We interviewed Craig Poole, the General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Reading on how they are managing to weather the COVID-19 pandemic from a business perspective. Here is what he had to say.
1. WAS YOUR BUSINESS FORCED TO CLOSE? AND DID YOU LAY OFF EMPLOYEES?
We were not forced to close by the government as we are in essential business however because we are in the hotel business and restaurant business we were the most hurt business because of no travelers. Basically our occupancy dropped to basically a few people and then we started picking up doctors and nurses that are coming from out of town to help in our community.
We had to lay off 190 employees and we kept lighting
2. ARE YOU USING YOUR TIME WISELY AND IF SO HOW?
We believe we have done a great job upon a better team and we’re prepared more than other people to re-open.
3. ARE YOU USING THIS TIME TO ANALYZE YOUR BUSINESS? PLEASE PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF WHAT YOU DID OR ARE DOING?
We took our time to analyze what we are doing right and how we can improve. We also analyzed what we were doing wrong and we have discontinued those habits, and glad to say we also have implemented many, many new ideas. We have formulated a new process of cleaning, we develop a sustainable menu and we have changed our seating so it’s more social distancing.
4. DID YOU FIND ANY GOOD READS, RESEARCHES & OR RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FINANCIALLY?
Our best resource has been watching the news and how quickly everything changes and we have learned how fast we have to adjust. I have read many blogs on LinkedIn related to COVID-19 in our industry and I will continue to stay informed on current news.
5. WHAT DID THE CORONAVIRUS TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOURSELF?
To be resilient, remain humble, and remain thankful for all things.
6. WHAT ABOUT CORONAVIRUS ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?
It has taught us how we all can work together in spite of politics; age, race, and that we are all in this together. It also has taught us that we really do care about each other.
Rosa Julia Parra, CEO Palo Magazine