We are pleased to introduce Francisco Morales, Director of Operations, National Hospitality Management. Francisco serves on the NHLA Board of Directors as well as having held an officer’s position over the years. He is an active member and supports the hospitality industry and our members. Let’s learn more about Francisco.
Q. Tell us about your background leading up to your current position.
I graduated from Johnson & Wales University in providence RI with a bachelor’s in hospitality management. My career began in NYC as a front desk clerk, and I moved quickly up the ladder gaining experience in both operations and sales at the Millennium Broadway Hotel. My passion has always been operations, hence I ended up as Hotel Manager at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel before moving to Vegas in 2014. I started with NHM as General Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Las Vegas Strip South and since I have helped to open 6 more properties for the company, which has given me the experience to take on my current role overseeing all hotel operations, as well as new openings and renovations.
Q. Francisco, you manage multiple properties. How many properties are under your direction and what brands are included?
NHM has 10 properties in operation within the Las Vegas valley with 8 additional hotels in various stages of development. We are the largest Hilton franchisee in the state of Nevada which includes Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites, Homewood Suites and Tru. We also partner with Marriott under the brands TownePlace Suites, SpringHill Suites and Element. We have two My Place extended stay properties and will soon add a Staybridge Suites by IHG
Q. You have served on the NHLA board of directors including as an officer for several years. What do you enjoy about being a board director?
I have had the privilege of meeting great leaders and participate in the growth of NHLA. I also enjoy being able to represent the Focused Service segment of the industry which does not have gaming but is significantly growing in the valley. Small, focused service properties are coming up all over town and it’s a great accommodation resource for guests who do not necessarily want to stay at large casino hotels. I also enjoy having our team participate in all the fundraising and fun events NHLA hosts, it is great to see our industry grow.
Q. Describe a typical day for you in your current role.
My typical day starts with checking messages and emails to ensure I know what is ahead for me. I have some regular meetings already set up in my calendar. On my way to the office, I usually stop by one of my projects to see how they are coming along, whether it is a new build, a renovation, or just to check in on a particular hotel operation. I let my day flow, as I never really know what I will encounter. I like going to hotels and talking to the team members and getting their feedback on how things are going, or just talking to them about their families and what’s happening in their lives. Our organization has a strong culture in connecting with our team members on a professional and personal level, I pride myself on being the cultural ambassador for NHM. A good part of my day is communicating back and forth with vendors, doing procurement for the projects, or setting up companywide services and contracts for the hotels. Many times, my day/s may be spent on human resources issues at hotels, which are always present.
Q. What do you like best about your job?
I absolutely love every part of my job. I like the interaction with my team members of all levels, and ensuring we are taking care of them. I like knowing what our sales teams are doing to bring in business and celebrate their successes. I also like to work with the General Managers and operations teams to ensure our assets are being looked after, this is both human and structural. It is very important for our company to look after team members and our investors alike. The best part is learning. I have learned a lot about construction, procurement, and overall hotel development in my role, and this is ongoing. I love knowing there is so much more to learn, and at the same time lead my team to also improve themselves and develop them to fill in future roles at our company.
Q. What is one of the biggest challenges in managing so many properties?
I would have to say the biggest challenge in dealing with so many properties is having enough time for each, and for everything else there is to do. None the less as our company grows so does our structure and it allows us to bring on talented leaders to assist. The human element is another challenge, as generational differences are showing in employment. Not everyone always has the same passion, desire, dedication, or commitment to their jobs, and it is sometimes tough to motivate them, but we continue striving to do so because there are amazing people out there and we need to recognize and reward their potential.
Q. How do you motivate your team members?
I have always believed the best motivation is leading by example. I have no hesitation to get to a property and pick up garbage, mop, or help to clear breakfast dishes. In new openings I love helping to carry in furniture, unload trucks or whatever is needed. When the team sees that you love what you do and you care, they see their jobs differently. Additionally, we really enjoy rewarding our team members for performance throughout the year. I would dare to say our reputation in this regard is being noticed in our local industry and people are getting to know NHM because we care about our team members. We also get our team involved in giving back to the community, whether it is donations of money, time, or both. We like serving food at Catholic Charities, or volunteering at Three Square, planting trees in the Wash, or laying flags at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery among the many activities we do. This helps to build the team, the community and strengthens our company values. I feel all the above help to motivate our team members.
Q. What is one your favorite aspects about living and working in Nevada?
One of my favorite aspects about living and working in Nevada is the location. The weather is wonderful, and the closeness to so many natural areas, and places to get away to nearby is priceless. It lends itself to be active and provide balance to body and mind. I am from NYC and have been here for over 10 years and have loved every second of it. Not to mention the fact it is the number 1 location for the business I am involved in.
Q. What do you do for fun?
For fun I enjoy running, swimming, biking, and weightlifting with friends at the gym. I have a passion for dancing to Latin music but that doesn’t come often, lol. I have recently started to travel more and have found that to be very rewarding. I would also say my work is very fun and that is also very enjoyable.
Q. What is one piece of advice you would offer up-and-coming people building a career in the hospitality industry?
The one piece of advice I would give up and coming candidates in this or any other career, and which I give my children, is to love what you do. Have a passion, commitment, and dedication to something you enjoy. So many people are miserable just doing a job. When you enjoy what you do it is not a job, it is fun and you perform so much better, and the people around you catch the positive energy. I would also say be patient and learn everything you can. Go slow and absorb, don’t try rushing, or going too fast to grow. Sometimes we miss important things in haste, however, don’t miss opportunities and never be afraid to take on a challenge, be confident and know that if you fall, you can always get back up.
“Francisco is a fantastic board member and a great person,” states Diane Gandy, NHLA President. “He is always available for projects, engagement and growth opportunities. His support over the years has been valuable, an integral component of the growth of NHLA and very much appreciated by all. We are so fortunate he is on the NHLA leadership team.”