Meet Tom: An interview with the GM of Holiday Inn Express Leeds City Centre-Armouries
Tom Clarke has been the General Manager of the 130-room Holiday Inn Express Leeds City Centre-Armouries since June 2022. Being one of Starboard’s newest GMs, we wanted to get to know Tom and find out how he is finding his new position at the hotel with the largely new team he is leading.
Getting to know Tom
If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep and why?
What’s App -I’m all for the group chats, as there’s always a sarcastic comment or meme being posted about each other. I just love the banter!
YouTube - A lifesaver for keeping the kids quiet!
SkyGo - Having the football and golf available to watch whenever and wherever you are. What else do you need?
If you were hosting a dinner party, who are the three people at the top of your dream list?
Rory McIlroy - I’m a big golf fan and Rory has been at the top of the sport for a long time, speaks really well in press conferences and seems like he’s got a lot of time for others
Micheal McIntyre - He’s hilarious, I think I’ve seen every sketch he’s ever done. Have you seen his sketch on a visit to the dentist?YouTube it, you will be in stitches!
Gordon Ramsay - He would be able to jump in and take over in the kitchen, plus you’d think he’d bring some decent wine!
Getting to know the local area
Tell us the hidden gem of Yorkshire that everyone who comes should visit.
There are plenty so it’s hard to name just one! The great thing about Yorkshire is there’s something for everyone. Some great scenery, walks, architecture, museums, nightlife, theatres and arenas! With so much to do, you can’t be bored. But If someone was visiting for one day only, a drive or a short train ride out to Ilkley, which is a lovely market town. I’d recommend taking a walk around the famous Cow and Calf rocks with a decent pub lunch and beer. You can’t go wrong!
What is your favourite thing about Leeds?
The people of course! We’re a friendly bunch up here you know! And of course the football team!
Before Starboard
What was your first job in hospitality?
Growing up, I lived at our local golf club, my dad was, and still is the manager there and my mum was the bar steward. The door to our flat was at the back of the kitchen, so I was helping out with washing up, and preparing for dinner (Average Spud Peeler and chief Crème Brûlée burner was my unofficial job title!). Also I regularly waited on tables and worked on the bar-I loved every minute!
What were you doing before joining Starboard?
I was still working at Holiday Inn Express but for a different management company. I Have been with Holiday Inn Express for 13 years, starting as a Guest Service Assistant and working my way up. I love the brand and was extremely lucky to progress in working at different hotels across the country. From Leeds, all the way down to Southampton and back up again!
Working at Starboard
Why did you choose to become the General Manager of a hotel?
I remember when I first got a Duty Manager role in 2011 and couldn’t believe that I was in charge of the shift! I loved that I had that responsibility, I think from then on I always wanted to become a GM. Away from that, I just love the hotel life, it’s fast-paced, and unpredictable and keeps you on your toes. I love training colleagues and seeing them progress in their careers. (There's not a better feeling!)
A hotel performing well has to have an engaged team and a leader who can train, support and think outside the box. I believe I tick these boxes and am always looking to challenge the status quo so I, the team and our guests have the best experience while in the hotel.
What are you most excited about this year, in relation to your job?
We’ve recruited some newbies to #TeamLeeds so I am looking forward to seeing them settle into the team and bring new ideas. There are some exciting times ahead for the hotel, and I’m looking forward to celebrating success with the team.
What is one important skill that you think everyone should have?
PMA! (Positive Mental Attitude) we all have long and hard days and we’ve got things going on in our home life. We should absolutely talk about them and support each other, but in front of guests, we need to be positive and make each and every interaction with them count.
What is one of your greatest work-related achievements?
As mentioned earlier, the best feeling is helping and watching someone progressing in their career. That feeling and the “thank you” you get are the best! I’m also very competitive and love beating targets, so smashing a Quality Metric or a Financial Target is a great feeling!