Olivia

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    55 vouchers

    A server approached with a tray of coffee and pastries, momentarily pausing our conversation. I used the interruption to gather my thoughts, acutely aware that this initial meeting could set the tone for the entire project.

    “Tell me, Mrs. Carter,” Thompson said after taking a sip of his coffee, “what do you see when you look at this hotel?”

    It was a test question, carefully designed to reveal whether I understood the value of his family’s legacy or was just another marketer looking to modernize for modernization’s sake.

    “I see a hotel that understands what true luxury means,” I answered honestly. “Attention to detail, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that makes guests feel like they’re part of something special. These aren’t qualities that need to change.”

    His expression remained impassive. “And what would you change?”

    “I’d update how youmunicate those qualities,” I said, epting a cup of coffee from the server. “Your digital presence doesn’t reflect the experience of actually being here. Your social media strategy is reactive rather than proactive. And your public spaces, while beautiful, aren’t optimized for how today’s guests want to use them.”

    Dn quietly slid a folder toward me, and I opened it to reveal Ava’s preliminary concept boards.

    “For instance,” I continued, showing Thompson the first board, “your lobby is gorgeous but designed primarily as a transition space. Modern luxury travelers view hotel public spaces as extensions of their stay; ces to work, socialize, and create memories.”

    Thompson studied the concept board, and his expression was thoughtful. “You want to redesign our lobby?”

    “Not redesign, reimagine how it’s used,” I rified. “Small adjustments will create Instagram–worthy moments while maintaining the ssic Thompson aesthetic. These are areas where guests naturally want to linger and share their experience.”

    I flipped to the next board. “Your restaurant is exceptional, but hidden away. Creating a more visible connection to the lobby and updating the entrance could increase food and beverage revenue without changing your menu or service style.”

    For the next hour, Dn and I walked Thompson through our preliminary concepts, emphasizing how each suggestion enhanced rather than reced the Thompson experience. Gradually, his rigid posture rxed, and he began asking questions that suggested genuine interest rather than skepticism.

    “Well,” he said finally, setting aside the portfolio, “you’ve certainly done your homework. More than the others did.”

    “We’ve only just begun,” I assured him. “Today’s visit is about seeing the property firsthand and understanding how guests move through the space.”

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    265 Vouchers

    Thompson nodded, standing up. “Then let’s give you the full tour. I want you to see every aspect of what. makes a Thompson hotel special.”

    For the next two hours, we explored the property from the grand ballroom to the rooftop pool, with Thompson providingmentary on the history and significance of each space. His pride in the family legacy was evident in every anecdote and exnation.

    As we walked through the spa, which maintained the hotel’s traditional luxury while incorporating modern wellness trends, I saw an opportunity.

    “This is exactly the bnce we’re aiming for throughout the property,” I said, gesturing to the space around us. “Traditional elegance with contemporary relevance. You’ve already achieved it here.”

    Thompson looked pleased. “The spa was my project three years ago. The family board thought I was crazy to invest so much in updating it.”

    “And now?b” /b

    “It’s our most profitable square footage,” he admitted with a small smile. “Booked solid six months in advance.”

    “That’s the approach we want to take with the entire rebrand,” I exined. “Not dismantling what works, but identifying opportunities to enhance and highlight it for today’s market.”

    By the time we returned to the lobby, Thompson’s demeanor had transformed from skeptical ito /icautiously optimistic.

    “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Mrs. Carter,” he said, extending his hand. “More than I expected, honestly.”

    “That’s what we do at Carter Enterprises,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly. “Exceed expectations.”

    “I look forward to seeing your formal presentation next week,” he said. “And I appreciate that you took the time to understand what makes us different. That hasn’t been my experience with other agencies.”

    As Dn and I walked back to our waiting car, I felt a surge of satisfaction. The visit had gone better than I’d dared hope.

    “That was incredible,” Dn said once we were settled in the back seat. “The way you handled him? Pure genius.”

    Iughed, rxing against the leather seat. “I wouldn’t go that far. But I think we made progress.”

    “Progress? He practically ate out of your hand by the end! And did you see his face when you pointed out how the spa model could work for other areas? I thought he might propose on the spot.”

    “Dn!” I shook my head, amused by his enthusiasm. “He’s just a client who finally felt heard.”

    “A client who rejected three marketing firms before us,” Dn reminded me. “This is a big win, Mrs. Carter. You should be proud.”

    I allowed myself a small smile. “Let’s not celebrate yet. We still have to deliver a concept that his entire board

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    will approve.”

    “After today, I’d bet on you over the board,” Dn said confidently.

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    1.65 Youchers.

    Back at the office, Michelle was waiting for our debrief, her expression curious as we entered her office.

    “Well? How was the dragon of Beverly Hills?”

    “Less fire–breathing than advertised,” I replied, taking a seat. “Once we showed that we understood the bvalue /bof the Thompson legacy, he was quite receptive.”

    Michelle raised her eyebrows. “That’s… unexpected. Andrew Thompson doesn’t do ‘receptive.”

    “Mrs. Carter was brilliant,” Dn interjected. “She focused on enhancing their existing identity rather than recing it. He actually thanked her for understanding what makes Thompson hotels special.”

    “Impressive,” Michelle nodded. “So we’re on track for the presentation next week?”

    “Absolutely. I want to refine some of the concepts based on what we saw today, but the core strategy is solid. I’ll have the team make those adjustments tomorrow.”

    “Good work, Mrs. Carter,” Michelle said, genuine approval in her voice. “I knew you were the right person for this project.”

    As I headed back to my office to document our site visit observations, I felt a surge of pride. This was what I’d worked for, the chance to lead major projects and prove my capabilities. The fact that I’d arrived here through an unconventional path didn’t diminish the satisfaction of doing the work well.

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