Black Historical past Month Profile: Washington Hilton’s Man Burton Has Greeted Visitors For Almost 30 Years

Lengthy‑time crew member says an important keep begins with a smile

This month, Hilton is celebrating Black Historical past Month by shining the highlight on a few of our crew members who embody the sunshine and heat of hospitality and work to make every visitor’s keep particular.

Within the Washington, D.C.-area, a type of crew members is Doorman Man Burton, whose smiling greetings have made him a spotlight of the visitor arrival at Washington Hilton—and have been for practically 30 years.

Based on Burton, the key to giving friends an important keep begins with him and the opposite entrance service crew members, who welcome friends in an enormous approach. In his opinion, the welcome units the tone for the entire keep.

“The primary impression is an important impression,” Burton mentioned. “I all the time greet friends with a smile as quickly as they exit the automotive. That’s why they’ve me right here.”

And Burton’s smile has change into legendary amongst repeat friends, whom he strives to deal with like previous associates once they return many times. These are relationships Burton seems to be ahead to forming, and in doing so has made him associates from all over the world.

“I like figuring out repeat friends’ names so when these friends return, it’s like they’re household,” Burton mentioned. “Even after months, we’re greeted with hugs and the ‘How have you ever been? How’s your loved ones?’ questions. I keep in mind so many friends from a number of repeat teams annually.”

Burton was initially drawn to begin his hospitality profession with Hilton due to its popularity for providing welcoming, family-friendly environments. Now as he nears his 30-year milestone with Hilton, he credit his vibrant entrance service crew and Common Supervisor Kenneth Jarka for preserving him impressed to remain on the resort over time.    

“Hilton is the perfect firm—from administration all the best way right down to staff. We’re a household and a crew,” Burton mentioned. “We, entrance service, have the perfect crew. Even [our] basic supervisor is an excellent man. Each time he comes out to the doorway within the chilly he all the time asks ‘Man, how have you ever been? How’s your loved ones?’ Meaning lots to me.”

Burton will formally mark his 30-year milestone at Washington Hilton in March. He says he’ll have fun this milestone second “with prayer and thanking God for good 30 years and higher years forward.” He additionally has plans to take his spouse out for waffles after which journey to Maryland for some enjoyable.