Matt Wilde, General Manager at the Residence Inn Largo Capital Beltway in Albany, has been working on the frontlines during the pandemic. His property has managed to remain open with 40% occupancy by housing first responders and emergency workers. While the pandemic has been a catalyst for panic, Matt and his staff have continued pushing through.
From day one of the pandemic, Residence Inn Largo faced massive revenue losses. With the country staying at home, Matt says that his Director of Sales is the one who stepped up to fill in the gaps.
“She works 50 hours of the front desk every week all the while still trying to bring any piece of business into the hotel that she can to keep us afloat. Even on her days off she is sending emails and placing calls to keep in contact with our clients,” said Matt.
Their Director of Sales has done everything from laundry to sanitizing the public areas. Filling in for multiple departments, she has worked around the clock to ensure that the property remains open. During times like this, it has been imperative to fill multiple roles in order to ensure moderate stability.
Since Matt has been juggling other hotels, he has had to check up on them and help where it is needed. This would not have been possible without the extra help.
“The only way that I am able to do this is because she has stepped into a quasi-General Manager position in my absence. I couldn’t do it without her,” said Matt.
Thank you for sharing your story, Matt! It is encouraging to know that people are working together to get through these unprecedented times.