Paul Thornton

Our Employee's Spotlight is on someone with a true passion for hospitality, Paul Thornton, General Manager at Economy Hotel Covington.

Although he graduated with a Masters in Criminology, he enjoyed the side gigs that put him through college much more then he enjoys working in the field. Those side gigs were primarily in retail management, such as restaurants and movie theatres, where he got more of a chance to socialize with people.

He also tried working in the field of criminology at a mental health facility, however when he saw the ad for an Assistant General Manager (AGM) at Economy Hotel Memphis, his true passion for people came calling again. Thornton landed the AGM role shortly after his interview, and performed so well that he got promoted to General Manager at a newly acquired location in Covington Tennessee in May.

What he likes most about his new role is how, at times, it requires him to wear multiple hats. Thornton believes the situation has helped him master one of Stablegold Hospitality's core values - continuous self-improvement. "I don't have someone here to help me out at every hour, which pushes me to train, coach, and motivate myself to do what needs to be done on my own, and on time," explains Thornton.

Area Manager Courtney Dukes confirms Thornton is always "eager to learn and improve," and is someone with "a personality that blends into any ecosystem."

Moving from the city where he grew up to a small town where he didn't know anyone certainly pushed Thornton to discover a new ecosystem that he needed to blend into. He believes living on site at the hotel has really helped him to embrace the small town experience.

"It's a great town, and a different culture from Memphis Tennessee," said Thornton. "No matter where I go - Walmart, Wendy's - everyone knows my name and where I work. You meet people way faster."

Opportunities for new experiences and professional growth appear to keep our GM in gratitude mode and well deserving of a spotlight. "My role means a lot to me, I don't take it for granted," said Thornton. "I've searched high and low for something that's challenging and rewarding, where I also feel safe and valued."