Inspiring Entrepreneurs Series Meet Hotelier and HTM Student Nithipong Chuleewattanapong
Nithipong Chuleewattanapong (Field) studies full-time at Assumption University of Thailand, MSME Business School majoring in hospitality & tourism management (HTM/BHT). From Surathani, 23 year old Nithipong is owner and operator of the 66 room HorseHill Hotel, Sriracha. Nithipong is the third generation of a family that made successful investments in real estate and logistics before he and his siblings decided to expand to the accommodation sector. Sister Gwang, heads marketing, brother Fight, handles operations and Field is in charge of on-site management.
Q & A with HTM student Nithipong Chuleewattanapong (Field) Why are you studying at ABAC when you already have a job? One reason was to improve my English skills, originally I was interested in real estate but a month before declaring my major I decided to study in the HTM program, as my family was planning to invest in a hotel development project. What do you like most about studying at ABAC? I liked all the HTM classes. Teacher’s provided good information and were quick to answer questions and provide support. I often share challenges at work with the Ajarn’s and they are very helpful and supportive. Describe the teacher’s in the HTM department in 3 words. Friendly, Kind, Knowledgeable Who was your favorite teacher and why? Aj Lalida, because she gives very clear explanations and provides easy to understand examples. You manage people that are older with much more experience. Is that difficult? I have had some difficulties with the senior management accepting authority, I found that support the top (MOM) along with a positive and humble attitude helps those older than me accept direction. If you could go back in time 3 years, what advice would you give yourself? HTM is much bigger than the hotel industry. The skills and knowledge you will learn will be easily applied to many industries and aspects of life.
Inspiring Entrepreneurs Series Describe your management style? I’m the young one in the organization, so I must demonstrate Kreng Jai. We are a family business and a business family. While being a business family has significant differences to running a family business, many of the same fundamental principles for success apply. These include a clear purpose, vision & mission, open and transparent communication, a clearly defined organizational structure, and considerations around everything from finance to HR. What is your 5 year plan? Build a neighborhood and sell. Try to get back the investment in HorseHill Hotel. What is your favorite slogan or motto? I must respect the opinions of others even if I disagree with them. What words of wisdom have you received from your family? My Mom would often tell me, to take chances and just do it. From your teachers? I told Dr Scott I would try to get my assignment in on time. He said “Do. Or Do Not. There is no try.” Later, he told me it was his favorite quote from Star Wars! What’s your typical day like? If I don’t have class, I start at 9am with a quick meeting with the GM and Supervisors. In the afternoon I work with the accountants and in the evening, I conduct room inspections to make sure we are ready for check-in. What do you like most about being a hotelier? The hotel business has allowed me to meet many different types of customers and has taught me to be ready to deal with and solve problems step by step. Moreover, it allows me to apply it to my other businesses in the future as well. What do you like least about being a hotelier? It’s frustrating managing employees who don't adapt to the organization. This results in their quality of work being inefficient and not worth their salary. As a business owner, I can't ignore this problem so I have to think of decisive and fair management of all parties because my hotel cares a lot about service standards and providing the best to customers.