Drake Diaz: Taking on “The Express”

Once upon a time, Drake Diaz was the guy checking guests in at Myrtle Beach timeshare presentations. Now, he’s the General Manager of Sycamore Investment Group’s Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Downtown Greenville.

Background?

After a year in the timeshare business, Drake accepted a position at Hilton Grand Vacations in Myrtle beach and dedicated himself to learning and growing there for 2.5 years. At the same time, he became the night supervisor at another hotel in the area.?

Drake worked Front Desk, Night Audit, and ultimately, he moved to Columbia, SC where he served in management positions at the Home2 Suites Harbison and Home2 Suites Blythewood. Drake originally interviewed for Sycamore’s GM position at Tru by Hilton Harbison Columbia, but fate had other plans.?

Susanne Dixon, who had been working in Greenville as the Holiday Inn Express’ General Manager transitioned to Harbison, making Columbia her home base. Meanwhile, Drake interviewed to fill her vacancy and planned his move to Greenville.?

This “GM swap” of sorts has turned out well for everyone as Susanne spends more time near her family, and Drake gets to explore a new city.

Life in Greenville?

Some of Drake’s favorite places to visit in Greenville are Tupelo Honey, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Travinia Italian Kitchen. He loves walking to grab lunch downtown and is excited by the fact that “there’s always something to do.”?

By comparison, he explains, activity in Myrtle Beach is painfully seasonal, and Columbia’s city events are “hit or miss.” Greenville, on the other hand, has something to offer every day, if you look hard enough.?

Good Vibes

Drake carries himself with an air of confidence and positivity. He’s approachable and bright, but his colleagues know when it’s time to get down to business.?

Tammy Cyrus, GM of Home2 Suites Greenville Downtown, describes Drake as passionate about his hotel's success.

She says, “He’s the most tenacious person I’ve ever met, and he knows every detail of what’s going on at his hotel at all times. It’s impressive!”?

?Her property is just across the street from his, and the two are able to use each other as resources to problem-solve operational challenges. Drake’s Home2 brand experience has turned out to be more valuable than he probably would have expected when he transitioned to an IHG location, but we’re sure glad to have it.?

Sound Leadership

When asked about his leadership style, Drake humbly took a few minutes to contemplate his answer. Finally, he responded, “I don’t ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t.”?

His actions back his words as Drake has worked hard in all departments at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites- Downtown Greenville. He’s covered Front Desk shifts and inspected rooms, but he’s never been one to micromanage.?

Drake trusts and looks out for the best interests of his team. His main focus is currently to hire and develop people. His interests lie in growing a team that is both happy and successful and is especially emphasizing improvements within his Housekeeping team.?

Property Goals

He’s also set his sights on driving up the hotel’s breakfast scores. “Great breakfast is part of why people choose to stay at a Holiday Inn Express,” Drake stated during his interview for this article.?

Ironically, less than an hour later, we came across this review that perfectly reflects the care and effort Drake's team has been pouring into giving guests the best experience possible:?

“Very nice and budget friendly option close to downtown, 15 min walk to the Liberty Bridge. Good options for breakfast (VERY clean and well ran). Thank you.” - Natalya, Expedia?

As he looks forward to an upcoming brand inspection, Drake also takes a moment to appreciate his achievements since his start date in early February, 2023. He proudly recounts, “We’ve been able to transition leadership and keep our scores up… I wish we had already had our audit, so I could talk about that.”?

There’s no doubt that “The Express,” as we fondly call it, will knock this one out of the park!

Travel Time

Naturally, as a Hospitality professional, Drake enjoys his time traveling. When he’s not exploring his new stomping grounds, Charleston is where Drake likes to go to getaway since it’s not too far from Greenville. He loves the beach but has definitely seen enough of Myrtle to last a lifetime.?

If Drake could visit anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, he says he’d choose to go to Japan without hesitation. He has family there and hasn’t been back since age ten. Drake lights up when he talks about his affinity for immersing himself in Japanese culture in a way that makes us hope he truly does get the chance to go back soon.?

Future Greatness?

For now, we’re proud to have him here on Sycamore’s team. While this is Drake’s first time at an IHG property and in a General Manager’s role, he’s been conducting himself and his hotel’s departments well.?

If you or someone you know is interested in working under Drake’s leadership, apply to open positions through the Holiday Inn Express & Suites- Downtown Greenville Indeed page, or you can meet him by booking your stay and getting a taste of that thoughtfully prepared breakfast spread.?

We look forward to introducing you!?

By Courtney Madeira