Marriott on the Move

Good Business = Helping Communities

Late last year, I had the opportunity to speak at the Annual Celebration of the Center for NonProfit Advancement. They are the leading advocate for nonprofit organizations in the Washington D.C. metro area. They have been doing tremendous work as champions for all nonprofits in our community.

At the celebration event, I had a chance to talk about leadership and community involvement. I truly believe that our community’s success is essential to our company’s success. If our neighborhoods are strong and vibrant and growing, that can only mean good business for our hotels.

I want our hotels to make their communities even better places to live, work and visit. That means really investing in the people and the world around us—whether that’s through education, career training, helping the environment, or empowering diversity. It all matters. It all makes a difference in the lives of not just our associates, but their families and their neighborhoods.

I believe that’s why we have so many long-tenured associates in our company. They stay with a company that cares not just about the work they do but the people they are.

Our company isn’t in the business of manufacturing. We’re in the business of relationships… with our communities, guests, associates, franchisees and owners. Fostering these relationships is the foundation to our greatest successes.

I’m proud that Marriott puts people first. I believe it’s the hallmark of our company. Seeing it in action in our hotels is what keeps me going and what drives me forward in the business.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.

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People First – Always

Visiting with our terrific associates at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC

Today our company was recognized on FORTUNE’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For.”  We’ve made the list before. In fact, Marriott has now been on this list every single year since it was first introduced back in 1998. Of the many recognitions our company receives throughout the year, this is one of the most meaningful for me personally. The most important factor in making the list is associate feedback – how the men and women who wear the Marriott badge everyday feel about inclusion, opportunity and camaraderie in the workplace. Making the list means the company’s philosophy of “putting people first,” which dates back to 1927 when my parents first started this company, has endured and is just as relevant today as it was nearly 90 years ago.

At Marriott we strive to build a workplace that welcomes people as they are and applauds them for where they’re going. All people deserve to be valued and appreciated, no matter where they are in the world or the language they speak.

Our “take care” culture is the foundation to everything we do—from leadership training programs to wellbeing initiatives to community involvement. That’s why embracing change and adopting new and better ways for people to find opportunities and grow their skills is essential to our company’s success. Ask any Marriott associate about our company philosophy and they will tell you, “If you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customers and the customers will come back.”

Our dedication to putting people first was just as strong as it was when our company began and it hasn’t wavered since. It’s an honor to be on FORTUNE’s list for 20 years in a row. And it’s my absolute privilege to have worked alongside so many wonderful men and women who share a passion for exceptional service.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.