At HDG Legacy, our General Managers are the CEOs of their hotels. They are essential to each property, balancing the day to day demands of hotel operations with the strategic and financial responsibilities required to run a successful business.
GM Day is an annual celebration that recognizes our General Managers for their leadership, commitment, and dedication to a role that truly is a 24/7, 365 day responsibility. It takes a special kind of leader to guide a team, serve guests, and ensure that every detail of the guest experience reflects our commitment to excellence.
This year, our teams gathered on Florida’s Space Coast at HDG Legacy’s first property in the community, the Comfort Suites Titusville near Kennedy Space Center. The event took place February 25 and 26 and brought together leaders from across the portfolio to celebrate achievements, share ideas, and strengthen connections across the organization.
An awards ceremony was a highlight of the event, recognizing General Managers whose work reflects HDG Legacy’s mission of delivering brilliance in the basics of hospitality and our vision of being positively impactful to the people and communities around us.
Culture Awards – Sponsored by Talios
Awarded to General Managers who best represent one of Legacy’s Core Values.
Teamwork
Cedric Trueluck, Staybridge Suites Ocala-Near Equestrian-Aquatics, an IHG Hotel
Communication
Melissa Bigwood, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ocala
Innovation
Cynthia Cornell, Best Western Ocala Park Centre I-75
Leadership
Candice Smith, Comfort Suites Titusville near Kennedy Space Center
Resourcefulness
Richard Wilburt, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Silver Springs-Ocala by IHG
Pillar Awards
Awarded to General Managers who best represent one of Legacy’s four brand pillars.
People Pillar – All hotels got this pillar
Brand Pillar – Melissa Bigwood, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ocala
Operations Pillar – Candice Smith, Comfort Suites Titusville near Kennedy Space Center
Financial Pillar – Chale Salzmann, Holiday Inn Express Crystal River by IHG
BITB Awards
Awarded to the hotel that best represents excellence in one of five Brilliance in the Basics business areas.
Excellence In Marketplace GOP
Best Western Ocala Park Centre I-75
Excellence In Pet Fee Collection
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ocala
Excellence In Laundry Income
Comfort Suites Titusville near Kennedy Space Center
Excellence In Meeting Room
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ocala FL I-75
Excellence In Beekeeper
Best Western Ocala Park Centre I-75
GM of the Year
John Franco
General Manager, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ocala FL I-75
Out of this World GM
Candice Smith
General Manager, Comfort Suites Titusville near Kennedy Space Center
GM Day is an opportunity to pause and celebrate the leaders who bring our mission, vision, and values to life every day. Through their dedication to operational excellence, team leadership, and exceptional guest experiences, our General Managers continue to shape the culture and success of HDG Legacy hotels.
About HDG Legacy
Strategic investment, long-term ownership, and proactive maintenance. These elements, combined with our values, our people, our community, and our vision for success make up the interconnectivity that defines the Legacy way.
To learn more, contact Navroz Saju, HDG Legacy Founder & Principal, through the form below or visit our LinkedIn and follow our journey!