The Paragon - Remington Hospitality Services

The Paragon
News of Performance Excellence from Ashford and Remington
Dallas, Texas Winter 2010
It was appropriate that the Sheraton
Indianapolis City Centre Hotel, overlooking
regal Monument Circle, was the backdrop for
the 2010 Remington GM/DOS Conference held on
February 27 - March 1. For the fifteenth consecutive
year, General Managers, Directors of Sales and
Marketing, Revenue Managers, Executive Human
Resource Directors and key executives from the
Company’s corporate office gathered to recognize
the monumental efforts of their peers in the field
that delivered superior performance in 2009. co n t ro l l e r o f t H e Ye a r
Tom Pemberton, Crowne Plaza Key West
Hu M a n re s o u r c e s di r e c t o r o f t H e Ye a r
Artemis Falcon, Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel Br a n d ex c e l l e n c e awa r d s
Charles Young (KYW), Martin Greenwood (AES),
Brandon Roberson (DES), Dan Stenz/Jeff Rostek (VES),
Stan Kennedy (FWW), Steve Davis (MAR), Joe Dantoni (ANN),
Cristi Robinson (IKW), Sileshi Mengiste (JCK), Mark Politte (WQO),
Mike Rice (DUR), Leif Chaffee (MIN)
sa l e s P e r s o n o f t H e Ye a r
Paul Williamson, Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport
Pr e s i d e n t’s aw a r d
Ge n e r a l Ma naG e r o f t H e Ye a r
Mike Rice, Marriott Durham-RTP
ex c e l l e n c e in Qua l i t Y
GM Mark Politte, WorldQuest Resort Orlando
Hot e l
o f t H e Ye a r
Hilton Atlanta/Marietta
Hotel and Conference
Center
GM Steve Davis
Ashford / Remington 2010 Page 1
Send your photos and submissions for The Paragon to judygausnell@remingtonhotels.com

Unforgettable Moments
There were many unforgettable moments throughout the course of
the conference, key among them the announcement at the Saturday
opening general session by President Mark Sharkey of his “One
Thing” for 2010. In his comments about how Remington leaders should
respond to the current tough times, Mark emphasized that they should
have “NO PATIENCE” when dealing with the challenges, rather “raise
up their heads, take some risks and meet adversity head on, riding the
tidal wave on top.”
Six General Managers did just that by achieving all Five Company
Drivers in 2009, earning them entrance into the President’s Club and
the coveted personalized blazer. Joining Mark on the stage as they were
announced were Steve Davis, Stan Kennedy, Mark Politte, Mike Rice,
Jeff Rostek and Charles Young.
After a Sunday spent in setting expectations and strategies for 2010,
the celebration of excellence continued Sunday evening at the annual
awards gala. Under Mark’s leadership as emcee, the evening program
was a combination of the playful jibes and heartfelt reflections found at
any gathering of a close-knit corporate family like Remington.
The laughter began
with the “opening act”,
video of a stage full of
Remington executives
led enthusiastically
by Rick Gerhart
proving they have the
energy and endurance
to make these tough
times great.
More subdued was
Mark’s announcement that Hassan Majd, General Manager of the
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel, will leave the property after
eleven years to assume the new position of Vice President of Operating
Performance and Improvement. Mark wryly commented that the
impressive title, created
specifically to take
advantage of Hassan’s
talents, was one that even
he would like; Hassan
followed the memorable
video of his Remington
journey with the following
comment that said it all:
“When Remington chooses
you to join the Company, you know you are special.”
After the announcements of the 2009 awards, the Indianapolis team was
called to the stage for one last celebration with Hassan of a job well done.
Indeed, the evening was flawless thanks to the well-trained hotel
associates, the financial support of loyal vendors and the guidance of Amy
McDaniel and John Kennedy.
Walking the talk…
Take time to celebrate.
Be prepared to throw a
Hail Mary.
Don’t be afraid to
get your hands dirty.
Page 2 Ashford / Remington 2010

Taking The Lead
Rostek Named Divisional Vice President, Operations
In September, President Mark Sharkey
announced the promotion of Jeff Rostek
to Divisional Vice President, Operations,
to oversee Remington operations at all Embassy
Suites properties nationwide.
In the ten years Jeff has been with Remington,
he has been General Manager of hotels in New
York, Boston, Flagstaff and Orlando, working
with brands that included Sheraton, Marriott and
Embassy Suites. Most recently he served as VP/
GM at the Las Vegas Embassy Suites where he led
the hotel to be recognized
as Remington’s 2008 Hotel
of the Year. Jeff says with
certainty that, “Embassy
Suites brand has the best
value proposition in the hotel
industry.” He particularly
respects the way Remington
runs Embassy Suites because “the great pride
we take our operations differentiates us in our
markets, keeping us a consistent top performer in
service, market share and profitability.”
