Upon my return to Canada, I assumed the role of Marketing Director at Howard Johnson Hotel. In a remarkable three months, I was swiftly promoted to Hotel Manager.

Within a year, I was elected Chairman for Western Canada overseeing Howard Johnson, Best Western, Ramada, and other esteemed brands. My responsibilities expanded further to encompass Western USA regions including Oregon and Washington.

Under my leadership, I spearheaded impactful group marketing campaigns that spanned borders, involving all hotels under our umbrella. One standout initiative involved collaborating with the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, orchestrating packages that included exclusive access alongside hotel stays in Victoria and Vancouver. This innovative approach significantly boosted bookings.

Additionally, I pioneered local sports partnerships, forging alliances with hockey, baseball, and basketball teams across the region. Through strategic funding and sponsorship packages, these collaborations generated substantial business growth. We successfully raised room rates from $50 to $299 Canadian dollars per night at one Howard Johnson location.

My role also extended to managing one of Vancouver’s premier hotels, the four-star Howard Johnson Hotel downtown. I provided comprehensive staff training and played a pivotal role in onboarding 72 hotels across Canada, Oregon, and Washington following their acquisition or franchise initiation. This included implementing Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and training staff on new booking systems.

Furthermore, I undertook a transformative project at a private hotel in Whistler, British Columbia, in preparation for the Olympics. The property underwent extensive renovation and thematic redesign, with each of the 12 rooms showcasing different facets of Canadian Olympic history. These themed rooms commanded rates of $400 to $600 USD per night during the Olympics, contributing to the hotel