TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2021) – Scheduled to open this December, the Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel has announced the appointment of Luke Bauknecht as assistant general manager and Taryn Sousa as sales executive. Bauknecht will work in conjunction with General Manager Craig Barnett to ensure day-to-day hotel operations run smoothly and efficiently. Sousa will serve as the key sales contact for the property, working with various clients to promote market growth.
“We’re excited to see the team continue to take shape at the Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel with the addition of these two stellar industry professionals,” said Joe Collier, president and founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “With their impressive background in hospitality and a shared commitment to outstanding service, Luke and Taryn will be an integral part of the hotel’s success.”
Assistant General Manager Luke Bauknecht developed his management and operations skill set in North Carolina as front desk supervisor of the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, where he provided personalized customer service for guests visiting the 278-room hotel. His management career also includes time most recently as assistant general manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Clearwater, Florida, where he directed daily operations and achieved all revenue goals to maximize the profitability of the hotel.
An accomplished sales professional more than 15 years of experience, Taryn Sousa began her career as sales specialist with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, before being promoted to account manager of global group sales. Sousa successfully solicited, developed and strategically managed accounts in the group and catering markets. Her career is punctuated with a number of notable accolades, including the Gold Star award, North American incentive winner, and global incentive winner. Prior to joining the Residence Inn team, Sousa was the global account director of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where she strategically managed more than 50 global accounts in the group corporate and association meeting and event market.
The highly anticipated Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel will feature 128 guest rooms and suites; flexible indoor meeting and event space; a rooftop bar; and an outdoor terrace shared social space. The four-story hotel will overlook the 80-acre AdventHealth Sports Arena at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County. Its prime location makes the hotel the best possible option for locals and travelers coming to experience a new era in sports tourism.
For more information on Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel, visit ResidenceInnWiregrass.com.
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About Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel
Scheduled to open in December 2021, the four-story Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel overlooks the sprawling 80-acre AdventHealth Sports Arena at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, Florida. Managed by Tampa, Florida-based Mainsail Lodging & Development, the 128-room Residence Inn will feature spacious guest rooms, flexible indoor meeting and event space, a rooftop bar, and an outdoor terrace shared social space. Additional guest amenities will include a 24/7 “grab & go” market, complimentary breakfast, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel is part of the Marriott Cleanliness Council, which implements expert protocols for working to defeat COVID-19 through in-house and outside expertise in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel cleaning and safety standards. For more information, visitResidenceInnWiregrass.com.
About Mainsail Lodging & Development
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, corporate furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose, and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Created by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Through its Mainsail Corporate Housing and Mainsail Vacation Rentals brands, the company manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and corporate housing solutions across the country. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing leadership team, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com
About Residence Inn by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott is the global leader in the extended-stay lodging segment, with more than 700 properties located in more than 10 countries and territories. Designed for long stays, the brand offers spacious suites with separate living, working, and sleeping zones. Fully functional kitchens; grocery delivery service; 24-hour markets and complimentary breakfasts help guests maximize their time and thrive while they travel. The RI MixÔ evening events afford guests the opportunity to socialize and connect with the local community. Each Residence Inn offers free Wi-Fi in both public and guests spaces to ensure continuous connectivity while on the road. As a member of the Marriott International portfolio, Residence Inn is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit residence-inn.marriott.com. For travel tips, the latest on the brand or to connect with other travelers, “like” Residence Inn on Facebook and follow @ResidenceInn on Twitter and Instagram.