Associate Spotlight: Karen Coates

Here at Musselman Hotels we’re starting a new series where we will feature some of our top associates from each of our properties. We are happy to introduce one of our long term associates Karen Coates who has been with us since 1997!

Tell us a little about yourself… Where are you from? What do you like to do outside work? How did you end up in the Hospitality industry? When did you join the Musselman team? Etc..

I will have been here 19 years in October. I started part time and am currently a front desk associate here at the Homewood Suites. I have 2 sons the youngest is in Florida. I am newly engaged (Yay!) and I love to travel with my fiancée who is on the Board of Kosair. So we attend formals and balls and we took dance lessons as well. It’s really fun!

What was your background (School and/or Work) or experience before joining Musselman Hotels at the Homewood Suites?

I was looking for a position when the boys were younger. I actually saw an ad in the paper for an audit position at night. I thought that was perfect I could work at night but be home with them during the day. It was an audit position working with Angie Sebastian, a former General Manager with Musselman Hotels. And I’ll tell you what she was my inspiration. She is the one that gave me my big start. She’s a mentor to everybody.

Did you know anything about hotels and the hospitality industry before starting with us?

Nothing but I’ve always enjoyed hospitality.

So what was the learning curve like and how is Musselman Hotels different from other places and/or hotels you have worked in?

Orientation process was organized and they made it easy. It wasn’t intimidating. Musselman is family oriented.

Have you received any awards/recognition since joining the company? If so what did that mean for you?

I was Associate of the Year in 2006. Also, I was nominated for two Rose Awards. I was extremely honored and it was a humbling experience. It was exciting and you know when I won Associate of the Year it’s like you’re representing a lot of people, you’re getting it for everyone because how do you pick? We’re a team and I had a lot of helping getting there.

What types of support do you receive from management and other team members?

A lot. I have never been a leader I’ve been more the follower. Even though I’ve been with the company as long as I have I don’t look at it as being above anybody I’ve maybe worked for the company longer but we’re all on the same level. It’s about encouraging each other and working together. We get the job done and we can have fun but know when to be serious. We’ve got a good staff.

How have your duties changed over time?

I like learning new things so I’ve always told them teach me new things. I like to learn new things and to be able to take on someone else responsibilities so their job is easier. Help each other and work together.

What is the most interesting challenge you have been faced with at the Homewood Suites and how did you handle it?

Once we had lightning strike and I got a call at midnight. John our auditor called and said our hotel is on fire. At that time I told my son let’s get in the car and we drove to the hotel. On the way I called the Hilton Garden Inn and the Marriott because we were sold out and we would probably be moving people. We didn’t know what we were coming into. Jessica and Audra were on their way as well. When we got there John had it pretty much under control he had done what he needed to. It was team effort we went room to room in case someone slept through the alarms. Again the teamwork was important to get it taken care of. And the next day we were highly complimented.

What is your favorite thing about your position?

You know you don’t look at it as work. When you come in everyday it’s different and it’s the friendships you make along the way. It’s about helping people. I watched my mom who was an Avon lady growing up and she taught me how to be polite and treat people with respect. She is my inspiration and I think she’d be proud.

If you had to choose one motto and/or saying you live by, what would it be?

We have at the desk the saying “Be kinder than necessary because everyone we meet is fighting some type of battle.” And that’s just our little reminder that you never know what someone is going through.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Having fun. I hope to be part time so I can travel with my fiancée more. As long as I am healthy enough to do it I want to travel. I want to go on a cruise and just see new things.

The Homewood Suites Louisville is always looking for passionate, hard-working individuals to join their growing team! Contact the hotel at 502-429-9070 to learn more about the current positions available. You can turn your drive to succeed into a lifelong career with the Musselman family!