Mike Ward, Vision Hospitality Group Director of eCommerce
As the former award-winning general manager at Vision’s Holiday Inn Express Chattanooga/Downtown, Ward made great financial strides in just two years, growing revenue by nearly $800,000 and through online marketing by developing an e-marketing program, launching a virtual tour program and building a valuable Facebook profile and website.
In addition, Ward boasts over 20 years of sales and business experience with notable accolades in both the medical and new media industries before he started in hospitality in 2007 as the general manager of a Staybridge Suites. In just over two years, Ward’s property had the Southeast’s highest Guest View scores and won first place for RevPAR growth and service scores for the region.
“Mike’s extensive knowledge and experience with eCommerce are dually noted,” Vision President & CEO Mitch Patel said. “It’s his leadership and progressive vision that will further cater to our guests who utilize our online tools and features. Simply, we could not be more pleased to have Mike onboard.”
According to Vision, approximately 40 percent of all reservations are booked online.
“I’m excited by the chance to be part of the growth at Vision,” Ward said. “It’s great to have the opportunity to do something every day that I really enjoy.”
Patty Martinez, Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga/Downtown General Manager
Beginning her career in hospitality at 22 years old, Martinez brings a wealth of knowledge to one of Vision’s newest properties. The foundation of her expertise stems from her education and degree from Florida Atlantic University. Early on, she worked for Marriott International, taking on the responsibilities of supervisor, manager, revenue management and training in both the Courtyard and Residence Inn brands. For a time, Martinez was later recruited by Jameson Hospitality to manage the company’s training and development operation with its in-house university program.
Upon leaving Jameson, she returned to Marriott, gaining recognition as General Manager Excellence in Sales Award as the head of the Residence Inn by Marriott in Boca Raton, FL and led in revenue management as the revenue analyst for more than 13 full-service and limited-service hotels in Florida’s Palm Beach and Broward County.
Since 2006, Martinez has been general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Boca Raton where her skills were tested most recently when she took her property from the bottom 30 percent in guest satisfaction to the top 3 percent in the brand within 24 months. As a result, the property earned the Excellence in Quality Award for six Outstanding quality assurance inspections.
Patel recognizes the exceptional qualities she brings to the hotel, noting that “guest satisfaction is paramount to our company, and Martinez clearly manages with poise and confidence, which is exactly the kind of leadership Vision embodies.”
Martinez is married with two children, and is looking forward to moving to new endeavors and her new home. “As a hospitality professional with over 18 years of experience, the philosophy and culture of integrity Vision embodies is exactly the type of atmosphere I was searching for to realize my goals,” she added.
About Vision Hospitality Group, Inc.
Chattanooga based Vision Hospitality Group,
Inc. is a leading hotel management and development company that has
grown successfully in the Southeast and Midwest regions through an
unwavering commitment to being the best by promoting a culture of
empowerment and respect for their associates. Although the company’s
roots date back to 1977, Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. was officially
formed in 1999 by President & CEO, Mitch Patel. VISION is family
owned and operated with a corporate portfolio consisting of 17 hotels
with a market value of over $250 million dollars. VISION develops,
owns, and operates premium select and full service hotels affiliated
with Hilton, Marriott, Intercontinental, and Hyatt brands. Please visit
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