Meet Ashleigh: A Day with OHM’s Vice President of Sales and Revenue Strategies
In the world of hospitality, every day holds the promise of new adventures, challenges, and memorable moments.
For Ashleigh, a dedicated member of the Oliver Hospitality Management (OHM) team, her journey through this vibrant industry is as spirited as the hotels she helps to manage. Keep reading to explore the moments that shaped her career, the experiences that ignited her passion for hospitality, and what a typical day looks like in her role at OHM.
Ashleigh’s Path to OHM
While in high school and college, Ashleigh juggled various roles in the restaurant industry. Her hard work and dedication caught the attention of her manager, who encouraged her to explore the realm of hospitality management.
This led Ashleigh to pursue a degree at NYU, where she thrived amidst the energy of the city.
Her love for hotels blossomed after working the late-night shifts at a bustling hotel across from Madison Square Garden. The adrenaline rush of handling unexpected situations and the thrill of meeting people from all walks of life led to a newfound passion for hospitality.
A defining moment came when a client, recovering from surgery in New York, hadn’t been able to explore the city. Knowing her situation, Ashleigh arranged small weekly adventures that showcased the city's culture, from takeout from local restaurants to a playbill from a show she wanted to see. Though it wasn’t a full experience, Ashleigh's efforts made a meaningful impact, embodying the true essence of hospitality by giving people the opportunity to experience the place they are in.
Finding Home at Oliver Hospitality
During grad school, Ashleigh had an internship with Leading Hotels of the World, supporting various marketing initiatives that allowed her to immerse herself in the world of boutique hotels. After being with the company for 8 years, traveling and experiencing destinations, she knew she was following her purpose.
Working in hotels taught her to pivot quickly and respond to ever-changing circumstances.
“Hotels are like living entities, constantly moving and evolving. There’s always something happening,” she says.
As her journey continued, Ashleigh felt the magnetic pull of OHM. As a long-time admirer of both Hotel Clermont and Fairlane Hotel, she was excited when a former colleague reached out about a Director of Sales and Marketing position at Hotel Clermont.
Given the challenging circumstances of the pandemic and her own pregnancy, Ashleigh opted for a consulting role with corporate, focusing on brand development. By October 2020, she transitioned to the full-time position of Director of Sales and Marketing.
With a strong background in corporate sales, group sales and strategic partnerships, she has since accepted the role of Vice President of Sales and Revenue Strategies in January 2022 and has been loving it ever since.
A Glimpse into a Week as Vice President of Sales and Revenue
From collaborating with property teams to discuss marketing strategies and review sales, answering leads and looking into new hotels, Ashleigh’s role is multifaceted, filled with both big-picture creatives and day-to-day operations.
Her week starts with team meetings to determine focus and anything imperative that needs attention. She then meets with the leaders in the department to connect and work on their visions. These meetings often ensue discussions around topics like:
Branding strategy
Corporate identity
Rebrands
Loyalty
Development projects in the pipeline
From there, she connects with each team member individually for support and guidance. Ashleigh finds joy in supporting her team, now boasting seventeen dedicated professionals (on-property sales, corporate revenue, and corporate PR and marketing team members), and helping them navigate challenging client interactions and fostering collaboration across departments.
“I am surrounded by a great group of individuals and they are always willing to go the extra mile for each other and the guests,” she mentions when talking about her team.
Growing Together: Ashleigh’s Impact and OHM’s Future
Ashleigh's excitement for the future is palpable. She takes pride in contributing to OHM’s growth strategy and the development of the customer experience. One of these in particular is the launching of OHM’s new loyalty program: "Invited by Oliver," which is designed to deepen customer connections and offer unique benefits across OHM’s collection of boutique hotels.
“From the week I started I wanted us to have a loyalty program, and now, not only did we launch one this year, but we have 10,000 members. So proud of the team!”
She's also particularly passionate about enhancing brand awareness and expanding OHM’s footprint to new regions. Looking ahead, her key projects include:
Revamping and Rebranding: The historic Knoxville AJ building’s transformation into a boutique hotel is underway (2025). Also in the works is a rebrand of Oliver Royale, set for 2025.
Expanding into New Markets: Plans are underway to build and brand a new hotel in Detroit, with designs and concepts in full swing for 2025.
Cultivating OHM’s Portfolio: With new properties and evergreen projects, Ashleigh’s focus on growth extends across OHM’s brand strategy, ensuring every hotel reflects the overall spirit of the company.
Leading Boutique Experiences with Heart and Vision
As OHM grows, Ashleigh is excited to continue elevating the brand, growing their recognition and developing new partnerships in the industry alongside her team.
Ashleigh’s experience and leadership in boutique hotels have also made her a sought-after speaker. Recently, she shared her insights at the Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association’s (BLLA) Owners Conference, engaging with industry leaders on the future of boutique lodging.
When she’s not immersed in the world of hospitality, Ashleigh treasures her time with her family, her husband and their 14-year-old fur baby, Oliver (no relation!). Together, they explore new foods, travel, and indulge in lively game nights.
If you’re interested in following her journey and learning more about her role, connect with Ashleigh on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights of the OHM team members!
