Linda Pelka
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Professional leader with comprehensive experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Proven track record of fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
CRESTLINE HOTELS AND RESORTS, Courtyard Jacksonville Butler Blvd
03.2023 - Current
- Maintains positive guest relations at all times
- Review and improve organizational effectiveness by developing processes, overseeing employees, establishing a highly motivational work environment, and implementing innovative changes
- Effective management of all hotel functional areas to maximize financial performance while upholding quality standards and maximizing the guest experience
- Responsible for ensuring that all staff and management as well as business decisions are in line with company guidelines, including the mission, values and guiding principals of the organization
- Maximizes hotel revenue by anticipating market shifts and developing and monitoring annual business and marketing plans
- Successfully balance the needs and expectations of guests, employees, corporate and ownership
- Measures the effectiveness of broad-based marketing plans and yield management efforts
- Development of a realistic strategic business plan that defines operational goals and profitability
- Successful implementation of marketing programs and budgets
- Coordinates capital improvement projects to maintain/upgrade quality standards and property image
- Compares actual performance to planned performance, identifies variances and initiates corrective action
- Directly facilitates open employee communications to discern grievances and to respond to these grievances in all appropriate manners including redressing those meriting correction
- Confirms that all hotel staff and management are in compliance with the training goals that are required by corporate and the brand
- Anticipates and documents capital expenditure requirements
- Responsible for operating the property in such a manner as to conform to the accepted standards, policies, and regulations of management company guidelines/expectations
- Work closely with executive committee members and department managers to develop them both personally and professionally.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
Assistant General Manager
CRESTLINE HOTELS AND RESORTS, Courtyard Jacksonville Butler Blvd
02.2021 - 03.2023
- GSS scores increased by 9.2% in Intend to Recommend, 6.6% in Cleanliness, 16.6% in Staff Service within my first year
- Analyze GSS scores and comments; enhance current strategies and develop and execute action plans to eliminate deficiencies
- Executed the installation of Mobile Key and Chip N’ Pin
- Create and execute department strategies to drive the hotel to exceed guest satisfaction, cleanliness standards, and revenues
- Implemented housekeeping board times based on room credits not the number of rooms and was able to bring housekeeping productivity ranging between .44-.47
- Ensure the operations staff, supervisors and management are properly trained to standards and able to carry out the operations of each function of their department
- Work collaboratively with supervisors and managers to continually enhance and advance the hotel’s goals and operations
- Anticipate guests’ and employees’ needs and respond promptly
- Responsible for all property-based human resources and accounting functions; work closely with the corporate office to ensure that all human resources and accounting policies and procedures are followed
- Maintain constant control over changes and variances in the budget for payroll, staff, and ordering of supplies according to changes in occupancy levels
- Maintain complete knowledge of all hotel features and services, all room types, rates, special packages, and promotions, daily arrivals/departures/room availability
- Review and respond to daily operational demands as it relates to the hotel
- Establish a presence with team members on property and actively solicits team member feedback and utilize an “open door” policy
- Work to ensure property meets franchise standards and is a safe and secure facility for guests and team members
General Manager
AIMBRIDGE HOSPITALITY, Fairfield Inn and Suites Jacksonville West
03.2019 - 02.2021
- Monitor expenditures to budget, forecast accurate revenue monthly and quarterly, generate monthly financial reports to ownership, representing multimillion-dollar annual budgets
- Oversee and process payroll
- Focused training with staff on maintaining guest satisfaction scores at and above standards
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels through schedule forecasting and general recruiting efforts
- Implementing appropriate safety protocols throughout the property during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Ensure proper maintenance through coordination and oversight with engineering team;
- Provide a safe and enjoyable environment for guests and employees
- Build and maintain relationships with key clients; generates and solicits new business through innovative means
- Ensuring ongoing development of managers (e.g., one on one coaching, etc.)
- Keeping leadership team and above property leaders updated on property performance in the areas of financials, guest satisfaction, and associate engagement
- Providing timely real-time feedback to management and hourly associates on service and operational standards
- Working directly with Regional Sales Office (RSO) and Revenue Management team to implement sales strategy for the property (e.g., goals, rates, etc.)
