Jennie Hultz Celebrates Two Decades of Service at the Hampton Inn Marion

In the 20 years Jennie Hultz has been an associate at the Hampton Inn Marion in Illinois, she has seen a lot of change. Back-of-the-house systems, breakfast offerings, bedding and furnishings generally all have been improved. “But one thing has stayed the same: the care we take in making sure each guest has a successful stay with us,” Jennie said.

Jennie is currently a guest service manager, a position she enjoys. “You get to meet new people face-to-face, and you’re often their first impression of the hotel,” she said. Previously, Jennie worked a wide range of positions: housekeeper, laundry attendant, night auditor and breakfast attendant.

Asked which assignment she enjoyed the most, Jennie pauses for a moment and responds, “breakfast attendant,“ adding: “Guests come down hungry. At home, they’re not used to the variety we offer on our buffet. It’s satisfying to see them eating well before they head out for the day.”

Over the years, Jennie has come to recognize several frequent guests, and they her. “One young woman was a toddler traveling with her parents when she first stayed in Marion,” she said. “Now she checks in with children of her own. It’s been wonderful to see.”

Jennie refers to the hotel as family. “Many of the associates are like part of my family,” she said, mentioning fellow veterans like Terra Godbey, executive housekeeper; Kimberly Wetzel, laundry attendant; and the late Judy Lane, breakfast attendant. “We worked together for so many years.”

Today, more young employees are coming on board. “I know this place so well, and they view me as some kind of role model, which is very sweet,” she said.