If you’ve ever done business with the staff at The Inn at Virginia Tech, you know they are some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable around.
Here’s your chance to learn more about what makes the team tick, including how they learned to best serve the local community and a few “little known facts”.
We’re not giving away any trade secrets, just the inside scoop on our staff. Check it out!
Laurie Bond
Senior Sales Manager working with university faculty and staff
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m from a small town in Virginia called Kilmarnock. It is on the Northern Neck peninsula hemmed by the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers. It is beautiful. The people are genuine, and seafood is king.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I was 13 and worked for my dad that summer at his gas station pumping gas. The best thing was I got to wear shorts, be outside, make money and be with my dad. The worst was trying to find the gas tank on some cars. Back in those days, they could be behind the back license plate. I would take several laps around the car looking for the gas tank.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER PATH?
Early in my working career, I worked with preschoolers and wanted to do something different. I saw an ad in the newspaper. Yes, a newspaper. The ad was for a front desk clerk at the Blacksburg Marriott, and I thought it sounded fun. Well, I got the job 36 years ago, it was fun, and the rest is rock and roll history.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT VT?
15 years!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE INN?
I love the team. We are seasoned, creative, flexible, resourceful, and resilient.
HOW WOULD YOUR COLLEAGUES DESCRIBE YOU?
I am afraid to ask!
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Be prepared and in control should adversity occur.
FINALLY, JUST FOR FUN: TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT FEW PEOPLE KNOW.
I won a go-kart when I was 6. It was red and looked like a Corvette. It was a blast to drive!
Teresa Hughes
Director of Sales and Marketing
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR THE INN
I oversee The Inn’s sales and marketing programs. I develop & implement sales and marketing strategies and initiatives and provide management and leadership to coordinate sales efforts. I work alongside the team to identify client needs, develop collateral and determine pricing.
I’ve been at Virginia Tech for 24 years.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT JOB?
I love serving people, and every day is different in the world of hospitality.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO START THE DAY?
Sitting on the balcony watching the waves break on the beach and drinking coffee very early in the morning; unfortunately, there’s no ocean in Roanoke, VA.
WHAT BOOKS ARE ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
I don’t have a book on my nightstand at the moment, but the book I like most is the one that never fails to put me to sleep within three to five pages.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH MOST?
My family. Always lots of funny drama!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? WHAT WERE THE BEST AND WORST THINGS ABOUT IT?
Clearing dinner tables at a restaurant. The best thing about it was earning my own money. The worst thing was cleaning up after people you don’t know.
WHAT WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT?
Disco song from 1978, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
“Forgive and let go.”
WHAT’S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW PEOPLE KNOW?
My sister and I had a double wedding; also, I have a cousin who is an opera singer for the San Francisco Opera.
Bianca Norton
Director of Catering
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE CAREER PATH THAT LED YOU TO THE INN AT VIRGINIA TECH?
My mother and I owned a small bridal shop in South Carolina for 20+ years, and helping people create their vision for special occasions is so rewarding.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I’ve been here for nine years.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THEM?
Definitely my mother and father. They were hard workers, not only in the workplace but at home, and they instilled their work ethic in their kids. My mom’s favorite saying was, “This too shall pass,” and I take that to heart each day.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH MOST?
My three kids. They are all so different but have the best sense of humor.
WHAT IS ONE SMALL THING THAT MAKES YOUR DAY BETTER?
Hearing from any of my children
Now that you’ve gotten to know the staff a little better, we would love to spend time getting to know you and serving you for your meeting or wedding needs. Book a consultation with us today!
