Angela Knox
Executive Administrator / Human Resources, Homewood Suites Valley Forge
"The Synergy Culture means we are 'one'. One family working together to achieve the highest form of excellence in both guest satisfaction as well as employee development. Where the management company is 'present' in the daily day to day operation of the hotels. (not one of those companies you only know by name and never actually see them; just hear their directives) Take personal strides to develop team members and give them "a chance". A work environment where we: Build trust, recognize each others accomplishments and redirect each other when we get off track. Synergy is a work environment that allows you to have 'fun' all while doing your job."
Roxanne Robinson
General Manager, Candlewood Suites, Bel Air MD
" The Synergy culture means:
- A team approach to succeed.
- Understanding what are our goals and our mission statement.
- Staying focused and creating a positive work environment.
- Having fun at work.
- Always providing great customer service.
- Allowing the employees to have a voice and allow them to feel that their opinion counts.
- The ability to grow professionally within the Synergy Organization.
- Provide necessary training to team members.
- Providing necessary tools as needed to ensure success."
Rob Powell
Sales Manager, Staybridge Suites Glen Mills
"The definition for Synergy is as follows: Cooperative interaction among groups, especially among the acquired subsidiaries or merged parts of a corporation, that creates an enhanced combined effect. What our company 'Synergy' means to me clearly goes off the definition but more specifically with all of our hotels and the corporate office and combined into one comprehensible team. I feel Synergy Hospitality promotes individuality as team members as well as sharing core values as a whole. I believe the culture of Synergy means growth and opportunity. With the many career and team building opportunities, Synergy believes in advancing its team members within the company."
Suzanne Sagullo
Director of Sales, Staybridge Suites Glen Mills
"Synergy has done a very consistent job at creating a culture. There is a definite focus on culture – how to build it, keep it and enhance it. We spend the time, money and energy to keep the culture going at each hotel and within the company. I view our culture as a commitment to creating a great team, a team that is willing to take the extra steps to do things right. We are a company that really means they will train you, invest in your future and help you get where you want to go. It's evident by how well our hotels perform that focusing on getting the right team makes the difference."
Steve Natale
General Manager, Staybridge Suites Glen Mills
"I think what differentiates Synergy from other companies I've worked for is that there is a focus on a culture. I think back to the IAHI leadership class at Emory. For two and a half days culture was not discussed. When I was asked to talk about Whale Done it opened up a can of worms. The big question was 'How can I create a single culture throughout multiple hotels.' The idea of culture from smaller hotel companies, at least the 30 or so represented at the class, was almost nonexistent. I think there is a culture in their corporate offices, but the idea of extending that culture out to each hotel, especially ones that were recently acquired seemed like a scary proposition. Hotels are often seen as their own little islands – don't rock the boat too much and don't bring in any outsiders. I can definitely see more and more companies trying to develop a strong culture. Over the course of 5 years at IHG I saw several attempts to bind hotel employees and corporate employees. IHG developed it's 'Winning Ways' and the 'Steering Wheel' then Great Hotels Guests Love all in an effort to make people feel connected by a common cause and set of values.
I think the simple fact that Synergy has worked to develop one culture throughout the organization is fantastic and that culture will serve to differentiate Synergy from its competitors."
Nicole Ream
Director of Sales, Homewood Suites Valley Forge
"(We are) a family-like atmosphere, working together to achieve our goal in being the best hotel in our market and brand. The culture encourages a 'voice' and allows each team member to have ownership on things good, bad, or indifferent because we each contribute. There are sometimes struggles along the path but to embrace every opportunity experienced as a learning lesson on our map to growth. Being aware of who we are as a company pushes us to never settle for second best and continue to strive on a daily basis to offer 'experiences' to every person that walks through our doors."
Barb Ward
Sales Manager, Homewood Suites Valley Forge
"(We work) together as a team to unite in making our internal as well as our external guest feel a part of something that is bigger and better then we have experienced before. To provide an environment that encourages and fosters every single team member to have a voice."
Diane Kappenstein
Guest Service Manager, Homewood Suites Valley Forge
"I still remember my first day at the Homewood. I was so impressed with the quality and beauty of the hotel and the warmth of the management team. I remember thinking that even though I was starting at $8.75 an hour, I would be ok because this was a company I could learn and grow with. Tonya was always so positive and had (has) a great way of making people feel 'at Home'. I honestly feel that I am at Home and appreciate the opportunities that I've been given! Thank you!
The Synergy culture affords me every opportunity to grow as an individual and as an asset to the company. I am provided a positive atmosphere to develop my skills through both in house and outside training. I am forgiven if I make a mistake and receive the necessary coaching to do better. I am confident when presenting my ideas and am guaranteed great feedback from a company of 'experts' in exploring their implementation. My accomplishments, efforts and contributions are recognized and appreciated. We are a company on the move and I am proud to be a part of the team!"
Tim Jones
Operations Manager, Candlewood Suites Bel Air, MD
"(Synergy) creates teams of employees that come to work for more than a paycheck. The culture that allows our employees to not only enjoy their jobs, but to have fun while they are working. I feel the Synergy culture revolves around horizontal management strategies and not vertical ones. I believe that allowing your staffs to be able communicate to the team leaders and management group at all times is one of the keys to success. It is creating the 'perfect' experience for when someone walks through the front door. The guest does not see an employee, manager, or a team. They see a family that works hard every day to create a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other hotel in our competitive set."
Monica Clements
Director of Housekeeping, Staybridge Suites Glen Mills
"(We are) a team that provides exceptional customer service on daily basis (365). The customer comes FIRST... We believe in our product, and we trust that all management often encourage one another as well as (team members) to strive for perfection!"
