community involvement (2)
HRI HAPPENINGS
Aloft Hotel & The Strand Apartments - New Orleans, LA
company events & news (5)
Celebration of employees (1)
August/September/October 2016
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CONTENTS
Celebration of Employees Community Involvement Executive Interview Development Update Company News & Events
5 YEAR Anniversary Vera Faucheux Isaac Green Russell Harris Lisa Haynes David Kopf Tiffany Mangum Dalbert Perron Jessica Bridges Kenneth Ebert Deonka Harris Norman Hebert Sylvia Martin Frank McDonnell Byron McKire Tyronne Narcisse Audrey Royal Sharon Singleton Dawn Walker Isidro Carrillo Larry Daniels Kielly Johnson Desmond Mayfield Shajuana McDonald Laura Moloney Lorenzo Parker Stephanie Ross-Mallery Vincent Soniat Jarrell Williams Brenda Wright 10 YEAR Anniversary Laura Dorrieu Lauren Rabb Eugene Smith Kirsten Vaselaar 20 + Year anniversary Arcelia Ramirez Orlando Vides Wayne Clement Sr Dennis Dixon Matthew Shroeder Audrey Alexander Tom Leonhard Manuel Hernandez Maria Gutierrez Maria Hernandez Carmen Edwards Gary Meadows David Abbenante Olga Figueroa
OUTSTANDING Employees
CELEBRATION OF EMPLOYEES
VIEW OUR NEWSLETTER ONLINE AT HRIPROPERTIES.COM/NEWSLETTER OR IN YOUR INBOX
Check out the Blue Dots! for number of locations around the country
The Hedgehog Council is comprised of a team of HRI associates from all aspects of the business. Their passion statement, "people creating and sustaining exceptional urban places and experiences" guides the process. The goal of the council is to identify a product or service that HRI Properties can be best at in the world. As you can imagine, this will be a very complex and lengthy process but one we are confident will bear fruit for the company. There will be more information to come about this exciting venture!
You may have already noticed the new look! Keeping true to our HRI tradition, we wanted to revitalize the newsletter making it diverse, vibrant, and sustainable. It should be eye-catching enough to pick up and have information that keeps you reading. Think of it as being designed with you in mind! So moving forward, if you have great guest stories, workplace events, or property news you would like to see in the newsletter, let us know at newsletter@hriproperties.com! Send us the "scoop" you want featured and make sure to include any pictures to bring the story to life!
As our focus is on guest service, these three individuals exemplify what it means to provide world class guest service. Thank you and Congratulations!
Pamela Rodriguez As the Assistant Manager at Papillon Apartments, Pamela is described as having an impeccable work ethic and “out of the box” solutions for challenging situations. It takes a special person to handle the different responsibilities with care, determination, and poise as she does. Congrats Pamela!
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Gail Derousselle Described as exhibiting the true meaning of a team player, Gail continually goes above and beyond the call of duty in supporting all properties and corporate office as the Front Desk Administrator. She is efficient, pleasant, and gives concise and accurate information. Way to go Gail! Keep up the great work!
President's Message
To submit your stories, suggestions, or provide feedback please email us at newsletter@hriproperties.com
Kerstin Radelow Guest service comes naturally for Front Desk Supervisor, Kerstin. She sees every guest interaction as a chance to create a memorable experience at Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort. She is regularly mentioned in guest comments about her outstanding performance. Amazing job Kerstin!
HEDGEHOG UPDATE
WELCOME TO the NEW NEWSLETTER!
Read below to see what is new and improved!
HRI AROUND THE COUNTRY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & PRESIDENT, HRI PROPERTIES
TOM LEONHARD
How did you come to be an intern at HRI? I followed the advice of a college professor of mine. Knowing that my professional goals went beyond the industry I was working in, she suggested contacting HRI. What was your career path and to whom do you credit your success at HRI? I began preparing certified payroll for HUD projects. I credit my success at HRI to the fact that Pres and Edward Boettner Sr. mentored me and watched me grow up as HRI did. How do our core values influence the way you lead? Hire good people of character and give them the tools for success. What is your perspective on our people? How do they contribute to the success of HRI? Each associate has his/her own unique talents; showing them how their contributions strengthen our company is important. As you settle into your new role as Chief Executive Officer, what will be your focus? To lead the company to create and operate complex urban real estate properties nationwide. I want to stress the importance of customer service as the key measure of HRI Properties ultimate success. What one piece of encouragement or advice would you give us? Continue to challenge yourself everyday by asking, "How can I make myself better and improve my contributions to the company while enjoying the work I do?"
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, HRI PROPERTIES
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DOUBLETREE SALT LAKE CITY VISITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
HYATT FRENCH QUARTER SPONSORS DINNER AT COVENANT HOUSE and Big Easy, Big Heart 5k
PRES KABACOFF
HRI VOLUNTEERS WITH THE FORE!KIDS FOUNDATION AT THE ZURICH CLASSIC
What motivated you to launch this company? While visiting SoHo and North End of Boston, I saw unique conversions of warehouses into residential apartments. It was that moment when I decided to do the same for New Orleans in the area known as the Warehouse District. What was HRI’s first project? The initial historic conversion was of Federal Fibre Mills- which is described in HRI’s book “Revitalizing Cities”. What lessons did you learn from that first project that influence how we do work today? Our projects are extremely complex which made the first project challenging. Since this was the first, many components were completed by trial and error. It was through this experience that we were able to continue developing best practices for later projects and mastering complexity became a competitive advantage. Which of your skills or abilities do you believe most enabled you to be successful? Perseverance, aesthetic appreciation and public speaking skills. What core values did you and Edward Boettner establish? The values were, and still are, cities first, employees second. If we did the first two well, the owners would also do well. What is your perspective on our people? How do they contribute to the success of HRI? Our most valuable asset is the people of HRI. Without our people, we would not succeed. As you settle into your new role as Executive Chairman of the Board, what will be your focus? I will stay on the same mission that is, finding opportunities to revitalize cities and trouble shoot any challenges that arise. What one piece of encouragement or advice would you give to us? If you think you are doing the right thing, never quit.
EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW
Sheraton brookhollow donates 1,200 boxes of crayons to benavidez elementary school
La Rouge nail salon now open
Pictured (middle) - Eddie Boettner accepting The Times-Picayune, Best Place to Work Award
VISIT HRIPROPERTIES.COM/CURRENT-DEVELOPMENTS TO CHECK PROGRESS
HRI NAMED AS A BEST PLACE TO WORK ON TIMES-PICAYUNE (NOLA.COM)
New Construction! New Orleans, LA 207 guest rooms! Ready for Guests in April 2017
HILTON GARDEN INN DALLAS PREPARES FOR NEW RESTAURANT - GRAYSON SOCIAL
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Pictured - Debra Taullie, Eddie Boettner, Brenda Wright, Michele Labat
Construction Underway Minneapolis, MN Historic Building Restored with 290 guest rooms! Ready for Guests in September 2016
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
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We work hard to promote a home and work life balance for all of the team at HRI. It is with your help that we continue to be successful and grow as a company!
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas
HOMEWOOD SUITES
THE MAYFLOWER
Warehouse District, New Orleans
This new addition will celebrate vibrant, modern fresh American cuisine. This will be a place where guests can sit and relax as much as eat a delicous meal!
EMBASSY SUITES
REVITALIZING CITIES THE HRI VISION BOOK SIGNING
Construction Underway Dallas, TX Historic Building Restored into 215 Apartments! Ready for Residents in December 2016
Did you know you are working for one of America's most innovative real estate companies? Explore the HRI story and learn more about the vision and impact you are having in cities and neighborhoods around the nation.
If in the New Orleans area, make sure to check out this new full service salon. See for yourself why visitors are describing it as "bright and beautifully restored".
COMPANY INFORMATION
A Message from Gary Gutierrez President, HRI Lodging As we move into the second half of 2016, I am inspired by sights on the horizon! Beside our expanding presence in the New Orleans market with the Homewood Suites French Quarter scheduled to open 2017, we are on the verge of entering two key markets for the first time: Philadelphia, PA with the Aloft Philadelphia Downtown scheduled to open in 2017; and Nashville, TN with the introduction of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in 2017. Beyond the openings there are numerous renovation projects underway which upgrade our existing properties in order to maintain our competitive edge. Hilton Shreveport, Doubletree Suites Salt Lake City and River’s Edge Hotel & Spa in Portland are all currently undertaking improvements. The Hyatt French Quarter is not only implementing upgrades but is also changing brands in converting to the newly introduced Hyatt Centric flag. It goes without saying that where we have come and where we are going would not be possible without our team of dedicated associates who continue to provide best-in-class service to our guests while creating memorable experiences throughout the portfolio. As the company and our national footprint expand, I am thrilled to welcome new associates to the HRIL/MWTH family, as well as provide new opportunities to our existing team members. My thanks goes out to each of you for your service, dedication, collaboration and overall effort to elevate our company. Sincerely, Gary Gutierrez President, HRI Lodging
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A Message from David Abbenante President HRI Management, LLC Over the past twelve months we have welcomed The Strand, Bienville Basin I & II, and Sacred Heart in New Orleans, LA and LTV Tower Apartments in Dallas, TX to the HRI family. Located in different cities, and each offering unique amenities, services and lifestyles, these properties have brought diversity and vibrancy to their respective communities. Thanks to the collective efforts of the HRI Properties group of companies and the daily impact of our employees “making a difference”; over 700 families have a new place to call home. Outstanding work and outstanding results! In 2016, growth opportunities continue in two of our existing markets as Bienville Basin Phase III and Bastion 1 widens our footprint and community impact in New Orleans, while the Mayflower allows us to expand our multi-family presence in Dallas, TX. Both Bienville Basin Phase III and Mayflower will offer ground floor retail stores that will serve as an amenity to our residents and the surrounding community. HRI’s expansion in markets where we have an existing presence continues to be successful. It creates new opportunities for our associates, and provides opportunities for operating synergies for our owners, while showcasing different products and services to our existing customers. Whether we are expanding an existing market or entering into a new one, success starts with the property teams representing us. Thank you for the tremendous effort and impact you make each day! As HRI pursues new opportunities, we will also look within HRI for suggestions to offer our existing customers new amenities, services, benefits and lifestyles options. We will start with the premise that there are no apartment residents or hotel guests; all customers are guests of HRI. The difference is subtle but the impact to our customers is significant. As we venture down this exciting path, I encourage the teams interacting with customers on a daily basis to offer any idea, concept or solution that will make a difference to your customer, your team and to HRI. Thank you for everything you do to make a difference. David Abbenante President HRI Management, LLC