His grandfather, Ervin Jackson Sr., was one of the original developers in 1952 of the well known Mot

His grandfather, used lightweight travel trailers for sale Ervin Jackson Sr., was one of the original developers in 1952 of the well known Motel Birmingham on Crestwood Boulevard, now known as Delux Inn & Suites. His father, Cory Jackson used lightweight travel trailers for sale Sr. in 1974 founded Birmingham-based Jackson Hospitality, which owns or manages nine hotels in Alabama and Louisiana and developed the 22-location Key West Inns brand 12 years ago.
Neal Jackson says he is counting on experience learned used lightweight travel trailers for sale from his father in his new role as president of Centerstone Hotels, a hotel franchising company with offices in Birmingham and Orlando that he and his brother, Cory Jr., are partners in. This month, Jackson announced that he and his brother are teaming up with Steve Belmonte, former chief executive of the Ramada Hotel chain, to start a national chain under the Centerstone brand.
In an interview, Jackson talked about how they hooked up with Belmonte and shared used lightweight travel trailers for sale his views on how the hospitality industry is bouncing back from a brutal recession. He also talked about the legacy of his father.
Work history: Joined the family business, Jackson Hospitality Services, as vice president in 1992. President of its Key West Inns division since 1999. Became president of Centerstone Hotels, a new hotel chain based in Birmingham in May.
About Centerstone Hotels: New chain with offices in Birmingham used lightweight travel trailers for sale and Orlando with three brands ranging from two to four-star properties. Privately owned by Hospitality Ventures LLC, new group comprised of Steve Belmonte, Neal Jackson and Cory Jackson Jr.
Key West Inns won't go away, but the operators used lightweight travel trailers for sale will have an opportunity to convert over to Centerstone Inns. We won't force them to, but I think many will take us up on that option because Centerstone is a better program. With a lower costs fee structure and Internet marketing support, we are excited about the future. Our goal is to take Centerstone nationwide.
Besides the Key West Inns franchise, we have nine current hotels under management used lightweight travel trailers for sale or ownership. The Hotel Capstone and Comfort Inn in Tuscaloosa, the Hampton Inn in Leeds, Hampton Inns in Gadsden and Attala, Sleep Inn & Suites in Metairie, La.
Q. The hospitality industry was hit hard by the economic downturn, but in the latest Alabama employment numbers leisure and hospitality led Alabama and the metro area in job growth. Is the hotel industry bouncing back from the recession?
This has been a very challenging time for the hotel industry, used lightweight travel trailers for sale however we are seeing slight improvements in 2011. As the economy bounces back, business travel will increase and families will take a few more vacations.
During this last recession, hotel owners learned to pinch every penny to help keep their hotel investment alive and stable. This is why we think the new Centerstone brand will be a popular choice for hotels.
Our franchise fees are roughly 2.6 percent, compared to larger brands that charge around 12 to 14 percent franchise used lightweight travel trailers for sale fees. With these savings, hotels can afford to improve their hotel and add sales staff.
The key to our success is our wonderful staff and the JHS integrity. Ben Koopman supervises the majority of the JHS hotels and he brings a great deal of attention and sound professional advice to hotel staff and owners.