Associate Spotlight: Sherrie Morris

Here at Musselman Hotels we are featuring some of our top associates from each of our properties. We are happy to introduce someone you may already know, Sherrie Morris, the Human Resources coordinator at Corporate who has been with Musselman for 21 years!

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?

I grew up in a small town in central Illinois where the winters were quite cold and we had lots of snow. I moved to Kentucky in my mid 20’s and I still get excited when I hear it is going to snow around here ☺
I was looking for a part time job close to my other part time job at UPS and found an opportunity at the Thrifty Dutchman as a part time front desk clerk in May 1997. I quickly learned that Musselman was not your average employer. The company made me feel like family so I decided that as a single mom with two little ones that 1 full time job would be much easier than two part time jobs. I heard there was an opening at Musselman Corporate in Accounts Payable. I guess you could say that I won the hearts of the corporate office because I landed the job and have been here for over 20 years in different capacities. Years ago I was told that I had a “can do” attitude and needless to say, I have worked as A/P Supervisor, Staff Accountant and my current role as HR/Payroll Coordinator.
I am very fortunate to have a wonderful husband who is the love of my life. We enjoy watching sports together especially football (Go Pack Go). We are a divided family when it comes to U of L and UK as he cheers for the cats and I am a Cards fan.
My children are 27 & 23 but I love when we can work out everyone’s schedule for dinner and game night. I have 2 four legged kids – Marley is a rescued chocolate cocker spaniel and Sophie is a salt and pepper miniature schnauzer. My kids are very spoiled and they always make me smile.

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

I started working when I was only 9 years old as a newspaper carrier. Let me tell you that back then you walked or rode your bike and with lots of snow (wanted to give you a visual) it was hard work. I learned at an early age that customer service was very important and I have carried that with me throughout my work career.

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

I knew nothing about the hotel industry before joining Musselman Hotels.

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

Musselman Hotels treats their associates like family and there is always room to grow and advance. Not all companies promote from within but at Musselman they truly care about their associates and if you are interested in learning more and moving up, they will work with you to accomplish your goal.

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

Musselman Hotels have awards at the end of the year and back in the late 90’s there was one called “Prime Time” that corporate personnel could receive. I received the honors twice and was so excited to be recognized for my hard work and dedication to the company. Also, over the years I’ve been afforded many great opportunities for which I am so grateful. I never imagined myself being at a company 20+ years.

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

You always receive encouragement and as you are learning something new, I feel management has always been very helpful and willing to coach you as you learn. My boss has always been a great “teacher” and “coach” and I appreciate all the opportunities I have been given over the 20+ years I have been a part of the Musselman team.

How have your duties at Musselman changed over time?

Oh my gosh I am really going to give my age away with some of these changes through the years – how about going from a real key to open a guest room to a key card or think about the computer systems we’ve had over the past 20+ years. It is funny to think back at the way we did things then compared to the here and now!

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

I have been faced with many challenges over the years but if you commit to working hard and are willing to learn something new, the challenges are much more doable.

Learning to work with someone or a team rather than doing everything yourself was a big challenge for me and after some reluctance I found that embracing the idea would be a win – win.

Someone one told me, “Challenges are what makes life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes it meaningful.”

What is your favorite thing about your position?

I am very lucky that with each position I have really enjoyed what I did but currently my most favorite is that every day is different, I am always learning something new and I love being able to interact with the amazing associates at each of the hotels because without them, I wouldn’t have a job ☺

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Spending time with my four legged kids, my wonderful husband and my amazing kids especially when we are on the beach in Hilton Head Island.

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

Lead by example and don’t ever give up because Life is short and you should make the most of your time.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself working with my Musselman “family” and enjoying more time with my husband, kids and of course, my four legged kids on the beach.