SALES SUPERSTARS

Erica Carey from #195 Chicago Naperville

Take a page out of Erica’s book!  Erica has been putting together recaps of her sales efforts and sharing these with her RDSM and RVPO.  Her recaps include new leads, new prospects, and developing opportunities.  Erica discusses how she reached out to each company, the details of their lodging needs, and what her next steps are before submitting the account as a lead to her RDSM.  Keep up the great work Erica!

EXAMPLE:

Hi Cara,

I hope you're doing well! Here’s a quick recap of the sales activities and follow-ups for this past week, including a few new developments:

NEW: IIS Materials Handling Inc. (Gurnee, IL)They’re scheduled to stay on the property for next month, initially booked through Priceline. They’re now in discussions with the property to establish a better long-term rate.

NEW: UMT Global Logistics (Naperville, IL 60563)A trucking company that is awaiting a return call—this week marked our second follow-up attempt.

NEW: Gran Corporation (Naperville, IL)Another trucking company we’ve reached out to. They had a recent stay on-site, and we’re currently waiting for a callback.

KTL (901 Frontenac Road, Naperville)I completed a successful site visit with Mindy Edwards this week. We were able to discuss several potential opportunities and the next steps, which I believe will move things forward positively.

Next Steps:

• Continue follow-ups with GSI Express, CTL Logistics, and Paws 4 A Cause

• Keep engaging with IIS, UMT, and Gran

• Follow up on the action items from the KTL site visit

A Two-For-One Deal in Laredo

In January, the team in Laredo noticed some truck drivers that were coming via OTA reservations.  With a little mild prospecting, they found that Gateway Express had regular needs in the area.

The General Manager was in touch with the team at Gateway Express and found that they have a sister company with similar needs and they would be willing to use Red Roof if they could get a good rate.  By converting them into an account, we have earned their loyalty for all stays in town and we avoid paying all those commission fees. 

Gateway Express and F&A Express now both use our hotel daily and have generated nearly $46,000 in revenue in just 4.5 months. 

If they can do it, so can you! Your leads matter.

Celebrating the “Golden Girls” of Red Roof: A Legacy of Dedication, Hospitality, and Heart

From Left to Right: Jane Battles, Linda Fitch, and Diana Cunningham

With a combined 60 years of dedicated service and 224 years of life experience, Jane Battles (77), Linda Fitch (76), and Diana Cunningham (71) are true pillars of Red Roof’s legacy. These remarkable women represent the heart and soul of hospitality — through their kindness, consistency, and commitment to both guests and team members.

Jane Battles

Jane is known for her heartwarming motto, which she writes on her housekeeping board each morning: “I love my job.” She treats guests like family—often going above and beyond to wash dishes or clean food containers left in the sink. Her kindness hasn’t gone unnoticed; she’s received multiple $100 tips over the years from appreciative long-term guests. A big fan of professional wrestling, Jane has affectionately earned the nickname “High Fly Jane.”

Linda Fitch

Linda—affectionately known as “The Flash”—is a true powerhouse, seamlessly handling housekeeping, laundry, and general maintenance. Her boundless energy and warm spirit leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets, whether two-legged or four-legged. Guests return year after year just to see her, and in her earlier years, she even referred guests to other Red Roof locations in Columbus. In her free time, Linda enjoys caring for her home and relaxing in her sunroom.

Fun fact: Linda is also the proud mother of the article’s author!

Diana Cunningham

Diana is the steady, calming presence of the trio. Known for her gentle demeanor and consistent work ethic, she keeps her section immaculate and treats every guest with warmth and care. Her attentive listening and calm energy make her a beloved team member. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening with her grandchildren, nurturing a beautiful variety of flowers and plants.

These three remarkable women embody a level of service, hospitality, and heart that is increasingly rare. Their contributions have directly and positively impacted guest satisfaction and Quality Scores year after year.

They are not only outstanding employees but also role models and mentors for the next generation of Red Roof team members. We are proud to celebrate and honor the legacy of our very own Golden Girls.

Investing in Growth Through WHG University

WHG University (Litmos) continues to play a vital role in team development across all properties. As hotel operations evolve, providing staff with timely, practical training is more important than ever. The platform offers self-paced learning that supports onboarding, operational consistency, and leadership development.

Several new eLearning courses have recently been added, including:

• RiskManager Pro: Incident Reporting Basics – Coming Soon

• Mastering Chargebacks: Prevention, Response & Recovery

• Peer to Boss: Transitioning into Leadership

• Understanding the AR Lifecycle: From Setup to Collection – Coming Soon

• I-9 Compliance for General Managers

These courses reflect current operational priorities and were developed with feedback from the field. They are designed to support both new hires and experienced team members looking to build their knowledge or grow into leadership roles.

Encouraging regular use of WHG University not only improves daily performance—it also contributes to long-term retention by investing in employee growth. General Managers are encouraged to identify key courses for their teams and promote a culture of learning through recognition and accountability.

Additional resources, including job aids and course guides, are available upon request. For support with course recommendations or team assignments, reach out to the Learning and Innovation team.

Course Spotlight: “Peer to Boss”

Leadership isn’t just for those in management roles—developing leadership skills can benefit any team member who wants to grow professionally. The Peer to Boss course is designed to help individuals build communication, time management, and team leadership skills. Whether preparing for future opportunities or simply becoming a stronger contributor on the team, this course is a great resource for employees eager to take initiative and learn more about what leadership involves.

GM Tip: Promote Learning with Recognition

Recognize team members who complete key WHG University courses by highlighting their efforts in morning huddles, on staff bulletin boards, or during one-on-one check-ins. A little recognition goes a long way in motivating continued learning and setting a positive example for the rest of the team.