Hotel & Motel Management - March 17, 2008 - (Page 32) 32 Special Report H&MM March 17, 2008 | HotelMotel.com www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition Recession Continued from page 30 fected the industry for nearly a year and a half. During that time, Tecton was able to retain most of its employees at the property level. “Our posture was not to lay anybody off,” he said. “We were still providing a great service.” Making the best of it In fact, Marshall said his compa- MARSHALL MANAGEMENT Instead, Tecton looked at expenses at the property level and determined the impact of cutting spending from different departments. “We focused on becoming a better business partner by closely scrutinizing our expenses on a case-by-case basis,” Leal said. The Fenwick Inn, a Marshall Management property located in Ocean City, Md., recently opened an indoor aqua fun center. It’s not just television. ny actually would get better in a downturn. Because Marshall Management specializes in taking over struggling properties and turning them around until it can move them for profit, a recession could provide opportunities. “It’s actually easier to operate in a down economy because, when there’s revenue, as long as the general managers are getting a check, they’re not real cognizant,” he said. “It’s more difficult in prosperous times than in weak times because revenue hides a lot. When revenue is down, it’s very blatant as to whether you’re successful.” Marshall said that in a downturn, labor hours are cut and department heads often are left picking up the slack, working extra hours. “Line-level” employees end up getting hurt the most, he said, while management can make the best of it by taking on more hours and getting plenty of experience. “You just kind of roll with it,” he said. jfreed@questex.com Changing Flags It’s technology that redefines the guest experience and the way properties generate revenue. After a $4.5-million renovation and conversion from an AmeriSuites hotel, the Hotel Indigo Vernon Hills (Ill.) is scheduled to open in early spring. The 127room world-class property is owned by FCLC Vernon Hills LLC and managed by Lane Hospitality. Compiled by Elaine Simon, esimon@questex.com CIRCLE NO. 150 http://HotelMotel.com http://www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition http://www.roomlinx.com http://www.roomlinx.com
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