Her Story
About Ashlee D.
Ashlee D. Polk never set out to build a career in hotel sales — she just wanted a job that didn't leave her smelling like food after a shift in restaurants and retail. That practical goal led her to apply to every hotel in Nashville, and she landed her first role at the front desk of a Hampton Inn. It didn't take long for her to fall in love with the industry. By shadowing every department, she discovered a passion for sales and set her sights on becoming a Director of Sales.
Ashlee turned that goal into reality, and true to form, she didn't stop there. After proving herself as a Director of Sales, she set an even bigger target: overseeing sales across multiple properties. Today, as Area Director of Sales and Marketing with Imagine Hospitality, she leads sales for three Nashville properties — the Hampton Inn Century Place Nashville Airport, Home2 Suites Nashville MetroCenter, and Fairfield Inn and Suites Nashville MetroCenter — a role she's held since November 2023.
What sets Ashlee apart is her people-first philosophy. She places a high value on teamwork and staying genuinely connected — both with her team and with the guests she serves. She also believes that showing up prepared and present for clients starts with taking care of herself, and she's committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance as she continues to grow in the hospitality industry..
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashlee D.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to genuinely loving what I do. Passion for my work motivates me to give my best every day, continue learning, and provide exceptional experiences for both my team and our guests.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to create my own opportunities. Rather than waiting for the right moment, I’ve learned to take initiative, pursue new challenges, and actively shape my career path.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Focus on your own growth and make your career a priority. Invest in building meaningful professional relationships, expand your network, and continue developing your skills. Staying committed to your goals will create opportunities for long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the hospitality industry is balancing increasing demands while maintaining exceptional service, especially when managing multiple properties. Another challenge is the competitive nature of the industry. I believe there is a greater opportunity for professionals to collaborate, support one another, and share knowledge to strengthen the industry as a whole.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Teamwork is one of my core values. I believe in supporting my team, making sure they know I’m always available to help, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. I also believe in building lasting relationships with our guests by staying connected and ensuring they have positive, memorable experiences.
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