Russ receives top Hampton Award

West Monroe resident Janie Russ has been recognized by Hilton Worldwide as one of its top employees.

Russ, who is the director of marketing and sales for Southern Hospitality, received the Spirit of Hampton award.

The award is the company’s top award and recognizes employees who’ve exceeded the company’s highest standards for customer interaction.

Southern Hospitality owner Nash Patel nominated Russ for the award, calling her the “hardest working, most persistent” director of sales that he knows.

“There is never a name or a face she doesn’t remember, and her outgoing personality keeps our guests and customers coming back for years,” he wrote in his nomination. “When she does sales calls, she knows how to speak to the potential customers in such a way that they remember her; she leaves a lasting impression.”

Russ said she was surprised to be honored with the award after 13 years of working with Southern Hospitality.

“I’m still reeling over it,” she said. “I can’t tell you what an honor it is to be in the top 2 percent of Hilton worldwide.”

Patel said repeat customers ask specifically for Russ and send family members and business contacts to the hotel because of the extra effort she puts into her career.

When Russ joined Southern Hospitality, there were seven hotels. Today, Southern Hospitality has 17 hotels and two more under construction.

“There are many times that company representatives, local business owners and community members tell us that Janie worked hard to get their business, and they became interested because of her persistence.”

Russ also goes above and beyond by recognizing her co-workers’ successes, remembering the customers by name and creating memorable experiences for guests like a Mardi Gras parade she organized recently.

“I don’t do any more than anyone else does,” she said.

Follow Barbara Leader on Twitter @barbaraleader1.