Commercial Construction & Renovation helps our subscribers design, build and maintain better commercial facilities by delivering content to meet the information needs of today's high-level executives.
Issue link: https://ccr-mag.epubxp.com/i/692286
One-on-one with... What's the most rewarding part of your job? It's defnitely the relationships and friendships I have created with our consultants, contractors, designers, franchisors and McKibbon colleagues. What was the best advice you ever received? That the true strength of your relationships will always shine the brightest during the darkest moment. It's easy to get along when everything goes the way it is supposed to, but it's when you have challenges and problems when we all get tested. That is when our true colors show. What's the best thing a client ever said to you? When franchisors call us for advice, or to give feedback on brand items. What are the three strongest traits any leader should have? Honesty, integrity and loyalty. What is the true key to success for any manager? For any manager, it is to be able to align yourself with the best people to have on your team. What's your favorite vacation spot and why? The Florida Keys – it's really the best place for my family and I to escape everyday life. It's so relaxing. What book are you reading now? It is a biography about Elon Musk. The guy is intense. How do you like to spend your down time? My family and I spend all of our down time on the water at Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Ga. My wife and children love boating, sailing and water sports. There is really no place we would rather be. Erik Rowen VP of Development, McKibbon Hospitality A FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE more competitive. Everyone knows what the others expecta- tions are, therefore the expectations are easier to meet. What does your sustainability plan look like? We focus on sustainability, not only during construction, but for post construction/post opening processes as well. We target common sense green initiatives that are good for the environ- ment and create value for our properties. How important is that your customers? It's very important. Our customers are environmentally con- scious and expect us to be as well. Tell us about any awards you have received? We have received awards for hotel opening of the year from every brand. We focus a great deal on our openings, both from a construction perspective and an operational perspective. Having a great opening really sets the property and its staff up for success. What is today's customer looking for? They want an experience that is unique to the destination, whether it's the local cuisine, art, craft brewery, etc. They want to be immersed in the local culture. What should people expect from McKibbon brand moving forward? Innovation, cutting edge technology, strong ties to local culture, including, but not limited to art at each property. CCR 32 COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION — MAY : JUNE 2016