Jeff’s goal for the Embassy Division is to be
“The Embassy MVPs”. Believing that Remington
has the leaders that can produce the best results
in the Embassy system, he will encourage them
to lie awake at night if they are not scoring well
or getting their fair share of the business in their
markets. He is confident that “they are destined
to be winners in 2010 and will walk into the
2011 Embassy Brand Conference with the MVP
swagger!”
SPOTLIGHT ON GUIDING PRINCIPLES
During these times of economic
struggle, several Remington and
Ashford employees were able to
increase profitability and were recognized
by their colleagues for a job well done. Here
are a few of the outstanding nominations for
profitability submitted by Lindsay Woldert as
Associates deserving notice:
Doug Smolinski, nominated by Larry
Doyle, achieved the
highest flow % AGE vs.
2008 for the entire First
Quarter of 2009. His flow
of 66.2% was exceptional
and generated
an additional
$ 1 . 6 5 Doug Smolinski
million vs.
2008 results.
Chef Peters Cooks at the
James Beard House
One Ocean Resort Hotel and Spa in Atlantic Beach announced
that Executive Chef Ted Peters was selected to cook at the
prestigious James Beard House in New York City. Once each
month, the venue welcomes an exclusive handful of chefs to cook for food
and wine enthusiasts seeking the ultimate culinary
experience in a legendary setting. Approximately
one hundred diners attended the February 11 dinner
at the James Beard House; there they experienced
the talent of Chef Peters, a gourmet-cuisine veteran
of international repute. During his seventeen years
in the fine dining industry, in addition to creating unforgettable dining
experiences, Chef Peters has made a name for himself hosting renowned
wine festivals, appearing on distinguished committees and judging
panels, as well as immersing himself in local charities. Although Chef
Peters said he was honored to be selected for the culinary experience, he
was glad to be back in sunny Florida in the kitchen of Azuréa.
Shannon Jones nominated Lennie Abarquez
for creating an electronic
filing system for files
that were previously kept
manually. Lennie’s effort
has saved a volume of
paper, storage space, and
access time.
Lugene Friedholm, Lennie Abarquez
through building rapport
with vendor reps, secured favorable terms
on certain agreements,
including getting the
company out of a contract
that auto-renewed in
June without notification.
Nominator Karim
Sachedina noted that
Lugene Friedholm “her ability to influence
the vendor to terminate the agreement without
penalty and move forward with a new contract
offered us significant savings.”
Nanci Pyles’ ability to program Time
Savers has saved the Company thousands and
thousands of dollars a
year. Her nomination by
Anne Binns recognized
her support of the field
with extra time and energy,
ultimately saving every
hotel money.”
In 2009, 52 Associates Nanci Pyles
were recognized with
gold coins for their exceptional contribution
to both Ashford and Remington through the
five guiding principles: ethical, profitable,
tenacious, innovative and engaging.
Spirit of Uganda Sings the Praises
of American Breakfasts
C
EO Monty Bennett is involved in a supportive role with a nonprofit
organization called Empower African Children. When he
learned that a youth group from Uganda was traveling to the
United States to perform in the Bay Area, Monty contacted Embassy
Suites Walnut Creek General Manager Shahid Ali to see if there was
availability to accommodate the group during their visit.
The group, the Spirit of Uganda, was welcomed to the Embassy Suites;
in addition to being overwhelmed by the American breakfast, they
received unforgettable hospitality from the hotel staff. To show their
appreciation, the youth group gave a concert in the lobby as they boarded
the bus for their next
destination. In the
words of GM Ali,
“This was by far the
best behaved group
of youngsters that we
have had the pleasure
of hosting at our
hotel.”
Ashford / Remington 2010 Page 3

In the Spirit
Senior Vice President of Human Resources Don Denzin phrased it simply in a call to action at the beginning of
the 2009 holiday season. He wrote: “Associates at Ashford and Remington have a long tradition of service to
the community. We understand that real needs require real responses. We also know that the holiday season can be
especially difficult for families and that our simple acts in the spirit of giving not only help others, they enrich us.”
