We Need More Emma's

As I mentioned before I spoke at the Detroit Marriott at the RenCen.

That morning I met the most delightful Marriott Associate - Emma Thomas. She was my room attendant from Catering/F&B. How lucky I was!

Although I was not the most demanding person in the world (that morning)--I had some needs! Nothing phased her... In fact she suggested at one point that I should sit down, relax and have a bite to eat before my presentation--hey someone has to look out for me! Her smile, her personality, her way of just taking care of anything--I would love to see her on a more complex event.

When I thanked her at the end of the morning and gave her one of my soon to be infamous "coffee cup mugs", I also gave her a small tip which initially she refused (doesn't that always want to make you give more?). She was actually quite astounded that I wanted to give her anything. As we talked she mentioned to me that she has gone out on her time, and with her own money and has a little "stash" of things that someone might need at an event--for example a disposable camera. She just decided to do this to help people in a jam. How cool is that?

As you may know Marriott's Book and corporate philosophy is "The Spirit to Serve". She definitely epitomizes it.