Russell and Russell Hospitality Consulting today announces the initiation of its comprehensive range of services to hotels and full-service resorts located throughout Northwest Florida. The Group provides a wide range of premier functions to hospitality companies, including strategic planning, administrative management, staff training, sales development, marketing, public relations and community relations activities.
Senior Partners, John Russell and Scott Russell, together offer more than fifty years of broad-based experience in the development, strategic growth and operational management of premier hospitality properties owned by such companies as Ritz Carlton, Hilton, Marriott, Intrawest and others, located throughout the world. This platform allows them to provide an unparalleled quality of professional services not typically found in the Northwest Florida area between Pensacola and Tallahassee.
John Russell began his career with Hyatt Hotels where, during his tenure, he held both operations and management positions at 13 separate properties including the Grand Hyatt in New York and the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Recruited by Ritz Carlton in 1995, Mr. Russell held management positions at properties in Virginia; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and New Orleans. In 2003, Mr. Russell became Vice President and Managing Director of The West Paces Hotel Group. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President Operations, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Destin, FL, and also serving as Regional Vice President, Intrawest Hospitality Management for the Marriott Courtyard and Marriott Residence Inn, Sandestin, and the Cottage Rental Agency, Seaside, FL. Mr. Russell was named President of Sandestin Investments, LLC in 2010.
Scott Russell (not related to John) spent 19 years with Ritz Carlton in sales and marketing management positions, most recently as Vice President of Global Sales. In 2009, Scott joined Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, a position he has held until forming Russell and Russell Hospitality Consulting with John.
“The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of the Northwest Florida economy, “ said John Russell. “During the past several years, that segment has suffered significant revenue reductions. However, current statistics point to a regeneration of activity for the tourism industry in our area. This offers Russell and Russell Hospitality Consulting a solid foundation to provide services to an industry that now requires distinctive branding and first class performance to gain and retain customers.
“The natural beauty of the area, and the number of unparalleled vacation amenities including beach, fishing and golf offerings attract visitors from all over the world. These visitors expect the best possible vacation experience,” continued Russell. “Russell and Russell Hospitality Consulting can assist both independent and brand -name properties to consistently fulfill…and exceed…. their guests’ expectations.”
“As the economy recovers, hospitality owners will need to jump-start their marketing efforts,” said Scott Russell. “We can provide owners with a strategic roadmap for using sales channel management, e-commerce and social media opportunities to grow revenue and create memorable brands. In addition, we offer advanced training and development initiatives designed to increase sales and improve operating margins.”
Russell and Russell Hospitality Consulting is a privately-held entity created to offer owners and operators of hospitality properties sales, management, marketing and training tools to improve brand image and profitability. Located in Destin, and focusing on the hospitality industry of Northwest Florida, the organization provides unparalleled world-class experience and talent to help hospitality entities generate superior customer service and satisfaction.
For more information contact:
John Russell at john@russellandrussellconsulting.com
Scott Russell at scott@russellandrussellconsulting.com