Today we’d like to introduce you to Donelle Zunker.
Donelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my career in hospitality immediately following graduation from Purdue University. I received my bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and after interviewing and receiving offers from several companies, I choose Marriott to call home.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been an incredible journey! I am lucky to have chosen the best lodging company in the world to work for! After 27 years, I have had the opportunity to live on both coasts and many places in between and the connections I have made and friendships that have developed over the years have helped me continue to identify great opportunities. We broke ground at the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel two years ago and have watched it come to life in that time! Without our amazing team, owners and the support of Renaissance Hotels, we would not have been able to pull off such an ambitious construction timeline and such a beautiful property. This hotel is the second hotel our team runs in the Gateway neighborhood.
I would absolutely recommend Atlanta as a great starting point in the hospitality industry because there is an abundance of hotel companies and Marriott properties specifically. With so many of the Fortune 500 companies based in Atlanta plus the presence of the Atlanta Airport, this city is a hub of business travel and continues to grow. Also, being that it is a southern metropolis, it’s the perfect place to learn the importance of hospitality that can stay with a young industry professional throughout their career. I would certainly recommend Atlanta as a place to start out in hotels, fun hotels, and even build hotels from the ground up.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Marriott is the premier lodging company in the world and I’m very proud of the culture within the company, taking care of people first – both the associates, the guests and the company. On the national level, our company does a lot with the Children’s Miracle Network and on the local level, our hotel helps support that partnership through our annual torch relay and additional activities throughout the year. We also take much pride in participating and supporting the neighborhoods in College Park. The Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center here in College Park serves to bring activities and programming to the community members and we partnered with them to help build a playground. Beyond that, we also deliver dictionaries to schools, contribute to area food drives, and collect items for a shoe box campaign for homeless women.
Atlanta is absolutely a great place for hotels in general and also for the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel. For starters, the hotel is particularly unique from a design perspective. It feels nothing like a typical airport hotel, yet is conveniently connected to the busiest airport in the world via a two-minute drive on the ATL SkyTrain. Secondly, the ATL Airport District is on fire right now with all of the advancements Aerotropolis is bringing to this area in the form of retail, residential developments, and companies.
Image Credit:
Isaac Maiselman
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