Nicole ShanksVP Human ResourcesReason I work at TWH: I’m excited to have an opportunity to work with a company that values its associates and culture.
Biggest professional accomplishment: Working with local organizations across the country to create Hospitality training programs and curriculums with several Non-Profit organizations and School Districts.
Favorite room service item: Wine & Cheese
Nicole loves working with people and building professional relationships. In fact, that’s what makes her such a great fit for the TWH human resources team. She has a strong background as a certified professional in human resources with over 15 years of experience in the industry and near perfect associate engagement survey scores in her previous positions. That’s the kind of achievement that we just can’t help bragging about, but Nicole’s dedication to her position doesn’t end there. It just so happens that she’s a master mentor and has guided her deputies through numerous promotions; a fact that brings a smile to her face and makes us proud.
However, Nicole’s compassion extends far beyond the realm of enterprise human resource management. She dedicates a vast amount of her personal time and expertise to multiple organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Salvation Army, Junior Achievement USA, and the Texas Workforce Commission student programs. Her philanthropic achievements include a successful partnership with Goodwill Industries where she helped develop an entire hospitality training program.
Now, as impressive as her work and social engagement might be, it’s truly amazing that Nicole manages to accomplish so much while cultivating such a beautiful family. Whether it’s spending a summer afternoon enjoying water sports and boating or getting geared up for some SEC football during the fall, you can bet that Nicole, her husband, and their two sons can handle it!
Tony BattelleChief Operating OfficerFavorite part of the job Passion for this business has kept me engaged over the years. Our business is ever changing, and continuous improvement is critical in driving successes - change is good.
Favorite Room Service Item Crunchy French Toast. Well, really that’s my wife’s favorite. I don’t really have one!
Favorite TWH property to stay at
If we had to pick one word to describe Tony, it would have to be passionate! Tony started in the business as a bellman during college, and his passion for this industry has lasted 28 years. Starting from the ground up proved beneficial to Tony, as he honed his skills in all aspects of the hotel industry. We have those early mentors to thank for harnessing that spark of passion and converting it for use in a success driven powerhouse.
Our favorite thing about Tony? The fact that his enthusiasm and energizing leadership style catches like wildfire with those that work with him; seeing team members grow fuels Tony’s zealous energy! That’s what got him where he is, and why he’s such a perfect fit for the TWH team.
Another asset in Tony’s arsenal also happens to be his favorite part of this industry; adaptability and change. It’s one of his key talents and is the reason why he can work so well with a dynamic portfolio of brands including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Hyatt Hotels. It’s also why he’s been such an asset to leading management companies in the United States like White Lodging, Remington Hotels and most recently, Aimbridge Hospitality, where he held the title of Senior Vice President of Operations.
His ability to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit in those around him, his dedication to and passion for the industry, plus a keen eye for opportunity in change makes Tony a perfect asset.
Michael H. MahoneyPresident and CEOReason I work at TWH: Entrepreneurship. TWH continuously provides the platform to create value for stakeholders.
Favorite part of the job: Variety. Each asset we create and manage presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards.
Favorite TWH moment: Not a defined point in time, but an ongoing freedom to strive for creative success.
Michael’s worked with Gene for more than 25 years. (Worthy of a medal.) And he’s overseen more than 40 hotel developments since 1995. (Worthy of a display case of medals.) Now in 2012, Michael has been named President and CEO of Western International.
Michael’s one of the main guys who brings a new hotel development to life. He oversees and implements just about everything: Helps associates acquire land and financing. Oversees architects. Works directly with general contractors. Tackles planning and zoning cases. Facilitates governmental and regulatory approvals. Sleeps occasionally.
So if you had a really nice stay at that new Hilton in Chandler, Arizona, give Michael a hearty pat on the back. Then leave him alone. The man has work to do.
B. Gene CarterFounder & ChairmanFavorite part of the job: Interaction with junior associates.
What makes me rest easy: Nothing. Change occurs daily. You must be alert.
I got into this business because: You can change rents every day.
Gene is Founder, Chairman, and proverbial backbone of Western International Realty, L.P. A company that, as Gene puts it, is a family business. And pretty much everyone at WI would agree. No one's a stranger around here. And it's not uncommon to see the Carter family dropping by. In fact, his wife Nancy handles all parts of the interior design for the hotels.
Gene first got into commercial real estate development back in 1965. And his experience soon grew to include management and operations areas and, specifically, hospitality.
In 1990, Gene decided to refocus his efforts and expertise exclusively on his first professional love: developing and operating hotel properties. And under Gene's leadership, Western International has garnered a lot of acclaim: Marriott's Developer of the Year (1998, 2007), Marriott's Partnership Circle Award (2001), and WI is consistently one of Marriott's leading franchisees. And Gene's done well for himself, too, earning recognition by Hilton Hotels as Developer of the Year (2009).
Gene's a graduate of Texas A&M University (don't hold that against him), and he attended law school at the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University. When he's not working, he's wishing he were. As Gene puts it, 'When you love what you do, it's hard to turn it off.'