It was enough to spur varied and active responses from those in the corporate office as well as in hotels throughout
the portfolio. Below are a few of the efforts made in the spirit of giving:
One Ocean chefs cOOk fOr children
The One Ocean culinary team, led by Executive Chef Ted Peters, helped raise
a record breaking $109,320 for children and families in need in the Florida
community. The 26th Annual Caring Chefs Event to benefit the Children’s Home
Society was held in October at the Avenues Mall in Jacksonville. Over fifty
restaurants participated in the event, but it was the Azuréa at One Ocean Resort’s
Hudson Valley Duck Confit and White Bean Cassoulet that had hungry attendees
returning for seconds.
In the photo from left are Hans Ritten, F&B Director; Nate Lindsay, Sous Chef;
Rossi Roche, Lead Cook; Ted Peters, Executive Chef, and Bill Tuminski, Catering Sales Manager.
hilTOn Gala suppOrTs Miracles Of MiTch
The Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of
America hosted the 5th Annual MN Miracle New
In the photo are families that enjoyed a weekend in 2009 at the
Hilton as part of a Minnesota Miracle weekend retreat away from
their treatment in area Twin City hospitals. They gathered to
celebrate the New Year at the gala with other families of pediatric
cancer patients.
Year’s Eve Celebration to benefit The Miracles of Mitch
Foundation. Sealed with a pinky swear between 9-year
old Mitch Chepokas and his father Steve, the Miracles
of Mitch Foundation was created to honor Mitch’s desire
to support the families of children battling cancer in
Minnesota.
This year’s event was sold out with 560 guests attending
the program and dinner/dance at the Hilton. In addition
to the hotel staff, the event required fifty volunteers to
help with kids’ games, registration and the auctions.
The highlight of the evening was when Hilton General
Manager Charles Goldberg presented founders Steve
and Becky Chepokas a check in the amount of $78,000
to help their cause.
The Ashford and Remington holiday elves wore
spent the day helping the Salvation Army make
in the Dallas area. For over a decade, the Compan
annual effort to give back to a community that has be
associates sorted gifts, while others selected to de
agreed that they had received more pleasure than th
Doing the
Page 4 Ashford / Remington 2010

of giving
schOlarships and all ThaT Jazz
for the first time, the annual Labor Day Tony Williams Jazz Scholarship Event
was hosted at the Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. The event, in its
nineteenth year, provides scholarship funds for continuing music education for
talented students in Philadelphia.
Tony Williams, a Mellon Jazz Award recipient, worked with his board of
directors and the team from the hotel, led by VP/GM Jerry Galligan, to plan the
marketing, the weekend menu and all aspects of accommodating the guests. At
the conclusion of the festivities, Sunday headliner Bill Cosby and Tony Williams
were awarded the Embassy Make a Difference Award to recognize their lifetime
efforts to make a difference in the lives of children. It was a successful weekend In the photo from left are VP/GM
for everyone involved: $20,000 went to the jazz scholarship fund and the hotel Jerry Galligan, Bill Cosby and AGM
realized a 23% increase in revenue over last year’s Labor Day.
Genarro Moten.
nOT YOur averaGe deniM daY
since its inception
in 1996, Lee
National Denim Day
has adhered to a simple
philosophy: one day,
one cause, one cure.
In the years since, that
philosophy has become
a mantra for millions and has made an impact Lee Jeans
never dreamed possible. Although every Friday is
“jeans day” at Remington and Ashford, the denim worn
October 2 was not only worn for comfort but it also
made a powerful statement for breast cancer awareness.
Associates, sporting pink ribbons in addition to their
jeans, gave $5 each to raise a total of $545 for the worthy
cause.
charles Goldberg, General Manager of the Hilton
Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America,
was beating the bushes for donations to earn him the title
Toast of the Town. This seriously fun challenge had three
Twin Cities’ executives vying for the title to be bestowed
by Normandale Community College.. As a partner with
Normandale’s Hospitality Department, Charles regularly
shares his extensive hotel experience with the hospitality
their designated corporate colors when they
Christmas cheer possible for needy families
y has strived for 100% participation in this
en home to their phenomenal growth. Some
liver gifts; all associates who participated
ey had given.
most good. SM
anGels awaiTinG
adOpTiOn
associates in the
corporate office once
again participated in the
Salvation Army Angel
Tree Program. The cards
representing needy angels
disappeared quickly from
the tree as Remington
and Ashford Associates
provided Christmas for
children and senior citizens
throughout the Dallas/Fort
Worth Metroplex.
schOlarship drive BenefiTs fuTure hOspiTaliTY leaders
leaders of tomorrow. Although Charles and
the Hilton associates hosted two events for
Toast of the Town during the September
1 through November 19 contest, another
participant actually won the coveted title and
the Normandale Cup. In the final analysis,
all agreed that the true winner was Normandale Community
College that received $100,000 for student scholarships.
