Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Griffith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Claire. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My first job was as a hostess at the age of 13, working under the table at a local restaurant. However, I’ve had the hospitality bug in me much longer than that. When I was a child my mom organized events at the U.S. Navy Officers Club in Charleston, SC. When she had weekend events she would let me go and “help” She and her team spent time teaching me to set tables, polish silverware, and make the world’s best Shirley Temple. I loved it. I would beg her to let me stay. I fell in love with the magic of it all. Most nights I would wind up wrapped up in a tablecloth sleeping in her office. I ran the Charleston f&b circuit in various restaurants, bars, and golf courses. It wasn’t until I was 23 when I woke up. I realized at some point I had to grow up and f&b was a hard way to raise a family. That’s when my mom introduced me to hotels. She saw an ad in the paper that the Embassy Suites was hiring front desk GSR’s. She took me to the Express and bought me a mini skirt, and told me to go in there and come out with job. I did. I had no idea what I was in for. Hotels were my calling and I had no idea. I had some outstanding bosses and mentors throughout the years I was there. I learned so much.
I landed in Greenwood, SC with my then boyfriend, now husband. He grew up here, I was crazy in love and would have followed him anywhere. I don’t know if you’re familiar with Greenwood, but there was no hospitality here then. 0. NONE. I joined the catering team at Lander University and found a good niche that lasted for a few years. Again with great mentors and teachers. I learned so much.
It wasn’t what I wanted. I craved something more.
There was this old empty hotel that sat on the corner of Uptown Greenwood. I loved it, but didn’t have the capital to purchase and totally renovate a 100+ year old building. But in 2014 JMWO LLC. did. Jim McGuinness and Wesley Oldham, with their wives, purchased the property and completed a total renovation, hired an army, and opened the Inn on the Square in October of 2015. In July, I was the second person hired at the property after the executive chef, David Epps as their director of catering. I knew I wanted more than that, but my love for the property and the promise of potential far out weighted my need for a specific job. I just wanted Inn. 🙂
Did I mention I was 7 months pregnant in July of 2015? We welcomed our second daughter, Caroline, in mid-November after the property had been opened for just a few weeks. I came to work before I went to the hospital to have her. The nurses had to take my laptop off my contracting belly. Yes. I took my laptop with me. We had Christmas parties that needed BEO’s.
In April of 2016, after persistent persuasion and determination, I convinced Jim and Wesley to make me our GM as Jim had been filling the role until they found the right person. We fondly refer to my title as Lady G.M. It is the most exciting and rewarding position I’ve ever had the pleasure of holding. I have learned so much!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! Yeah. Sure there have been a few, but they’re not important enough to single out. I’ve always said I don’t regret anything as long as I’m learning from it. Life isn’t created by a series of events that happen to you, It’s how you react to those situations that create your journey.
Hotel life is going to be constantly challenging and obstacles pop up every day. It’s the rush that keeps most of us coming back each morning.
I have an incredible support system of friends and family that have made it possible for me do what I do. I couldn’t do it without them.
Please tell us about Inn on the Square.
We are a growing, 47 room boutique hotel specializing in weekly corporate travel, small conventions, and jammin’ catering events. We’re known primarily for our staff. They have got to be the kindest, most caring, attentive staff I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They really are just fantastic and constantly go out of their way for guest satisfaction. I am also so incredibly proud of our team. We’re made up of a hodgepodge of misfits that kick hospitality butt.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Easy. Working with my mom. I had so much fun.
Discovering the magic of weddings is probably my favorite. I remember peeking out from behind the kitchen door, watching the beautifully dressed guests. Seeking behind the bar to watch the first dance. There was a huge disco ball in the center of the banquet room back then. I can still see the lights bouncing throughout the room. Magic happens behind the scenes. The average person will never really experience the magic of hospitality.
Contact Info:
- Address: 104 East Court Avenue
- Website: www.innonthesquare.net
- Phone: 864 330-1010
- Email: info@innonthesquare.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IOSGreenwoodSC/
Image Credit:
Claire Griffith
Trinity Photography
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