Without reservations : How a family root beer stand grew into a global hotel company

J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., is a pioneer of modern-day hospitality. Starting in the business at the age of 5 as a "salesman" for his family's A&W root beer stand, he joined the family business, full-time, in 1956 and built Marriott International into what it is today: one of the most successful and respected companies in the world, with nearly 3,800 properties in more than 70 countries and annual revenues exceeding $12 billion. In WITHOUT RESERVATIONS, Marriott shares the story of this success along with candid insights about mistakes made, opportunities missed, and lessons learned during a life spent in a business where people always come first. "In Without Reservations, Bill Marriott shares the incredible and quintessentially American success story of his family and their profound impact on the global hospitality industry, making all of us feel just a little more at home around the world." —Indra K. Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo "In this wonderful book, my good friend, Bill Marriott, shares valuable insight on how to succeed in business. More importantly, however, he shares valuable insight on how to succeed in life. His 'Recipe for Success' especially is a must-read." —Former President of the United States George H. W. Bush "Bill Marriott is one of the best entrepreneurial minds in the business. He knows what it takes to build brands, relationships and a winning corporate culture. WITHOUT RESERVATIONS is a compelling story of how best-in-class service, integrity, loyalty and leadership turned a small, family business into one of the world's most respected companies." —Ken Chenault, CEO and Chairman, American Express In Without Reservations , global business leader and hotel industry icon J.W. Bill Marriott, Jr., shares both the story of and the recipe for the success of Marriott International, one of the worlds leading hotel companies. The company began with one family-run root beer stand and grew over eight decades, through his leadership, into a global corporation that is widely respected for the business it does and the way it does business. In 1964, on the eve of being named president of the company, Marriotts father, founder and then-CEO J. Willard Marriott, Sr., tucked a letter in his 32-year-old sons desk drawer. The letter contained insights and guideposts that proved invaluable as Bill Jr., blazed the trail not only for his company, but for the hospitality industry as well. The letter, printed in this book, provides timeless advice for any person in any business who aims to achieve success. Without Reservations is a compilation of engaging stories that takes the reader behind the scenes as events and decisions unfold. Global business leader and hotel industry icon J W Bill Marriott, Jr shares both the story of and the recipe for the success of Marriott International, one of the worlds leading hotel companies. The company began with one family-run root beer stand and grew over eight decades, through his leadership, into a global corporation that is widely respected for the business it does and the way it does business. In 1964, on the eve of being named president of the company, Marriotts father, founder and then-CEO J Willard Marriott, Sr, tucked a letter in his 32-year-old sons desk drawer. The letter contained insights and guideposts that proved invaluable as Bill Jr, blazed the trail not only for his company, but for the hospitality industry as well. The letter, printed in this book, provides timeless advice for any person in any business who aims to achieve success. This is a compilation of engaging stories that takes the reader behind the scenes as events and decisions unfold J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., is a pioneer of modern-day hospitality. Starting in the business at the age of 5 as a "salesman" for his family's A & W root beer stand, he joined the family business, full-time, in 1956 and built Marriott International into what it is today: one of the most successful and respected companies in the world, with nearly 3,800 properties in more than 70 countries and annual revenues exceeding $12 billion. In WITHOUT RESERVATIONS, Marriott shares the story of this success along with candid insights about mistakes made, opportunities missed, and lessons learned during a life spent in a business where people always come first pt. 1. Put people first. Pay it forward He who listens well learns more All for one, one for all pt. 2. Pursue excellence. The benefits of being a hands-on manager Devilish details, heavenly results Decide to decide pt. 3. Embrace change. Preserve order amid change Preserve change amid order pt. 4. Act with integrity. Check your ego at the door Listen to you heart - and don't waste time on regret pt. 5. Serve our world. Not-so-random acts of kindness Why the journey is the reward Afterword. M-A-R-R-I-O-T-T ( My recipe for success) Marriott milestones.