The DoubleTree Hotel now under construction in downtown Reading will succeed, and fast, so says the man who will soon step in as general manager.
Craig Poole, currently general manager at the Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing, has spent 50 years earning a reputation for revitalizing distressed areas and hotels.
Upon the request of Albert Boscov, Poole will leave the Crowne Plaza at the end of this week and take his talents to the 5-star DoubleTree in December.
"This is going to be successful. It's clear as day to me, and it will be successful quickly," said Poole, crediting Boscov as his "hero" and "mentor."
The DoubleTree, expected to open in October 2015 at Seventh and Penn streets, will have more than 200 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a theater, two banquet rooms, a board room, pool, fitness center and valet parking.
In the months to come, Poole will be building a leadership team, hiring staff, working with surrounding businesses and overseeing décor and menu selection.
Most importantly, he'll bring his trademark vision of change and inclusiveness, which he believes can repair Reading from the inside-out.
"My secret is being nice and caring about people," said Poole, who strives to instill self-esteem and pride within his staff members, which will include "marginalized" people.
"We’re going to change their lives," said Poole, adding that he expects the hotel to positively impact surrounding businesses. "It's all about taking this great asset that has a lot of people moving through it and a lot of moving parts and ancillary income so we can keep all the dollars spinning inside Reading."
Reading Councilwoman Donna Reed said she was thrilled to learn about Poole's move, stating that he was a "game-changer" for the Crowne Plaza.
"I remember thinking when he did come here, 'If only we could have someone like that in Reading,"' Reed recalled. "So, sometimes what you wish for comes true."
When Poole took over the Crowne Plaza four years ago, it was in grave financial shape. He is credited with fixing its problems and nearly doubling the revenue.
"Virtually everything is [at the Crowne Plaza]. All of the high-end events have come here, and that speaks to what he's done and the premiere quality he's given this hotel," said Reed.
Poole said he will likely bring some of his Crowne Plaza workers to the DoubleTree, especially those who want to be part of a "revitalization" and his efforts to put a "pulse and heartbeat" into the building.
"Craig is one of the few people I've seen on his level, high-end, top management, who is not willing to just say, 'I believe in this town,' but 'I'm going to show you why and show you how things can change,'" said Reed.
Poole's replacement at the Crowne Plaza will be Dan Withrow, formerly general manager at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Lehigh County.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1udp0UW
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire