Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Tyler
Hi Elise, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a 300+ year old New England home that was save from being torn down in 1987 by my parents. It was only fit that 3 decades later I fell in love with an old building in a small town much like those on the Cape where I grew up. The Colonial Inn has become my home and family over the course of the 3-year restoration and 4 year operation, I have my inn family (my staff) who make it all possible!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! No historic restoration is a smooth road, but throw in a global pandemic that hit the travel, food and beverage and event industry harder than any other plus the economic recession, labor shortages and insane inflation of rates…it’s amazing we are still operating. Truly I attribute that to our owner/investment team, the tenacity of our staff and the sheer love so many in our community have for the inn!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is the accumulation of decades of collecting management styles, role models, and best practices. I have lived in several trajectories of professions but I feel the hospitality industry is a natural fit for my personality and the type of leadership I strive to embody. Thankfully, I believe my staff would say I am known for my genuine care for them. My staff knows that I look at them as people first. I accept them for who they are and would give anything and everything to help. I enjoy solving problems and I welcome challenges…but nothing makes me more proud than when I can support my team and empower them in the workplace AND in their lives while deepening our relationship. My love for our patrons and staff and desire to help, lead, listen, guide and support is what has led me to the position I am in and why I love coming to work every day. My job affords me the bandwidth to take care of people in ways I never had before. I believe with all my heart that with these authentic initiatives driving my actions, what the inn produces from a lodging, guest satisfaction, event execution standpoint follows suit. I hope all who come here can feel this from the moment they step into our little historic inn here in Hillsborough!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I do have advice, and it’s not pretty. Even with the very best intentions in the works, it’s important not to have rose colored glasses blinding you. Protect yourself with standards, policies, documentation and support. There are cruel people whose actions can be selfish and desperate. As my dear friend says, “No good deed goes unpunished.” BUT…I remain grateful and refuse to be jaded. It’s so important not to lose yourself to those people, if you do, they win. Find the best version of yourself through your success and mistakes. Take accountability, be honest, be yourself. You truly cannot lose if you are confident in your actions as you charge forth led by passion and kindness; be humble in your winnings and honest with your failures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://colonialinn-nc.com/
