My father was born 107 years ago today on September 17, 1900 in Ogden, Utah. I think about him often. He was truly a great leader and a great motivator of people. There was an article in Reader's Digest in the 1940s which said, "Everybody likes to work for Bill Marriott" (that was my father because he was named Bill, too). But I thought a lot about his leadership skills and the kinds of things that he did. He always made people feel good. He got them to work together and enjoy the company of each other, and he got them focused on getting things done and working toward a common goal.
Everybody has their favorite summer reading, and this past summer I came across an old book published in 1970 written by Stephen Ambrose called The Supreme Commander: The War Years of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. I talked a little bit about Eisenhower's leadership before. He and my dad were good friends. In fact, Ike was one of the very first shareholders of the Hot Shoppes Corporation when they went public in 1953. Ike lived, of course, in Washington for a large part of his career and knew the Hot Shoppes restaurants which my dad started and managed. So he and my dad played golf together and got to know each other and Dad visited him at the White House a couple of times. In his last days, Dad used to go to the hospital and see Ike before he died.
But when I read the book this past summer, I was impressed so much with Eisenhower's philosophy, which he states in the book. He said how important it was to establish the unity in his allied commanders, involving totally the human equation. And he said it was a challenge every day and required patience, tolerance, frankness and absolute honesty in all their dealings. He said it was wonderful to work with people of so many nationalities, but it was also a great challenge. He also said a supreme commander had to be self-effacing, quick to give credit to others and ready to seek and take advice and obviously willing to delegate. And he also said when the time comes when you have to make a decision the chief must make it in clean-cut fashion and on his own responsibility and to take full blame for anything that goes wrong whether or not it results from his own mistakes or from an error on the part of a subordinate.
Eisenhower was self-effacing and humble. My dad was the same. Their humility and their love of people won the Second World War and also propelled Hot Shoppes into Marriott today.
This is Bill Marriott and thank you for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday too as mine was on the 27th, yesterday. Yes I am a dedicated Marriott believer and have been for over 46 years. I wish you much happiness and great health in the future.
Sincerely,
Posted by: John E. Rodenhausen | 03/28/2012 at 05:51 AM
Bill.....I have been a owner for over 10 years and my family and I just returned from a wonderful vacation at the ocean Palm of Singer isl.
I want to bring your attention to one of the associates at that resort that provided my family and I with "EXCELLENT " service and attention. I want to complement you on the person at the resort that made our stay FANTASTIC. that person in your employ is Amarilis *******. She was one of the bartenders at the resort and from the first moment we met and talked my stay was one of the best that we ever had as a family.
Amarilis is a beautiful human being and she is originally from Cuba. She was one of the best people I have ever met on a trip to a Marriott destination resort and she couldn't do enough for myself and my family.
Please acknowledge my compliments to Aramilis and please THANK her for my family , the Grassia family, and I want you to understand that she is a very valuable asset to you and your corporation. My decision to purchase time share weeks at the Ocean palm was one of the best decisions my family and I have ever made and Amarilis is a major reason why we feel like this. Please, again would you communicate our feelings about Amarilis with her and her general manager
Posted by: robert e Grassia | 05/18/2011 at 07:46 AM
Hello, During one of my extended stays (some 10 plus years ago) in the Bethesda, MD Marriott, I had the pleasure of riding in the elevator with the senior Mr. Marriott. He wished me Good Morning & asked me if I was enjoying my stay with them and I replied very much so. He asked how long I was staying and I replied: 3 months . He was somewhat surprised and had a few more queries and wished me a most enjoyable stay. The conversation was very personal and he very personable reflecting the wonderful Marriott experience of caring !! I have subsequently used my REWARDS POINTS (recommended by a front desk associate during my first of many stays in Bethesda Marriott) at ARUBA & MARCO ISLAND, FL.
