Heather McComas, CMP, CWP, CBEP

I think my success comes down to persistence, dedication, and just working hard every single day. I’ve always treated the company like it’s my own. When I come to work, I don’t look at it as just a job but like it like it’s my business. I want to do what’s best for the company, my team, and our clients because their success is our success.

I take pride in what I do and believe in taking ownership. If something needs to get done, I make sure it gets done. I want my team to have that same mindset, and I try to lead by example.

Relationships are a huge part of hospitality. I want our clients to keep coming back because they know they can trust us and know we’ll take care of them. That’s why I believe in building strong relationships, communicating honestly, and always giving my best effort. At the end of the day, I just try to do the right thing, work hard, and treat people the way I’d want to be treated.

The best career advice was from my parents which is to work hard, give your best effort every day, and never underestimate the value of building strong relationships. Success isn’t just about what you accomplish it’s also about how you treat people along the way.

The hospitality industry, especially in a close-knit market like Atlanta, is built on relationships. Our paths cross throughout our careers, and the connections you make today can follow you through your career. That’s why I’ve always believed in treating everyone with respect, remaining professional, and never burning bridges. Your reputation follows you, and people remember those who are reliable, collaborative, and committed to doing the right thing.

One of the most important qualities for anyone entering the hospitality industry is resilience. You have to develop thick skin because it’s a demanding business. There will be times when things don’t go as planned, clients may be frustrated, and you may even be blamed for situations that are outside of your control. It’s important to remember that those moments aren’t personal. Have empathy and work with the client and your team to solve the issue.

I’ve learned that while it’s important to care about your work, it’s equally important not to let the challenges consume you. The key is to remain professional, stay positive, give your all, support your team, and remember that tomorrow is a new day.

Currently, the biggest opportunity is generating leads, because I believe meetings are down across the industry. This is both a challenge and opportunity. It is trying to get business in, because people aren't hosting meetings like they used to but we can refocus to generate more business. Instead of waiting for leads to come to us, we are getting creative and proactive with how we continue to build relationships.

My greatest values are family, honesty, dedication, and integrity. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Your character is defined by the choices you make when nobody is watching. At the end of the day, your integrity is something no one can take away and what allows you to rest your head each night.

I also believe that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. In hospitality, you’ll encounter challenging situations and difficult personalities, these moments allow you to adapt. I strive to lead by example, and approach every interaction with respect and empathy.

For me, success is measured by the trust you earn, the relationships you build, and the reputation you leave behind. When you consistently act with integrity, professionalism, and treat others the way you’d want to be treated, you create a culture of respect that benefits your team, your clients, and the organization as a whole.