Melody Nixon-Bice: From Front Office to General Manager

Melody’s journey began in 1995, after earning her first job working at the front desk of the Sheraton in Corpus Christi. Although she had no intentions of pursuing a career in hospitality, her college studies in business helped prepare her, and she was ready to work. This tenacity and drive to enter the world of business eventually opened doors to a career and passion that would lead her to become a pillar of excellence in the hospitality industry.  

She quickly realized her potential and hunger for more opportunities when she discovered the possibility of moving through the ranks. She loved working at the front desk, communicating with people and making them feel welcome and special, but 6 months in, she discovered an opening in Reservations, which she had developed an interest in.  

After a year and a half of working in Reservations, an administrative position opened in the sales office at the Omni, and Melody took the leap as an Administrative Sales Assistant, followed by Senior Administrative Sales Assistant and Delphi Key Operator. 

Sales became a cornerstone of her career, where she honed her skills under the guidance of her mentor, Tamie Smith, who knew that Melody would propel the world of hospitality to new heights. Learning the art of client interaction, professionalism, and the importance of presentation, Melody flourished in her roles, eventually becoming the Business Travel Sales Manager. 

She had been working as the Business Travel Sales Manager for two years when she received a call about an opportunity for Business Travel Sales at Embassy Suites. 3 months in, their current Director of Sales announced his resignation, and Melody was tasked with a learning opportunity that came with wearing many hats. She was not only working with business travel, but she also had to learn group sales, budgeting, and down the line, she also had to take on the task of learning the catering side.  

This opportunity allowed Melody to show her skills in business management but also in handling heavier workloads with a positive and professional attitude. She was promoted to Senior Sales, where she worked for 5 years, and during this time, the company gained and subsequently lost two Directors of Sales. She had the experience and the drive, so she took the plunge and became the new Director of Sales. 

Melody exemplified resilience and adaptability, particularly during these transitions in leadership. When ZJZ Hospitality purchased Embassy Suites in 2011, she was offered the job as General Manager. However, the hotel was now under new leadership, and Melody didn’t feel that this position was the right fit for her just yet. She wanted to learn more about the company before moving up the ranks once more. In 2012, she knew the timing was right and became the General Manager of Embassy Suites and is currently in her twelfth year.  

Throughout her journey, Melody’s favorite aspect of the job has always been her team. She takes immense pride in nurturing talent and witnessing her team members grow and excel within the industry.  

“The most rewarding part is finding people who have a passion to go above and beyond for each other and our guests,” explains Melody. “They want to do more and grow and see other team members thrive.”

Melody is dedicated to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment, and recalls multiple team members who demonstrated tenacity and a desire for growth, which allowed them to move up the ranks. One team member started as a houseman, and after going above and beyond her duties by helping the housekeepers with their tasks, she was promoted to Room Attendant, followed by a supervisor role as a Room Inspector. She has since risen to her current position as Senior Room Inspector and continues to thrive. Another team member began as a Breakfast Attendant, and grew into Restaurant Supervisor, and is now the Food and Beverage Manager. The current Director of Sales, Front Office Supervisor, and Front Office Manager also join this list of hardworking and passionate individuals who have been promoted within. 

Beyond her role as General Manager, Melody is deeply involved in community initiatives. On an exterior basis, she sits on multiple boards and supports various community initiatives. Through in-house programs like Make a Difference, she empowers her team to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether organizing Christmas parties for foster care agencies or engaging guests in fundraising activities, Melody’s commitment to service is inspirational and her team members love being a part of it. 

For aspiring hospitality professionals, Melody offers invaluable advice rooted in her own experiences. She emphasizes the importance of having a servant's heart, a willingness to engage with others, and the understanding that growth opportunities abound in this industry. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowerment, Melody ensures that her team members are not only equipped to succeed but also inspired to reach their full potential. 

Looking ahead, Melody remains optimistic about the future of the industry, especially with new opportunities on the horizon. As ZJZ Hospitality continues to expand with the development of new properties, she sees endless potential for growth and innovation in the hospitality industry.  

Through her leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Melody Nixon-Bice continues to redefine the standards of hospitality, leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come.