FEBRUARY: LEAD WITH HEART!

February always brings a lot of heart. From Valentine’s Day and Heart Health Month to the simple reminder to slow down and care—for ourselves and for others—this time of year naturally centers on what truly matters.

It’s also the perfect moment to begin Leading with Heart.

Leading with heart means showing up with purpose, curiosity, and accountability. It means caring about outcomes and how we get there. It’s being intentional in our decisions, open to new ideas, and committed to continuous improvement—all while keeping our guests and one another at the center of everything we do.

And none of that happens without the heart of our organization… our people…YOU!

When we create an environment where hearts thrive, guests and employees feel the difference—and success follows. Here are a few ways to keep a healthy organizational “heart”:

• Check Your Pulse – Reflect on the past and use those lessons to fuel smarter, stronger decisions.

• Open Your Arteries – Stay curious. Ask better questions and keep ideas flowing so innovation and collaboration aren’t blocked.

• Listen to Your Heartbeat – Stay connected to what matters most: your guests and the people you work alongside every day. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.

• Keep a Healthy Rhythm – Every role, every interaction, every day matters. Use data, deadlines, and routines to drive consistency and success.

February reminds us to keep our hearts healthy. Thank you for the energy, commitment, and heart you bring to this organization. You are not just part of our success—you are the reason for it. Let’s keep moving forward together and make the most of what this year has to offer.

FRESH FACES OF RRI WEST!

CHERYL SIMMONS - GM 3638 Hilton Head

With more than 36 years in the hospitality industry, we are thrilled to welcome Cheryl Simmons to the RRI West Team. Cheryl brings with her a wealth of knowledge, heart and dedication that will be a perfect fit for the Hilton Head team. She began her career as a night Laundry attendant. At that time, she had to press all of her sheets and pillowcases (Yikes!!). Cheryl steadily worked her way up through the ranks as a Front Desk GSR, a Front Desk Supervisor, an Assistant General Manager, a Task Force Manager and now the General Manager at our Red Roof Inn Hilton Head property.

Throughout her career, Cheryl has worked with such brands as Hilton, Choice and Marriott. Her path to Red Roof Inn began in the early 2000’s when she worked as a Front Desk GSR at the Red Roof Inn North Charleston. While she left the company to pursue management opportunities, her heart and her true passion led her back to Red Roof Inn. For Cheryl, returning to RRI West makes it feel like a family reunion. When she wasn't working in hospitality, Cheryl spent time working as a truck driver, further shaping her strong work ethic and adaptability.

Outside of work, Cheryl and her amazing husband are committed to giving back to their community by actively feeding the homeless and creating care packages for those less fortunate. She also helps run a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to women affected by domestic abuse. At home, Cheryl loves to read, cook and sing and has a special love for old school R&B and instrumental music. When she gets the opportunity to watch NFL games, you will hear her cheer on her favorite team – The Dallas Cowboys.

Above all, Cheryl loves to meet new people, and never knows a stranger. Her experience and passion will help create a strong team, successful property and meaningful connections, one guest at a time.

Welcome to the team Cheryl!!

ERIC ROTH - GM 3671 RALEIGH

Having just completed his first month on the job, we want to welcome Eric Roth, to the General Manager position at our Raleigh, NC location! Eric developed his lifelong passion for the hospitality industry when he began his career at age 18 as a Maintenance GSR in Sea Bright, NJ. He quickly developed an appreciation for hotel operations and the guest experience, laying the foundation for a career he knew he would love and build over time.

During his career, Eric worked in a wide range of hotel environments, including full and limited service properties. He has experience with several different brands such as Hilton, IHG Hotels and Resorts, TPH Hotel and Resorts as well as a privately owned hotel. Eric spent his last 8 years working with Hilton, gaining extensive brand knowledge and leadership experience. His last position was as a Food & Beverage director for DoubleTree.

Outside of work, Eric developed a passion for cooking, so much so that he enrolled and graduated from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. He thrives on creativity in the kitchen and enjoys preparing some of his favorite dishes including Beef Wellington, grilled halibut and cod, roasted sweet potatoes, traditional Spanish paella and more. There is hardly a recipe that he has either not already experimented with or is willing to try. This makes Eric a hands down candidate to prepare a delicious dinner during the next regional meeting!  <hint, hint>

Eric is known for leading by example and he brings energy, hands on leadership and a true passion in all that he does. Hospitality is not just a career for him- it's an industry that he truly has a passion for, and he cannot imagine working in any other industry.

Welcome Eric! 

SUPPORTING MENTAL WELL-BEING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS