The Check-In with LBA – Chris Clements
Chris Clements has been part of LBA Hospitality since 1999, when he began working weekends on the front desk. Today, his role looks much different, but it is still rooted in the hands-on hotel experience and operational understanding that comes from nearly three decades with the company.
As Corporate Director of Procurement & Openings, Chris supports one of the most important phases in a hotel’s life cycle: preparing to welcome its first guests. His work helps connect ownership, brand teams, LBA leadership and new hotel associates to make sure the right operational pieces are in place before opening day. In addition to supporting new hotel openings, Chris also serves as Regional Director of Operations for a group of hotels in the LBA portfolio.
In this edition of The Check-In, Chris shares what goes into opening a new hotel, why leadership matters during the process, and what has made his LBA career so meaningful.
Q: What does your role as Corporate Director of Procurement & Openings entail?
CHRIS: In my role, I help to ensure our new hotels have the items, systems and operational pieces needed to open. I support OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment) and many of the details that help prepare a property for opening day. I assist new hotel General Managers with whatever is needed to get their hotels open. That can include helping with job fairs, getting rooms set up, supporting laundry operations and acting as a go-between for the management company, ownership and the brand, whether that is Hilton, Marriott, IHG or Hyatt. I help guide the new staff as they step into their roles with LBA.
Q: What is one thing most people do not realize goes into opening a new hotel?
CHRIS: The amount of time and energy that goes into opening! For one new hotel opening, I can be deployed for 6-8 weeks, on property, working toward opening day with the team.
Q: Which part of the opening process tends to be the most complex?
CHRIS: The most complex, but also the best, part of the opening process is working with the hotel associates. You are trying to build a team out of people who do not know each other yet and are still learning the LBA way. Helping them come together is a major part of a successful opening. Also, having a strong General Manager in place always makes a huge difference. Having an involved and motivating General Manager, a real leader, makes all the difference.
Q: After all these years with LBA, what are you most proud of?
CHRIS: I am in my 28th year with LBA, and while there have been many accolades, what I am most proud of is winning the very first Barry Kraselsky C.A.R.E.S. Award. The LBA C.A.R.E.S. program is a community service and corporate philanthropy initiative that stands for “Caring Associates Ready and Empowered to Serve.”
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