Ashford / Remington 2010 Page 5

Historic Inns Website Delivers a Triple Whammy!
B
rad Nelson, Revenue Manager, announced
that the efforts at completing and
maintaining a top website for the Historic Inns
of Annapolis paid off in multiple ways. Not only
has the hotel achieved massive gains in revenue,
it has also received three awards for the website
itself.
ADRIAN AWARD - SILVER
Founded in 1957, The Adrian Awards honor
the top companies and individuals in hospitality,
travel and tourism advertising, public relations
and web marketing worldwide. Winners are
selected from a field of 2,000 entries by senior
industry and media experts.
DAVEY AWARD - GOLD
The International Davey Awards focus on honoring the finest creative
work from the best small firms worldwide. In the recently concluded
2009 competition, over 4,000 entries were submitted in which no
more than ten percent are awarded a Gold
Davey.
IAVA – W3 AWARD - SILVER
IAVA’s W3 Awards honor outstanding
websites, web marketing, and web videos
created by the best interactive agencies,
designers, and creators worldwide. The
W3 is sanctioned and judged by the
International Academy of the Visual Arts,
an invitation-only body consisting of toptier
professionals from a “Who’s Who” of
acclaimed media, interactive, advertising,
and marketing firms.
Since its launch, online bookings from the website have tripled from
an average of 300 room nights a month to over 900 room nights a
month. The impressive trio of awards was won by the Historic Inns of
Annapolis through the tireless efforts of the team and the constructive
partnership with Milestone.
Key West, Where the Winners Go!
the gracious staff of the Crowne Plaza La Concha provided a typical Key West welcome for the fifteen winners of the annual Remington Sales
Incentive Trip. With the exception of the opening reception at The Top, emceed by Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bret Arriola, and the
Saturday night sunset cruise, the travelers were free to relax and explore the zany island on their own. The photo collage gives a glimpse of the 2009
Pinnacle Club winners and their guests enjoying the unique sights and sounds of Key West, each celebrating in a perfect, personal way.
Page 6 Ashford / Remington 2010

the winners
in key west
the traditional sunset cruise is a highlight of the incentive trip, the night all winners and guests gather to set sail in celebration of a successful
year. Achieving high goals in a challenging year is stressful not only on the Remington sales professionals but also on those who support
their efforts away from the work place. To emphasize the value the Company places on their behind-the-scenes support, the guests’ travel is also
included in the Key West award. It was a windblown and happy group that sailed on Saturday night.
the winners:
Stephanie Anderson with her husband Dan - Syracuse Embassy Suites
Tracy Bonds with her husband Robert - Indianapolis City Centre Sheraton
Mitch Divens with his wife Carrie - Indianapolis City Centre Sheraton
J.W. Engblom with his boyfriend Jason Cummings - Mobile Homewood Suites
Dave Jenkins with his girlfriend Jessie Deck - Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center
Barbara Kays with her son Colin McCarty - Evansville Residence Inn
Brandi Lee with her husband Joe - Indianapolis City Centre Sheraton
Laura MacDonald with her mom Joan MacDonald - Bucks County Sheraton
Rick Netzel with his wife Christy - Lake Buena Vista Residence Inn
Li Ou with her husband Xiaofeng He - Lake Buena Vista Residence Inn
Deb Sanders with her daughter Sarah - St. Petersburg Hilton
Maylis Vachette with her friend Karen Mignola - Hilton Houston NASA/Clear Lake
Chad Welch with his wife Ashley - Syracuse Embassy Suites
Rene Wells with her husband Ray - Austin Embassy Suites
Corporate Fans:
Bret Arriola with his wife Melinda -
Remington
Roger Aufieri - Remington
Homan Cull with his wife Veronica -
Remington
Loretta Macke - Remington
Amy McDaniel - Remington
Jeff Patton - Remington
Mark Sharkey - Remington
Ashford / Remington 2010 Page 7

2009 Associates of the Year
In a look back at the efforts and results of 2009, two Associates stood out as best of the best and were named Remington and Ashford Associates of the
Year. Following are synopses of the ballots that won them the coveted awards.
Lennie Abarquez touches multiple associates at both Ashford and
Remington in her job as Ashford’s Corporate Senior Accountant. She
is known for sticking with a problem until it is solved, a project until it is
completed, earning her high marks in the areas of both
innovation and tenacity. Her co-workers applaud her for
never missing a deadline, also noting that she faces many
in her role. Because she maintains thorough, accurate
records, she is able to provide quick answers to their
daily questions. Perhaps most telling about Lennie’s job
security is the fact that she streamlined her position soon
Lennie Abarquez
after assuming it, and she now takes her well-deserved
time off comfortable in the knowledge that she has left
her team in a position to function while she is away due to her detailed,
organized work.