- Financial oversight and support of the accounting function
- Facilitated month-end closing processes, invoicing, journal entries and account reconciliations
- Review monthly financial results with partners and identify opportunities to improve profitability
- Manage staff of 15 to 20 employees in various departments such as front desk, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance
- Establish a presence with team members on property and actively solicits team member feedback and utilize an “open door” policy
- Work to ensure property meets franchise standards and is a safe and secure facility for guests and team members
Hotel Manager
ONE LODGING / AIMBRIDGE HOSPITALITY, Fairfield Inn and Suites Jacksonville
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Aimbridge Hospitality acquired One Lodging in April 2018
- Recruited, trained, and supported managers
- Responsible for positively representing and promoting the property
- Demonstrate the highest level of personalized service to guests
- Embrace and ensure achievement of the property vision through well thought-out strategies and actions and by engaging all associates
- Liaison between assigned General Manager and team
- Ensured hotel followed all customer service, brand and company protocols
Assistant General Manager
Hampton Inn and Suites
10.2015 - 06.2016
Director of Front Office
Embassy Suites Baymeadows
05.2015 - 10.2015
Front Desk Manager
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
01.2013 - 05.2015
Front Desk Supervisor
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
11.2010 - 01.2013
Front Desk Agent
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
09.2007 - 01.2010
Sales and Catering Assistant
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
08.2008 - 06.2009
Guest Service Agent
Windmill Inn Suites
01.2005 - 01.2007
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Time management
- Training and coaching
- Staff management
- P&L management
Accomplishments
- Supervision - Supervised sales team to monitor sales activity and goal achievement.
- Marketing - Implemented marketing strategies which resulted in [X%] growth of customer base.
- Staffing - Worked directly with Human Resources to streamline hiring and onboarding process.
Brand Standard Audit (BSA)
2025 86.4% Performance Classification - Clear
2024 83.6% Performance Classification - Clear
2023 96.3% Virtual Audit
2022 85.7% Virtual Audit
2021 97% Virtual Audit
2020 N/A Covid
2019 Brand 94.6% Operations 88.6%
2018 Brand 90.9% Operations 90.0%
2017 Brand 93.4% Operations 88.9%
Certification
- On Property Digital Learning Hubs
- A3/ Horizon Accounting
- M3 Accounting System
- Leave of Absence
- OSHA
- Emergency Preparedness
- Active Shooter
- Sexual Harassment
- Ultipro Payroll Software
- OneSource Procurement
- AimClean
- Crisis Management
- Proliant/NovaTime Payroll
- TalentReef
- De-escalation
- Human Trafficking Prevention CERTIFICATION: R.I.S.E One Yield v2 Certification Marriot Certified Manager Fairfield - ConnectU Marriott Certified Manager Courtyard – ConnectU Manager Food safety - SafeServe
Timeline
General Manager
CRESTLINE HOTELS AND RESORTS, Courtyard Jacksonville Butler Blvd
03.2023 - Current
Assistant General Manager
CRESTLINE HOTELS AND RESORTS, Courtyard Jacksonville Butler Blvd
02.2021 - 03.2023
General Manager
AIMBRIDGE HOSPITALITY, Fairfield Inn and Suites Jacksonville West
03.2019 - 02.2021
Hotel Manager
ONE LODGING / AIMBRIDGE HOSPITALITY, Fairfield Inn and Suites Jacksonville
10.2017 - 03.2019
Assistant General Manager
Hampton Inn and Suites
10.2015 - 06.2016
Director of Front Office
Embassy Suites Baymeadows
05.2015 - 10.2015
Front Desk Manager
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
01.2013 - 05.2015
Front Desk Supervisor
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
11.2010 - 01.2013
Sales and Catering Assistant
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
08.2008 - 06.2009
Front Desk Agent
Embassy Suites Paloma Village
09.2007 - 01.2010
Guest Service Agent
Windmill Inn Suites
01.2005 - 01.2007
- On Property Digital Learning Hubs
- A3/ Horizon Accounting
- M3 Accounting System
- Leave of Absence
- OSHA
- Emergency Preparedness
- Active Shooter
- Sexual Harassment
- Ultipro Payroll Software
- OneSource Procurement
- AimClean
- Crisis Management
- Proliant/NovaTime Payroll
- TalentReef
- De-escalation
- Human Trafficking Prevention CERTIFICATION: R.I.S.E One Yield v2 Certification Marriot Certified Manager Fairfield - ConnectU Marriott Certified Manager Courtyard – ConnectU Manager Food safety - SafeServe
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