Category Archives: Life’s Lessons

The Home2 Suites Hilton, making a difference in the life of a young man who dreams big.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  ~Maya Angelou

By Becky Mackintosh

I’ve done my share of traveling, from a five star hotel in San Juan, to a bed and breakfast in Edinburgh Scotland, I’ve been to Dubia, India and Mexico to name a few, and have sailed on more than a half a dozen cruise ships. What I remember and cherish most about my travels are the friendships made, the relationships strengthened, and the way people made me feel.

It’s no secret that first impressions form immediate thoughts and feelings leaving a mental image.  I have stayed at many Hilton hotels, but had never heard of Home2 Suites, UNTIL a few months ago and what an impression it has made.

It was an unusually warm November day,  I was helping a young man, who had recently moved in with our family, on his quest for a new job. We had just began our journey of dropping off resumes.  As we entered the front lobby of the newly opened Home2 Suites at Thanksgiving Point, only ten minutes from our home. we were greeted with a warm smile and an enthusiastic,

“Hello, Welcome to Home2 Suites.  How may I help you?”

With an equally broad smile and enthusiasm, this young man extending his hand as he replied, “Hello, My name is BRY-son Cornaby. I am a hard worker.  I need a job.  Are you accepting applications?”  the words flowed from his mouth just like we’d practiced.

Bryson handed her his single-page resume, put together by his job coach Terri Ann from an organization called RISE, including a summary of his many qualifications and employment such as: Chick-fil-la, Costco, Hilton Garden Inn of St. George, Utah and the Cliffrose Lodge outside of Zions Park. A pretty impressive resume for a young man who since birth has faced challenges associated with mild retardation.

More about Bryson…

Bryson grew up in Utah, yes he’s Mormon, yes he likes green jello and yes one of his goals is to marry and have a family just like every other young man.  I’ve known Bryson for several years, and if you know Bryson you know that if he dreams it, desires it, he works hard to achieve it! Accomplishing the impossible, is something he is good at. Everyone who knows Bryson loves him – he’s just that kind of a guy. He’s quite the character and just plain amazing!

I am often asked, “How did Bryson come to live with your family?”  One of our son-in-laws introduced us to Bryson several years ago.  Then one day, in the middle of October, Bryson called me from his home in Saint George, Utah and with enough enthusiasm to fill a colosseum he blurted,

“I just put in my two week notice and then I’m moving up North!”

I knew this to be code for; “I’m moving in with you and your family and I need you to help me find a new job!” I was perfectly fine with this arrangement …my family too!  We welcomed Bryson with open arms, but FIRST…

I cleaned out the bedroom of one of my grown married children to make room for Bryson and his prize possessions which included; 37 new bottles of  lotions from Bed Bath and Beyond. (Let’s just say he is a little obsessed with smelling good.) Many bottles of used and never used cologne, countless numbers of shoes, a snowboard and a coveted gift from Dr. Dre.

That’s RIGHT!  Dr. Dre!

As Seen On Instagram,  posted by Cliffrose lodge owner Breck Dockstader,

 Bryson sporting his NEW pair of  Dr. Dre Beats! 

 “Bryson received a gift from a guest today at the Clliffrose!  Turns out he made an impression on an executive VP that stayed with us from Beats! ”  `Breck Dockstader

His first week after joining our family, we got busy helping him look for a job, dropping off resumes to higher-end hotels and restaurants, Bryson likes the best, because he strives to be his best.  We practiced saying “Hello, My name is Bryson Cornaby. I am a hard worker seeking a job.  Are you accepting applications?”  Those weren’t always the exact words that came out of his mouth, but whatever he said, worked.  He made an impression. He got a call back for an interview at the Home2 Suites Hilton at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah.

Bam! He did it! He got the Job! 

For the next hour Bryson scrolled through his iPhone 6 Plus calling contact after contact…

“Hello, this is BRY-son, and guess what?”

“What?”

“I – got – a – job!”

“Where?”

“At the Home2 Suites Hilton at Thanksgiving Point!”

“Yahoo Bryson! That is amazing!” was the repeated response!

Now, five days a week, Bryson wakes up early, showers, eats breakfast, reads for 10 minutes, brushes his teeth, sprays a squirt or two or three of his favorite cologne and then WAITS watching the clock until it’s time to leave for work, never late, always early.  He loves his job, it’s rewarding to feel appreciated, valued and needed and that’s what he experiences from the entire staff at Home2 Suites Hilton, recently awarded Lehi, Utah’s 2014 Business of the year!  With a long list of charities they have contributed to in their short time of being open, is a reflection of their values and desire to make a difference in this world.  I know our family is grateful for the difference Home2 Suites is making in this young mans life and our HomeTOO Sweet!

P.S.  When you book your vacation at Home2 Suites say HELLO to Bryson!

Bryson Cornaby with Home2 Suites Lehi, Utah General Manager Devin Slorah

Bryson and staff.