Russell Of Hotels

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VoyageLA Interview

Russell L Edmond

Meet Russell L. Edmond of Russell of Hotels in Ladera Heights

 

 

 

 

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell L. Edmond.

Russell L., please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m the Russell in Russell of Hotels!

I have spent well over 20 successful years in the hospitality industry, beginning my career with Marriott Hotels as a housekeeping manager. After assisting in opening several Marriott Courtyard properties and gaining experience in front office and food & beverage operations, I then moved to Full-Service hotels where I eventually moved into the sales arena to become a relationship building, put the client first, out of the box and forward-thinking Director of Sales and Marketing. To date, I have been a Director of Sales & Marketing at several hotels in the greater Los Angeles area. Hotels Brands include: Hilton, Radisson, Marriott & Starwood, not to mention several Indie Hotels. After a stint as General Manager of the Iconic/Legendary Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel, I became a “Wanderlust” Hotel Meeting Site Selection Influencer. I’m always searching for the best Hotel Meeting sites for my clients! Also, heavily involved in assisting Tourism Brands & Destinations with branding via Social Media. Oh, did I mention that I was a Foodie? Yes! Always looking for good eats!

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?
Smooth? No, not at all. I began this venture 4 years ago and for personal reasons I actually went back to work at a hotel as a Director of Sales & Marketing, while still operating my business to some degree, which was not easy. I did that for a year before I came back to the business full-time. It’s never easy to begin something from scratch, there is so much second guessing, especially when you’re unable to gain clients. At the end of the day, you have to have confidence in yourself and your ability/experience to get through the tough times. And believe me, there will be tough times. I went from assisting clients with maybe 5-8 meetings on an annual basis to now well over 20 per year and the number will continue to grow as long as I have the confidence that it will.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Russell of Hotels story. Tell us more about the business.
As a Hotel/Meetings Influencer, I assist Companies & Organizations in performing the sometimes stressful legwork of selecting their next meeting, conference or retreat location. My vast experience in Hotel/ Meeting Site Sourcing, Selection and Contract negotiations are perfect to assist companies and organizations in selecting the right hotel hotels for their next program. My main focus is helping clients streamline the increasingly complex details involved in planning a successful program so they can concentrate on meeting content and execution. These services are available at no charge to my clients. Why no charge? Because the hotel pays me for bringing you to them!!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck? I like to say timing. Although we have a certain amount of control in our businesses, the reality is it takes some timing. In my business especially, not everyone is planning meetings on an ongoing basis, so sometimes I have to be in the right place at the right time to get the business. Now that’s a little luck with a lot of timing thrown in.

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