop-off the shoes at DSW while in Birmingham.

ISLAND HOUSE FINALIST IN CARE CUP CONGRATULATIONS to the Island House Hotel – A DoubleTree by Hilton – Orange Beach, Alabama for being a finalist for the CARE Packet. The CARE Packet score and Brand Promise standing represent the best in the DoubleTree brand.

OPENING DAY The DoubleTree by Hilton – Arlington DFW South, TX celebrated the 2019 Rangers Opening Day FAM Tour with the Arlington CVB. This event showcased the hotel to 50 meeting planners who bring events to Arlington!

Hannah Peralta, Courtney Price, Jack Meakin and Ankit Govan

Pictured are the following: Kawayla Young, Catering Sales Manager; Marshall Timms, Banquet Captain and Lauren Brown, Director of Sales and Marketing

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Welcome to the family, Holiday Inn Express – Pensacola Beach, FL!

SHOES FOR A CAUSE The Fairfield Inn & Suites – DuPont, Washington was one of many hotels that donated shoes to Soles4Souls for Hotel Equities’ Annual Conference.

Kristi Gregory, Sales Coordinator and

Kayla Kuehne, General Manager

On a BreakLAST MOVIE SEEN - A Star is Born

FAVORITE MEAL - Moravian Chicken Pot Pie

EDUCATION - University of Memphis, Go Tigers!

FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC - The 80’s

FAMILY - Wife, Liz; two sons, Jake (16) & Sam (13) and daughter, Anna (9)

BEACH OR LAKE - The Beach

BASEBALL OR FOOTBALL Atlanta Braves Baseball

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT YOU’VE EVER VISITED - Sandals St. Lucia

BEST TRAVEL DESTINATION YOU’VE EVER VISITED - Bozeman, MT

WHERE DO YOU LOVE TO SHOP - Home Depot!

FAVORITE GADGETWireless Endoscope Camera

TYPICAL TRAVEL SNACK - Protein Bars


““For me, ‘being there, in the moment’ shows respect. Giving your undivided attention makes people feel valued, and illustrates that you genuinely care. Both are essential for success in a sales role, and as a team leader.” Cathy O’Connor Director of Sales and MarketingThe Westin Prince – Toronto, ON, Canada

““Having the respect to give 100% of your attention to where you are and who you are with. This applies to your work or your personal life. Multitasking can lead to details missed or mistakes made.”

Tim Northcutt, General ManagerFairfield InnBattle Creek, MI

““Wherever you are, be there, to me, means being very intentional with your time. Making a pointed effort to set aside distractions and truly give whatever you’re doing or whoever you’re with your full attention.”

Kayla Kuehne, General ManagerFairfield Inn & SuitesTacoma DuPont, WA

One Topic, Four Voices: Value 6. “Wherever you are, be there.”

““Wherever you are, be there means giving priority to what you are doing, or who you are with. We live in a society where multitasking is expected, almost normal. It is impossible to give 100% of me to multiple things at once. Make sure what you are doing, you’re giving it 100% even if it only takes 5 minutes of your time. After all, ‘right now’ is truly all the time we have.”

Jacqueline Byrdsong, Sales ManagerTownePlace SuitesTallahassee North/Capital Circle, FL

with PATRICK TRAINOR, VP of Projects and Facilities


Courtyard Opening Hotel of the YearCourtyard - Tampa Northwest/Veterans Expressway, FL

Fairfield Department Manager of the YearArtasia Kinlaw

Fairfield Inn & SuitesCharleston North/University Area, SC

Fairfield Associate of the YearJessica Mendoza

Fairfield Inn & Suites - Edmonton North, AB, Canada

Most INNspiring Story of the Year AwardResidence Inn - Atlanta Perimeter Center/Dunwoody, GA

Platinum Circle AwardResidence Inn - Atlanta Perimeter Center/Dunwoody, GA

Silver Circle Award Courtyard - Dallas Midlothian, TX

Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Award Highest Amount Raised


Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Award Highest Revenue Per Room


Silver Hotel Award Fairfield Inn & Suites - Edmonton North, AB, Canada

Silver Hotel Award Fairfield Inn & Suites - Scottsbluff, NE

Silver Hotel AwardFairfield Inn & Suites

Charleston North/University Area, SC

Silver Hotel AwardFairfield Inn & Suites - Tacoma DuPont, WA

Silver Hotel AwardFairfield Inn & Suites - Holiday Tarpon Springs, FL

GSS: Maintenance and UpkeepFour Points - Houston Energy Corridor, TX

GSS: Room CleanlinessFour Points - Houston Energy Corridor, TX

Congratulations

HE’s Marriott Award Winners!

Courtyard – Tampa Northwest/Veterans Expressway, FL

PRAYER LINERev. Greg Smith

678.578.4444 x42All calls are taken by our Chaplain and are confidential.

DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT CONTRACTSJoe Reardon, 678.578.4444 x23

EMPLOYMENTSend resumes to [email protected]

HOTEL EQUITIES HERALD Editor

Sommer Shiver, [email protected]

Co-EditorAnsley Runager

Copy EditorRuth Kornegay

DesignAlicia Lockard

41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 510Atlanta, GA 30346

678.578.4444 | www.hotelequities.com

HERALD - Hotel EquitiesI began my career in the hospitality industry as a Mail ... Many years later,...

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Transcript of HERALD - Hotel EquitiesI began my career in the hospitality industry as a Mail ... Many years later,...