Louis Smith - Director of Engineering & Maintenance

louis@bernardhotels.com

During his career, Louis Smith has served as Regional Director of Engineering & Maintenance for both Sheraton Hotels and Holiday Inns.His vast knowledge of the practical aspects of hotel construction and maintenance provide Bernard Hotels with the ability to quickly analyze the physical aspects relating to a proposed acquisition together with the costs of correcting deferred engineering maintenance. Mr. Smith is a licensed hotel operations engineer and General Contractor.As such, he is an expert in plant maintenance, refurbishment, equipment selection and exchange.

Mr. Smith's early experience led to the position of Executive Chief Engineer /Project Supervisor for Sheraton Hotels, covering the Southeast U. S. and South America. In that capacity he supervised the opening of six Sheraton Hotels as part of the opening team.He also supervised the refurbishment of the Sheraton Biltmore, Atlanta and Sheratons in Dallas and Mexico City, among others.

In 1975 Mr. Smith became Executive Chief Engineer/Project Director for Quality Inns. He was responsible for the redesign, refurbishment and reopening of two company hotels together with his other duties for the chain. From 1977 to 1987 he was Western and Pacific Regional Chief Engineer for Holiday Inn Corporation.He supervised 31 parent-owned properties, directing engineering and refurbishment programs, developing and managing capital budgets and providing staff guidance.He was a key participant on a panel that reduced engineering and refurbishment costs system wide by $1,500,000 annually. He was recognized for strong communication skills as well as for delivering projects on time, on or below budget. He has an ability to work with sub-contractors, supervising daily project tasks; dealing with municipal agencies and negotiations at all levels.

Major projects undertaken while at Holiday Inns included upgrading and refurbishing guest rooms, kitchens, mechanical plants, exteriors, building structures, meeting rooms, guest room corridors, and public space.

The refurbishment budget for the Holiday Region was between $11.5 and $15.5 million annually with a total compliment of 6,300 guestrooms.

Mr. Smith directed a $4 million upgrade and refurbishment of the 760 room Airport Marina Hotel at a cost saving to the owners of an estimated 30% compared to outside contractor costs.