These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.
Rochelle Samms was recently hired as the director of sales and marketing for the Radisson Hotel Phoenix North.
1. What are you most looking forward to in your new role as director of sales and marketing for the Radisson Hotel Phoenix North?
I am most looking forward to contributing to the anticipated rebound of the prime Metro Phoenix area. I am thrilled to partner with the City of Phoenix to partake in the impact of North Mountain’s redevelopment initiative by hosting hotel guests, groups and corporations from regional markets such as Chicago and Southern California. In recent months, Phoenix has quickly grown as a corporate market, which has led to business growth from new restaurant openings and the construction process for new retail destinations. Educating groups and travelers about the growth and future impact of Radisson Hotel Phoenix North and its area is also an exciting part of this role.
2. How do you think your past industry experience has prepared you for this role?
I have a strong background in the hospitality industry and have worked for highly respected brands such as Hilton Worldwide, which built my confidence and knowledge in hotel management, client relations, operations, sales and new business development with key meetings and conferences. My previous experience as a front desk associate and as a sales coordinator has molded me into my current role as a business leader in the travel and hospitality industry. My past positions and industry experience have given me understanding of every facet of hotel operations thus enabling me to provide the best possible customer experience to our property guests and team members.
3. What goals do you have in mind for the hotel for this year and farther down the line?
My goals for the Radisson Hotel Phoenix North are to establish relationships with tourism partners, associations and corporations to help educate them on the benefits of the Phoenix Metro area and make the property and its centrally located prime real estate an attraction for group meetings and business travelers. It is important business travelers and group meeting planners are aware of Radisson Hotel Phoenix North’s full-service amenities and on-site facilities, making it convenient and affordable for group meetings while being in close proximity to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and every major Phoenix freeway.
4. How did you get into the industry?
My parents owned a small independent restaurant, so I was practically born into the hospitality industry. Their restaurant naturally sprouted my interest to pursue hotel and restaurant management. I fell in love with working at a hotel during an internship when I realized my strength as a customer-service oriented person. I quickly learned about every aspect of hospitality and expanded my strengths and industry expertise. I was hired by the same hotel that I had my internship with as a public relations coordinator, which started developing my career in sales and marketing.
5. What do you enjoy most about the hotel and the company as a whole?
My biggest joy derives from the talented people I work with at Radisson Hotel Phoenix North and our parent company, RAR Hospitality. I am very proud and excited about my sales and operations team, who I truly believe provides the best customer service experience and enthusiasm in the industry. I am motivated to come to work every day because of the different interactions that I get, not only from people that I work with, but from our actual hotel guests, and RAR Hospitality’s CEO and President, Bob Rauch, who motivates me to be the best I can be and provides the support, resources and expertise that help me and my team succeed in providing our guests with exceptional service and property amenities.
