Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Sadler.
Hi Jeremy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I currently serve as the General Manager for The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton. I was the opening GM, coming onto the project about six months before opening with the responsibility of developing the property team, marketing plans, and operational processes needed to open and operate successfully.
It was my 3rd property to be part of the opening team and second as General Manager. It’s an incredible responsibility, and I remain humbled by the opportunity provided to be part of such an amazing hotel. Prior to being in Executive Leadership, of course, my story began quite differently. In Dallas, Texas, my hometown, I started my hospitality career there at the age of 18. Starting as a bellman, I’ve had the opportunity to work my way through the entire operation.
Front office, food and beverage, banquets/catering, and housekeeping services have all played a part in shaping my career path. After working my way through college, I relocated the first time, and now five relocations later, I’ve landed in Memphis. My family and I love it here, and we’re excited to be part of such a unique and what I believe to be an important project for the city and The South Main neighborhood.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road as anything worthwhile rarely is. Throughout my career, there are always ups and downs from year to year as you gain/lose associates, win/lose a big client, etc., but there are three career and life-altering events I’ve endured that have drastically shaped our industry.
First, what happened in September 11, 2001 was a tragedy for our nation, but the impact on hospitality was palpable in those first few months. Second, the financial crisis of 2008-2009 changed the landscape in many ways. The effects were even more severe than September 2001 and was the most challenging year of my career until most recently, with the onset of COVID.
The full impact of COVID is yet to be determined. However, with each of these events, the impact and recovery have gotten progressively more challenging and have reshaped our industry. From how we staff the operation to how we serve the operation, nothing has gone unaffected. Beyond those industry-shaping events, of course, I have learned lessons personally along the way about leadership and what it takes to be consistently successful in our business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Central Station Hotel is a historically renovated hotel brought to life by reimagining the original Central Station, built as a transportation hub for railroad companies in Memphis. The building itself is now 115 years old and has lived through a multitude of uses and tenants in its history. However, one fact has always remained; it has never ceased to exist as a train station.
While the entire building is no longer used as a train station, to this day, Amtrak still operates on a seven-day week schedule. Outside of the Amtrak office that remains, the rest of the building is an operating hotel. We want to be the place that Memphians are proud of and consider us as an extended part of their living rooms. We want our guests to arrive and know they have reached a unique destination, found nowhere else in the world. It represents Memphis, the historical impact of the train station, the anchor of the South Main neighborhood, and what it means to this community.
Our most crucial programming and theme that runs throughout our building is Memphis music. From the moment you enter the lobby, you will see the impact music has had on Memphis. With art installations that fancy the eyes and Memphis-born music playing 24/7 tickling the ears, we want our guests to feel a sense of curiosity about what they are about to discover.
We take great pride in our design details. One example is the artwork in our rooms. We carefully crafted over 500 photographs, all taken from the train line as a renowned photographer, Jamie Harmon, traveled between Chicago and New Orleans, crafting the story of the train line and what it passes as it travels. Our public space art, carefully curated by Anna Wunderlich, show unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that could only be placed in a project such as this. Finally, our music programming, consisting of over 20,000 titles and 3500 vinyl albums of every genre, all with ties to Memphis, showcasing the history of music in our great city.
We book different acts to showcase Memphis talent in partnership with South Main Sounds, a local studio and show promoter. In addition to our in-house radio system, we showcase local artists in a number of ways but mainly through the “Live at the Tracks” series, where live music is played on our outdoor patio, adjacent to the train track. It’s always free for guests and locals, making for a great evening in the most unique of settings.
How do you think about luck?
Some think of it as luck, but I believe luck is most often where preparation and opportunity collide. Indeed I have been fortunate in making connections or garnering relationships along the way that has provided me with opportunities later in my career. However, if I didn’t work hard, prove myself or make an effort to connect with others, those same opportunities may have passed me by.
I’ve been blessed abundantly and remain grateful. Still, I also encourage those in my sphere of influence to ensure they understand the value of hard work, preparation, dedication to one’s responsibilities that ultimately lead to the best luck in life.
Contact Info:
- Email: jsadler@centralstationmemphis.com
- Website: www.centralstationmemphis.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/centralstationmemphis/
- Facebook: facebook.com/CentralStationMemphis/
