“Over the past 21 years, I feel so lucky and honored to develop the relationships with all members of the Best Western family, whether it’s the housekeeper or the CEO.”
Melissa has been with the Imprint Plus company for 21 years. She started as a Sales Assistant, and after years of working with different brands, she was promoted to Sales Manager. She has received the Top Sales Person of the Year Award and Mountain Mover Award, recognizing her determination, hard work and perseverance.
We had the pleasure of interviewing her and we talked about her career, branding and partnership with Best Western. Melissa shares her insight on the Industry and a great story about one of the Best Western Properties.
How did the Imprint Plus and Best Western Partnership begin?
In 2000, Imprint Plus’ CEO, Marla Kott met Best Western’s Purchasing Director, Priscilla Nesbitt 19 years ago in Toronto, BC. The Business partnership started in Canada, then shortly after expanded to the United States and worldwide.
Since then we proudly provide identification products, name badges and signage, to 850 Best Western properties globally.
How did you become a Brand Manager?
“When I first started with the company I was cold calling companies right off the bat”, she says. Melissa was a natural! She learned the ropes quickly and with her tenacious grit and charm, she started signing clients left, right and center. She always specialized in the hospitality industry and enjoys the challenges that are thrown her way. With her expertise, Melissa became a Brand Manager to some of our top clients.
She is proud that Imprint Plus works with 92% of the major hotel companies and has been an integral part as the Brand Manager for most of these hotels. She shares, “A Brand Manager wears the same kind of hat as the General Manager of a hotel, our customers know they can reach out to me at any time of day and I will be there to assist or solve a problem”.
How has Imprint Plus grown with Best Western?
With the many acquisitions, mergers and re-brandings, Imprint Plus has played a part in ensuring the Best Western Brand is always consistent and at the forefront of their business. Our Name badges help convey their brand promise and ensure staff look professional and approachable. There has never been a name badge we haven’t been able to produce. Melissa loves problem solving, and she is proud that our NamePrint Graphics Design software has the capabilities to print exactly what Best Western is looking for without breaking the bank.
“Over the past 21 years, I feel so lucky and honored to develop the relationships with all members of the Best Western family, whether it’s the housekeeper or the CEO. These relationships have allowed us to flourish in this industry and grow our business with 10+ year customers.”
What makes Best Western special?
We understand the importance for hotels to create exceptional customer service through unique brand experiences and innovative solutions. Best Western stands out with their amazing customer service while creating a seamless experience to reduce stress for their guests. In fact, her most recent memory staying at a Best Western was an exceptional one.
“I was staying at the Reagan Best Western and asked the front desk if he could help me call the shuttle to go the airport. He directed me to the waiting area and I hopped onto the first shuttle I saw, eager to go to the airport. I soon realized that it was going the wrong direction and after speaking to the driver, he kindly dropped me back off at the hotel. I went back to the front desk a second time and requested another shuttle. I waited in the exact same spot, but the shuttle drove right past me – potentially because he thought I didn’t need the shuttle. Confused, I went back to the front desk for the third time and requested a new shuttle. The front desk apologized and rather than calling another shuttle, he called a colleague to grab a van. In no time, the van came around and he personally drove me to the airport. Fortunately, I didn’t miss my flight and although there were a few hiccups – the customer service I received was above and beyond. He really didn’t need to call me a personal ride, but he did, and I am truly grateful. “
Memories like this are the ones that will make customers return again and again.
Thank you, Brand Manager, Melissa for the stories.
—
Make sure to drop by and say, “hello” to Melissa at the next tradeshow.
In the meantime, you can reach her directly at melissa@imprintplus.com or 1-800-563-2464.
If you would like to order Imprint Plus name badge or signage please enter your corporate e-store here https://corporate.imprintplus.com/B2BLogin.aspx?returnurl=default.aspx.