I am using my remaining points for a stay in KEY LARGO in April '08 to celebrate my 64th birthday with family and friends! I ALWAYS ENJOY the extremely friendly staff at the MARRIOTT - staff that in my experience has ALWAYS gone above & beyond in their service to me. Some people in past have commented to me that Marriott is just a big hotel and why would I want to stay there and I have always told them that the rooms are immaculate, service perfect, and overall a wonderful experience in a friendly environment - What more can one want!!! Thank you so much, Karen
Posted by: Karen D. Schlueter | 10/29/2007 at 10:21 AM
Bill, I really enjoyed the story of your father. As a Father my daughter just got married at your Renaissance in DFW and said the experience was the best day of her life.
We want to tell your Marriott on the move additional info so please contact us.
Posted by: Rick O'Brien | 10/28/2007 at 01:40 PM
Thank you for sharing the story of your father. You may be interested in knowing that Steve Ambrose was born and raised in our hometown, Whitewater, Wisconsin. His death at such an early age was a great loss for the historical profession. I had the pleasure of working with the Marriott School of Business at BYU and commend your family for the investment all of you have made in young people and the integrity you show in your business - as did your father before you. Thank you for sharing this story with us on your blog.
Posted by: James R. Connor | 10/20/2007 at 10:41 AM
I really enjoyed your story about your father. To have a son write such wonderful things about his father is inspiring to today's youth who find it difficult to appreciate the sacrifices which their parents made in raising them and the contributions which their parents added to their lives. It was also great to learn about the origins of the Marriott which I consider one of the finest restaurants, not only because of their accomodations, but also because of the excellent service which they always provide. Recently, I had the opportunity of giving the Marriott the highest scores on a survey. It was my pleasure. My precious daughter, Carol, is currently the Supervisor of the Spa at your Vail, Colorado, Resort. As her mother, I enjoy your associate rate for which I am very grateful to you for providing this and to my daughter, Carol, who gaciously makes these arrangements. The Marriott on the move has provided for a beautiful new Courtyard recently built in Los Osos which is nearby my home. Thank you, Bill, for your tribute to your father, and thank you for continuing his great work!
Posted by: Yolanda Beltran | 10/19/2007 at 07:37 AM
Thank you for writing the article about your Father. I did not know any personal information about the Marriott family.
I am sure your Father would be proud of how you are running the company. We have a relative that works for Marriott and I hear only good comments about employment there.
It made me feel good and I enjoyed hearing the pride, admiration, love and respect you have for your Dad that came across in your article.
Posted by: Brenda Cooper | 10/18/2007 at 07:04 PM
I am one of the truly blessed human beings since I have had the pleasure of meeting the Chairman and his wife on many occassions. As a past long-time employee of Marriott, I can not emphasize and agree more with your comments concerning the founders views on people and how they are to be treated, etc. I don't recall at any time that people from the lowest end of the food chain to the top executives of the company, all being treated with dignity and respect. What a great quality he had and I know from personal experience that this has been passed on to his heirs and the future generations of leadership within the Marriott family. As a admirer of the company, I suppose the best accolade I can give is to tell you that I am a shareholder in the company as well. You represent your Mom and Dad well. Keep up the good work.
Respectfully,
Mike Kevitch
Posted by: Michael Kevitch | 10/18/2007 at 01:19 AM
I was so happy to read about your father. He was my first employer in the year 1960 at the Hot Shoppes Commissary in Washington DC. I worked in the office on Upshur Street as a cost accountant. I remember the wonderful picnic he gave all employees on his gentleman's farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. I had just arrived in America from Germany and was very grateful to have such a fine boss.
I always enjoy my stay at your hotels.
Posted by: Gisela Gardner | 10/17/2007 at 12:10 PM
One of the first jobs I had after college was working for a company that supplied seating for Hot Shoppes. We also did Roy Rodgers,and the frist Marriott Hotel at Memorial Bridge. I had the pleasure of Meeting Mr. Marrott more than one. He was a wonderful person to work with.
