Interview with Carol Chandler: embassy suites: high-end hotel attracts attention to midtown Anchorage.

• Author: Stomierowski, Peg
• Position: VIEW FROM THE TOP - Interview

Carol Chandler has managed hotels for 25 years, from Boston to Dallas to Kansas City and now Anchorage. Born in Hawaii, she grew up in a military family that moved frequently, and she enjoyed encountering new people, cultures and communities.

Her leadership has drawn industry recognition, including the Cornerstone and Platinum awards--both for her work in Kansas City, where she oversaw transformation of a historic building into a Marriott property in the Plaza shopping district.

Last January, she moved here to open one of the state's newest high-end (Hilton) hotels, Embassy Suites in midtown, where she is general manager.

ABM: How do you view your leadership role and challenge?

Chandler: My role is to model the attitude and excellent customer service that Embassy Suites associates are expected to display. I must ensure they are well trained and must help create an upbeat work environment to keep staff inspired. Our biggest challenge actually is a great opportunity--to introduce people to Alaska's newest high-end hotel nestled in the up-and-coming midtown area.

ABM: Identify your competitive advantage and some strengths, weaknesses, obstacles and threats to doing business here.

Chandler: Embassy Suites is Alaska's newest and finest hotel, with decor in keeping with the state's wilderness heritage. Every room is a suite, with plenty of space, kitchen amenities, flat-screen televisions and Sweet Dreams bedding. The hotel offers a large workout facility, pool, Jacuzzi and on-site laundry facilities, as well as free parking, cooked-to-order complimentary breakfast and daily manager's reception.

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One challenge might be introducing and drawing people to the fledgling midtown area as a hotel destination. Current economic conditions may appear threatening, but Alaska's oil industry, strong wilderness-oriented tourism and new political attention will help us continue to draw customers.

ABM: How have motivational forces changed, and how do you try to inspire workplace productivity and loyalty?

Chandler: People are motivated by a variety of forces that go beyond a paycheck. Embassy Suites aims to inspire loyalty and productivity not only by providing good pay and benefits, but also by maintaining an atmosphere that values employees' ideas and contributions.

We have a Care Committee--associates and...