Associate Spotlight: Eva Jackson

This month’s Associate Spotlight comes from the Hampton Inn Elizabethtown. Eva Jackson is the Front Office Manager at the Hampton inn Elizabethtown and has been with Musselman since 2010! Get to know another one of Musselman Hotels’ wonderful associates!

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 Hampton Inn Elizabethtown team?

I was born a preacher’s daughter and raised here in Kentucky. I am truly a “country girl at heart” most at peace outdoors. Tractor pulls, ATV’s, camping, fishing and my muddy cowboy boots are a few of the many things that make me happy. Also, I volunteer at our local soup kitchen every Thursday night, it keeps me humble. I love reaching out to people who may have fallen on hard times. In 2010, I joined up with Hampton Inn Elizabethtown and fell in love again with hospitality.

What was your background (School and/or Work) or experience before joining Musselman Hotels at the Hampton Inn Elizabethtown?

I was at a very low point in my life when I came seeking employment at the Hampton Inn Elizabethtown. Since then, I have worked hard on moving forward with my life in a positive manner. I thank God often for my job….and especially for Musselman Hotels and second chances. That is all I care to disclose at this moment.

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

Yes, between 2005-2007, I was employed by another hotel chain here in Elizabethtown.

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

The closeness I feel with my Musselman Hotel family is what keeps me here. Since, I was promoted to Front Office Manager; I have learned and grown so much and I owe it all to my great managers.

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

I believe in 2011 I won Employee of the Year for my property and in 2016, the Spirit of Hampton Award from Hilton. “Sincere words of praise; they are absolutely free and worth a fortune,” (Sam Walton). Getting recognition for my hard work and feeling valued and appreciated; there are no words to describe the good feelings that come from that.

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

All of my managers and especially JC, have been great teachers. I love all of my fellow employees. I have a second family here at Hampton Inn Elizabethtown that I can go to with any problems that I may face and know they are here for me.

How have your duties at the Hampton Inn Elizabethtown changed over time?

I started out as a Front Desk Associate and worked my way into the Front Office Manager position.

What is the most interesting challenge you have been faced with at the Hampton Inn Elizabethtown and how did you handle it?

The weekends with our Team Groups – I’ve learned to stand my ground, keep smiling and kill them with kindness. The majority of them go away loving me and promising to come back lol.

What is your favorite thing about your position?

My guests. Some of our guests were coming here when I started to work here and are still staying with us regularly. I am on a first name basis with several of them. So…when I am working the front desk, checking my favorite people in and making guests happy, that is when I am happiest.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Spending quality time and hanging out with close friends and family. Doing “outside” stuff.

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

“Happiness is an inside job.” – William Arthur Ward

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’ve been lucky enough to work with and been taught by some amazing managers, and so developing into a great manager myself is something I’m really excited about.