Posted by: Trocar65 | 10/17/2007 at 07:42 AM
Its amazing how well the business, family and customer care values of the Marriott family have crossed borders and continents. I have stayed at many Marriott hotels, a favourite being that in Graz, Austria. Though located 20km from the town beside the main Austria -Slovenia highway, it is like a home from home. Best wishes, Liam, Ireland
Posted by: Liam Coughlan | 10/12/2007 at 11:27 AM
Marriott is a nice hotel but unreasonably expensive compare.
I was staying at Courtyard Paris and it took me 5 calls and 1 hour till I got an iron and learned that I can not ask room service to iron becuase they do not provide such a service and I suppose to iron my shirt myself.
Rooms are so small that if my bag was a little bit bigger I could not fit into the room.
Marriott Yerevan Ararat is surprisingly nice. Rooms are more spacious. But the bellboy and the guy who opens the gate/doors suppose to have a shower and learn to smile (and open the door).
Marriott in Bangkok (the one which is close to the river side) is gourgeous. Staff is friendly and food is great, but for some reasons bar is never crowded.
Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Islamabad, Dubai, and many other destination that I have been - Uncle Marriott's business is well done.
Do you have plans to open Marriott in Sri Lanka?
Posted by: Armen | 10/12/2007 at 01:29 AM
Dear Bill, I have been a Marriott Rewards member for years and love the emphasis your hotels place on the quality of stay and customer care. I am excited about the expansion into China, but I'm more excited about your brother's charity that helps young people with special needs gain employment. I am currently attending an Officer Basic Course at Ft. Benning along with 160 other fine Americans serving their country and we are looking for a worthwhile class project involving the community and was wondering if you could help. I have a lot more to ask,but limited time so if you have a few minutes or another means of contact, please respond; as always-a pleasure to communicate with such a noble and great example to the rest of us future leaders. SSG Mleynek, Jonathan, US Army.
Posted by: Jonathan Mleynek | 10/04/2007 at 11:53 AM
Dear Bill,
I was having a look on your website as I've just booked a holiday at your hotel in Sharm el sheikh for 2 weeks with my family in december, and was looking for more info on the hotel & facilities as you do!! ... very impressed I must say, and really looking forward to it. What a surprise to find you had your own blog, it's lovely to know I'm staying at a family run resort, and found your words about your father very moving. You must be very proud of what he and yourself have achieved. I just wanted to say keep up the good work, and this blog is a fantastic idea. And if your in egypt in december, I'll meet you by the pool for a cocktail (ha ha)
Big Smiles
Jo
x
Posted by: Jo Munnery | 10/01/2007 at 04:39 AM
We just recently signed up for Marriott rewards and I found your blog on that site. I feel at home everytime I go to a Marriott to stay just like reading your comments about your father made me feel at home. I was Eve's roommate many years ago and always admired the family support you gave her. Now, whenever I stay at a Marriott I remember Eve and Phil, the two I knew, again making it more like home.
Posted by: Vicki Buhler | 09/29/2007 at 09:47 AM
One of my old neighbors worked for your father at the old Hot Shopes in the Washington DC Area, his name was Raymond Thayer. He talked about your father being a very firm but fair man.
Posted by: Kenneth Perry | 09/25/2007 at 01:11 AM
Dear Mr. Bill,
Reading this article was like taking an exquisite one or two minute spiritual retreat into the eventful and ethic-full past. The days our grandfathers and fathers prospered in where the days when people esteemed each other because of their kind heartedness and pure good souls. It was excellent people like your Father and President Eisenhower that took brave decision in the midst of powerful storms to build and achieve back then. Part of what made the difference is their belief in themselves in addition to their respect and faith in the human beings that were working with them and under their supervision. They were very decent human beings that our Lord blessed with wisdom and success. They just never lost hope in building a better prosperous tomorrow. This is an everlasting beautiful Marriott inheritance.
