M&R Honors Its Top Performers for 2023
M&R honored the company’s “best of the best” — its top performers for 2023 — at an awards ceremony last month hosted by Amit Gandhi, president & CEO; Manish Patni, executive vice president; and Brian McSherry, chief operating officer.
Awards included Hotel of the Year, President’s Award, Salesperson of the Year, Corporate Employee of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Back-of-the-House Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year and Front-of-the-House Employee of the Year.
“Over the years, the competition for these awards has grown quite intense,” Amit said. “This isn’t surprising, considering the overall quality and dedication of our associates. So many go over and beyond in caring for our guests day-in and day-out.
“On behalf of the entire senior management team, I congratulate this year’s award recipients.”
Hotel of the Year
The Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South was named Hotel of the Year. Opened in 2017, the 250-room property located on West 37th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues anchors M&R’s presence in the Times Square South neighborhood.
General Manager David Ruas credits the hotel’s staff with providing guests with “consistent, friendly, best-in-class service.” The Hilton Garden Inn is a favorite for leisure travelers, drawn to the hotel’s proximity to Broadway theaters and numerous dining and shopping options.
Business travelers use it as home base when attending conferences at the nearby Javits Convention Center. Many repeat guests are Hilton Honors members.
This is the second year in a row that a Hilton Worldwide brand hotel has earned the Hotel of the Year distinction. Last year, the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Time Square West took the prize.
President’s Award
Dilip Sheyte, corporate director of finance, was presented the President’s Award for 2023. Dilip joined the company nearly a decade ago as corporate controller and soon became known in the Finance department for his in-depth understanding of taxes, cash flow and related matters. In 2015, he was named Corporate Employee of the Year. In 2022, he was promoted to his current position, where his responsibilities include tax compliance, treasury management and financial reporting.
Unlike other annual awards, the President’s Award is chosen by the company’s ownership group. “In addition to ensuring we are current on the tax front, Dilip interfaces with ownership and lenders on cash flow and other financial topics,” Brian said. “He is thoughtful and articulate. Given his years of experience, Dilip is expert at what he does.”
General Manager of the Year
Justin Long, general manager of the Fairfield Indianapolis South, was named General Manager of the Year for 2023. Justin, who joined M&R in 2019, is currently on a task force assignment overseeing the Fairfield St. Louis Collinsville IL while still overseeing the Fairfield Indianapolis South, which is closed for renovation.
Justin earned the respect of the teams at both hotels as he balanced the dual responsibilities, according to Chris Beyer, vice president of operations for the Midwest portfolio.
“Justin has proven himself a strong, caring leader this past year,” Chris said. “Ensuring that operations continue smoothly at Collinsville, while also keeping tabs on the progress in Indianapolis, has been a major accomplishment.”
Salesperson of the Year
Crystal Sanborn, corporate sales specialist, was named Salesperson of the Year. A five-year M&R employee, Crystal is known for multitasking. “She has the wonderful ability to pivot her priorities as the demands of her job change,” said Janelle Schwartz, vice president of sales and marketing.
“Crystal will have multiple projects on her plate at any given moment, but that doesn’t keep her from taking time to be a resource to her colleagues,” Janelle said. “Likewise, general managers and directors of sales respect her industry insight and the support and creative ideas she consistently brings to the table.”
Corporate Employee of the Year
Kyle Hall, regional manager of revenue management, was named Corporate Employee of the Year. Brian Athas, vice president of revenue management, said Kyle is known for exceeding expectations. Kyle, a five-year M&R employee, previously was revenue manager for the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West, where he significantly exceeded his assigned revenue targets.
In addition to his focus on revenue, Kyle has been involved in sales, introducing several major new clients to M&R’s managed hotels.
Supervisor of the Year
Terra Godbey, housekeeping supervisor at the Hampton Inn Marion in Illinois, was named Supervisor of the Year. Terra joined the hotel nine years ago and is known as a consummate team player.
When a need arises, whether in maintenance, at the front desk or during the breakfast service, Terra is the first to step up and offer assistance, according to General Manager Melissa Thibault. She praised Terra as someone who consistently goes “the extra mile.”
Back-of-the-House Employee of the Year
Jaymie Barnhouse, housekeeping trainer at the Hilton Garden Inn Joplin in Missouri, was named Back-of-the-House Employee of the Year. Jaymie joined the hotel in 2011 as a housekeeper. Her years of service qualified her to become a trainer, working with both junior housekeepers and housemen.
“Jaymie is highly effective at her job, serving as both teacher and mentor,” said Tabitha Vaughn, general manager. “On a moment’s notice, Jaymie always makes herself available to fill in as an inspector or supervisor. She is such an asset to our organization.”
Manager of the Year
Dawn Klisures, task force manager at M&R’s first dual-brand property, the Residence Inn New York Queens and SpringHill Suites New York Queens in Long Island City, was named Manager of the Year.
The dual-brand’s general manager, Stevie Kaye, said Dawn brings her “great hospitality attitude” to each of her assignments, adding that it is a reflection of her “guest-friendly personality.” She also is known for her in-depth knowledge of Marriott systems and the lodging business in general.
Whether explaining the dual-brand’s features to guests at check-in or welcoming them at breakfast, Dawn’s efforts have had a positive effect, including citing higher guest service scores, Stevie said.
Dawn has been part of M&R since 2015 and joined the dual-brand hotel soon after it opened last year. Previously, she served in a similar capacity at the SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Park Avenue.
Front-of-the-House Employee of the Year
Dianna Perez, breakfast attendant at the Fairfield New York Manhattan/Central Park, was named Front-of-the-House Employee of the Year. Dianna joined M&R in 2015 and the Fairfield the following year as part of its pre-opening team.
Yan Chung, Fairfield general manager, attributes Dianna’s success to three key attributes: 1) She works well under pressure; 2) She is a “people person;” and 3) She has a positive outlook on life. All three are essential to her position, Yan said.
When a large group shows up right before the time when breakfast is scheduled to end, Dianna will make sure the buffet is well stocked and ready to handle special requests, Yan said. “She is a people person, comfortable engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her positive outlook draws people to her, guests and co-workers alike.”
