Meet the Manager: Ryan Bouton
HWS GM Ryan Bouton
Home Suites GM Ryan Bouton has been with the company for 8 years! He is a brand new dad and an extremely valuable member of the H&B community. I recently had the chance to sit down with him and talk about what makes this industry so important to him.
What initially interested you in working in the Hotel Industry and how long have you been working for H&B Hospitality?
Nearly eight years ago, an open Food and Beverage position here at Homewood Suites was brought to my attention. I had worked primarily in restaurants to that point and thoroughly enjoyed connecting with guests. Though I hadn’t considered hotels before, I was excited by the prospect of making connections on an even deeper level at an extended stay property. I was fortunate enough to be offered the job and I’ve been with H&B ever since.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started?
The value of consistent processes. Once upon a time, I prioritized results over process to a fault. Maintaining consistent processes has been immensely helpful as my responsibilities have scaled. I’m more organized and better equipped to oversee operations efficiently.
List three adjectives you think your team would use to describe you.
Reliable, reasonable, and supportive.
What is one fun or surprising fact your team might not know about you?
I played college baseball. I’ve lost a step or two and I certainly don’t look the part anymore, so I think my team would be pretty surprised by that.
What are you looking forward to professionally?
I’m excited to continue my professional growth as a General Manager. There are so many areas of knowledge to explore and expand upon in hotels; I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue on that path.
Who has inspired you in your life, and why?
My mom. She grew up as the oldest of seven children in a family with limited resources. She was responsible for things well beyond her age in childhood and that work ethic continues to this day. Her tireless efforts as a professional and parent set a standard worth aspiring to. Looking back, I see my memories in a very different light: her showing up to games and events (straight from the airport, suitcase in hand); staying up late to help my brother and I with schoolwork we had put off (she had a 6am flight); cooking, cleaning, and doing endless laundry; and doing it all with a smile and friendly disposition. I hope to have even a sliver of that impact on my own family and professional environment.
What qualities should a team leader have?
A team leader needs to be adaptable, accountable, communicative, and instill those values in their team. Setting a standard through your own actions is among the best ways to set that standard across the operation. This can manifest in many ways: pitching in to help wherever help is needed, being open about one’s own fallibility, or trying an unorthodox approach to solving a difficult problem.
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
I love a good barbeque. It’s hard to beat firing up the grill and watching sports with friends, family, and the biggest outdoor-day fan of all: my dog.