Following her selection, Lennie commented, “To be selected as Associate
of the Year by my manager and peers who believe in me is truly an honor.
My family was elated when they read the letter from the President and Chief
Executive Officer. I continue to learn more on a daily basis and feel blessed
to work with good folks who support one another to accomplish our tasks.”
Nerissa Desai, Senior
Hotel Accountant for
allowed the Hilton Houston
NASA Clear Lake to remain
Remington, was selected
operational during the crisis,
as an Associate of the 3rd
it also gained in market
Quarter for consistently
share. His ability to exhibit
giving 110% of herself and
the Company’s five guiding
her time to make sure that her
principles while effectively
assigned hotels’ accounting
dealing with contractors and
Nerissa Desai
staffs understand and follow
policies and procedures.
Al Granholm
hotel employees alike has
earned him the respect of all
Repeatedly recognized for her smile, her who work with him. Know for his ethics, Al was
approach to achieving good accounting standards named Associate of the 4th Quarter because “It’s
and ultimate profitability for the Company is the right choice!”
always positive; she even remembers the “much- In a world of copies, Sharon Jameson is a true
needed donuts at the crazy end-of-month closing original. In her nomination
time.” Nerissa was “overjoyed with the honor” for Associate of the 4th
and motivated to continue the impact of her Quarter from the Ashford
professional presence by intensifying her efforts Asset Management team,
to increase profitability.
she is identified as a “planner
Al Granholm, Project Manager for Remington, extraordinaire” who has
is known for countless behind the scenes efforts flawlessly orchestrated a
that have saved Remington hundreds of thousands host of meetings with asset
of dollars. Specifically, Al’s prudent and timely partners for her department.
steps both before and after Hurricane Ike not only In addition to the dependable Sharon Jameson
Bobby George, Remington’s Director of Information Technology,
received rave reviews from those he manages as well as those he
supports. As a boss, he is known to be constantly teaching his team so they
can expand their IT knowledge. As a co-worker, he is known to set high
standards, keeping the focus on excellence as the team works to satisfy their
internal customers’ needs. His innovative approach calls on a 6th sense that
allows him to find “outside the box” solutions to complex issues, displaying
his passion for achieving the Company’s goals. In the
constantly changing field of technology, Bobby stays
calm, cool and collected while being pulled in many
directions by those in the corporate office as well as
those in the field. Known to represent all five of the
guiding principles in facing challenges both large and
small, Bobby is G2G – “a leader in all things IT.”
Bobby George
In response to his selection as Associate of the Year,
Bobby said, “I thank God and share the joy with my
family and my team.” In his standard, thoughtful manner he mused that,
although the honor of being selected is positive, the recognition increases
the amount of responsibility he feels toward those who supported him.
Associates of the Third and Fourth Quarters
Without exception, all Remington Divisions have continued to
enhance their sales efforts over the past year to combat the
challenges presented by the soft business climate in the hotel industry.
One example is the announcement by Susan Stevens, General Manager
at the Sheraton San Diego Mission Valley, who celebrated the arrival of
a new Director of Sales and Marketing to the hotel. Also on hand to greet
Jeanette Eddery were both Divisional Vice Presidents, Keith Wolling
and Loretta Macke. Coming from the Doubletree Golf Resort in San
Diego, Jeanette is well-prepared to meet her new challenge to build
group business from nearby sources like San Diego State University
and Qualcomm
Stadium, home
of the San Diego
Chargers.
performance of her routine
assignments, she has executed
a myriad of cost saving
initiatives, enabling the
Asset Management team to
achieve strong 2009 results.
Known for her “infectious
punctuality”, Sharon also
makes sure that there is “never
a dull moment” while she is
Marsha Reppond
finishing her projects “without missing a beat.”
Marsha Reppond, Lead Accounts Payable
Coordinator for Remington, earned her leadership
role in the department because of her excellent
work ethic. Taking great pride in the work she
produces, she demonstrates the guiding principles
on a daily basis, following the policies and
procedures as she completes her work accurately
and on time. Her engaging approach to her work
makes each hotel feel they are unique as she
works with them to achieve their AP goals in an
efficient and timely manner, always keeping the
Company’s profitability at the top of her priority
list.
Remington Continues to Drive Sales Effort
In the photo, Keith
and Loretta flank
Jeanette in front of
the Sheraton P&L
library.
Page 8 Ashford / Remington 2010