Wherever You Are, Be There

 

My number two grandson, Eli White, recently became eligible for the Major League Baseball Draft. The Cincinnati Reds selected him in the 26^th round as a shortstop.  Since he suffered a hernia about a month ago, we weren’t certain how the injury would impact his draft status. 

Although this placement is not where he was hoping to go in the draft, he now knows that he is on the radar screens of all major league teams.  Eli recently graduated from Wren High School in Easley, SC with honors and appears to be healing nicely following his surgery for the hernia.

In the meantime, it looks like he will be off to Clemson University in July, at which point he should be baseball-ready. It’s hard to be disappointed about receiving a Division I college baseball scholarship.

Growing up in Boston, my grandfather often told me “Wherever you are, be there!”  I’ve used this admonition as a guideline both in my personal life and in my business career.  And, I’ve shared it with Eli.  It seems most appropriate for him right now.

God has a plan for each of us and, like it or not, his timing is perfect. I’m sure that many other great opportunities await this future Clemson Tiger.

Making a Distinct Difference in People’s Lives

Hotel Equities’ Culture Statement appears on our company commitment card and reads as follows: “A legendary lodging company making a distinct difference in people’s lives.”  It provides both inspiration and direction to our associates as they go about their daily work. But, I’m happy to say, the spirit of the statement goes far beyond the walls of our hotels.

When the recent tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma flattening homes, wiping out businesses and changing many lives forever, our team of associates at the Comfort Inn in Martinsville, Virginia decided that they wanted to help.  Under the leadership of General Manager, Scott Wilson, the hotel connected with three local organizations, the American Red Cross, God’s Pit Crew and the Rotary club, to send needed supplies to the disaster survivors.  The hotel served as the single collection point.  Donations, including everything from bottled water to dog food, came from the community, the associates, and even hotel guests.

I’m proud of Scott and his team for seeing an opportunity and taking action to help people in need.  His team set an example by leading a community-wide effort to make a distinct difference.   
 
From food drives to clothing donations, each of our hotels finds unique ways to give back to their communities.  I’ll share more stories in future blogs, but I’d love to hear from you.  What are you doing to make a difference?