Joseph Blackburn

About Joseph Blackburn

Passionate about the hospitality industry, I have spent the last 15+ years honing my leadership skills and helping hotels achieve excellence while fostering a culture of exceptional service. I thrive in environments where \"culture-first\" values guide every decision, and I am deeply committed to developing the next generation of hoteliers. My leadership approach focuses on collaboration, empowerment, and mentorship to inspire teams to perform at their best and deliver memorable guest experiences. I’m dedicated to building strong, high-performing teams that meet and exceed industry standards, ensuring guest satisfaction and long-term success.

Experience

1. General Manager - Element Seattle Seatac Airport

   Level5 Hospitality

   Jul 2020 — Present · Tukwila, WA, US

   Opening GM of the Element Seattle Seatac Airport hotel. • Oversaw the entire pre-opening process, from supplies ordering to staffing, until our grand opening in June 2021.• Develop, administer, and control the hotel revenue and expense budgets.• Analyze Profit and Loss and General Ledger statements. Submit P&L Variance Reports in a timely manner.• Handle certain Top and Target accounts; participate in joint sales calls.• Provide direction and input, and approve the hotel Marketing Plan; follow up weekly.• Review Top and Target accounts and weekly sales call reports with sales staff.• Review room inventory management to ensure maximization of room revenue.• Approve and monitor all negotiated rates.• Hire, train, counsel, and motivate management employees.• Ensure proper selection, training, counseling, and motivation of hourly employees.• Ensure proper administration of benefits programs to all hotel employees.• Conduct all department head performance appraisals.• Review all hourly personnel performance appraisals.• Ensure an employee attitude of attentiveness and anticipation of Guest needs.• Review all hourly employee disciplinary procedures and documentation. Follow positive discipline steps, up to and including termination, to correct employee performance deficiencies.• Conduct regular staff meetings.• Ensure department quarterly Action Plans are completed and followed upon.• Meet with and solicit comments from Guests on a regular basis to determine their level of satisfaction with all Guest services and facilities.• Monitor results of Guest comment cards. Take appropriate corrective action in a timely manner.• Follow up on all written Guest complaints. Ensure Guest satisfaction with the resolution of the complaint or problem.• Review and approve the hotel payroll.• Authorize direct bill accounts and monitor the administration of Accounts Receivable.• Ensure collection of Accounts Receivable is current.

Education

• Bellarmine Prep

  High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates

  2000 — 2004

• Western Washington University

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Business Administration and Management, General

  2006 — 2008

• Tacoma Community College

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Psychology

  2004 — 2006

Skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Banquets
• Catering
• Micros
• Social Media
• Front Office
• Management
• Food & Beverage
• Customer Service
• Yield Management
• People Management
• Tourism
• Training
• Customer Satisfaction
• Budget Management
• Event Planning
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Epitome Pms
• Hotel Management
• Inventory Management
• Guest Service Management
• Time Management
• Hospitality Management
• Rooms Division
• Strategic Planning
• Hiring
• Hospitality Industry
• Property Management Systems
• Revenue Analysis
• Resorts
• Pre-Opening
• Leadership
• Event Management
• Hospitality
• Restaurant Management
• Project Management
• Hotels