Posted by: FERAS WERR | 09/22/2007 at 11:35 AM
i don't see myself if i deserve to ling to your website for i am just a poor lad.however,in the eyes of God I see you are goog.you touched my heart for having high regards to your father...
Posted by: alma s. correlo | 09/20/2007 at 07:59 PM
Thanks for the memories about your father. He remains ageless for me as I only see him in that picture of the two of you as I visit Marriotts around the country. I better understand the feeling that I get during my stays of being in my second home because of the standard that your father set. It's not the building that gives me that feeling but the people working inside. Thanks for a lot of years of hospitality and I look forward to future stays in your hotels and your Vacation Club properties.
Posted by: Donald Evans | 09/20/2007 at 07:59 AM
Dear Bill,
I had the pleasure of meeting your father on a flight from Houston to LA. He was a very humble man and great company on the flight. He first wanted to know about me, my business, and my reason for travel before he would talk about himself. During our conversation it was evident I was speaking to a very successful man. When I asked him about his success he relayed the story of going to work with his brother out of college and on through the hotel and resort business. I have shared the entire story many times with friends, as it was a pleasure meeting such a man. When we arrived in LA I helped him with his bags in the overhead compartment and he said I could use a helpful young man like you...I bet you would let me drive to Santa Barbara. I thanked him for the compliment and the conversation, but I still question how my life might have changed had I answered him differently.
You are blessed to have had such a father.
Posted by: Barry Herman | 09/20/2007 at 04:00 AM
What a nice story. \i believe you still carry on your fathers work ethics well. Your employees are very happy and pleased to welcome and help your guest. I can say this is true in the States as well as internationally. What a great job! Your father would be proud.
Posted by: jennifer | 09/19/2007 at 07:42 PM
Dear Bill,
I was searching the Marriott site to find a way to get in touch with you after reading a story about your desire to reach out to the techno-savvy generation. I am one of those people you're reaching out to, and thought how cool you would find what I do, and how it would benefit Marriott.
So anyways, I discovered your blog, and read your Sept 17 post, and it nearly knocked me out of my chair. My father was also born Sept 17, and I haven't seen or spoken with him in 12 years. That was until Sept 17, 2007, when I visited his office, gave him a bar of chocolate, wished him happy birthday, and made ammends. I know that people don't look up to him as a leader quite the way people do your father, but despite any shortcomings, he is still my father, and I love him for everything I have learned from him. I just found it profoundly ironic that your father was also born on the same day, and I discovered this trying to find a way to get in touch with you. Happy birthday to a pair of men who made a difference in this world, at the very least to you and I.
I seriously would like the opportunity to show you what I have to offer, and what I can do to help keep Marriott on the move.
Sincerely,
Greg McNair
AerialSpins.com
Posted by: Greg McNair | 09/19/2007 at 06:32 PM
Quite a moving tribute to your father and to yourself for remembering and horing your father.
Posted by: Sid Scheinberg | 09/19/2007 at 01:45 PM
Sir, Thank you for sharing some personal remembrances. As A young man I had the pleasure of visiting the Hot Schoppes. As my career advanced MArriiot became a frequent place for me and my family.
In 40 years I have nevr once had a negative experience with your company. This is my thank you to you and your Dad for your very special contributions.
Posted by: Al Flail | 09/19/2007 at 11:31 AM
Dear Bill,
I was moved by your latest blog. It is so evident that your father passed on so many admirable qualities. His connection to Eisenhower was very powerful and the energies have been transferred through the years. The human element is one that has been overlooked for too long in our materialistic culture. I'm impressed by many things about the Marriott name and now I understand that the power of personal choice is the single most contributing factor to the successes and beauty of the resorts that maintain this unique ability to connect others.
Thanks for reaching out to others. I hope you have a beautiful fall season, and keep Marriott on the move.
Sincerely,
Ellen Bratowicz
38 Seventh Street
North Arlington, NJ 07031
(201) 983-7389
Posted by: Ellen Bratowicz | 09/19/2007 at 06:31 AM