Loyalty Matters

Tuni Kyi at our Awards of Excellence celebration at Marriott International Headquarters. I have spent my life in and out of hotels, meeting our incredibly dedicated, passionate and warm associates who tirelessly dedicate themselves to providing guests with the most memorable experience possible. They simply are the best in the...

Great Workforce, Great Workplace

Some of our great workforce at the Berlin Marriott Hotel. Whether it’s a pat on the back, a handshake, a trophy or award, everyone likes to be affirmed for the work they’ve done. I, for one, like to hear positive feedback. It helps me know for certain that we are...

Ordinary Heroes

Greeting veterans at Marriott International Headquarters. Veterans are ordinary men and women who chose to do something extraordinary with their lives—to sacrifice their time and talent for the good of their country. Veterans and Marriott share similar values: loyalty, respect, integrity, dedication. It’s a common thread that makes veterans a...

Hiring for Character

My brother, Richard Marriott, with Los Angeles Youth Achievement honoree, Henry Aguiluz, employed for more than one year at the JW Marriott LA Live. Before my dad opened the first Marriott hotel in 1957, he had already spent decades building and growing the restaurants and airline catering business that were...

Making an Impact

The newest class of SoCal ROC students. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I believe this. Our company believes this. We can work hard and be successful in our pursuits, but we really experience life...

Remembering ‘Bus’

Bus at his summer home on Lake Toxaway. M.O. “Bus” Ryan passed away on September 16, 2016. Bus joined Marriott in 1960 – when we had just two hotels. I brought him on board from Hilton, which I considered to be the most successful hotel chain at the time. Bus...

Partners in Education

Rose and two of her new Marriott associate friends. We have a saying in our company… “we want every community in which we operate to be a better place because we’re there.” It’s not just lip service. We are passionate about training and educating the next generation—because we know education...

Growing Marriott: Our Merger with Starwood

Celebrating with President and CEO Arne Sorenson and associates in New York City's Times Square. (Charles Sykes/AP Images for Marriott International) On this historic day, my parents are on my mind. The company they founded as a nine-seat root beer stand nearly 90 years ago today becomes the largest lodging...

Spirit to Serve in Baton Rouge

L-R: Emmanuel Fernandez, Baton Rouge Courtyard; Charles Leggett, New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center; Kelvin Brown, New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center; Stacie Lindsay, Baton Rouge Courtyard; Gary Lindsay, Homeowner; Alvin Pierre, New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center At Marriott, we coined the phrase...

Rules for Success Recap

A few weeks ago I posted a list of my rules for being a successful leader. I created my list based on my father’s guideposts to management. This list has served me well throughout my career. I think each of the rules for success is essential for all leaders, and...