the power of personal hospitality

Our San Diego TMM Team recently produced an exclusive corporate event at the private, fifty acre ranch of Duane Pillsbury and Joan Embery. Nationally known for her television appearances with animals, Joan has appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, Good Morning America, PM Magazine, The Home Show, Donahue, Hour Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, and many others. She has hosted two series, Animal Express and Animals of Africa, which have aired both in the United States and abroad, and the Baby Panda and Challenge to Wildlife specials for Public Broadcasting.



At the ranch, Joan raises Quarter horses, Miniature horses, Lippizans, Warmbloods, Clydesdales and Percherons, and her California State Grand Champion Brahman Bull, Bruiser. She also maintains an assortment of animals which travel with her on appearances.

Guests arrived at her home – recognizing the unique opportunity . . .but having no idea of the extraordinary hospitality awaiting them.  As they walked up to the front gates, Joan rode out on one of her prize horses  to greet them personally.  She then worked with her team of handlers to provide a very personal and up-close introduction to her menagerie. 

With pride and affection, Joan continued to educate and delight guests with a showcase of her animals – helping everyone appreciate the amazing traits of varied species.  From the tiniest armadillo to the elegant cheetah... Joan ensured an evening of magic.
As the sunset waned and the stars came out, Joan then accompanied guests to one of the barns where an elegant and sumptuous dinner was served. 

What impressed me most this evening was the genuine hospitality of our hosts, the effort they made to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of their guests and the beauty of their ranch.  This evening reminded me of the “power of personal hospitality” – welcoming guests with genuine warmth and pride. It was an evening to remember!

“mama always said”

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales

One of our most recent “water cooler chats” at the office was a bit deeper than the normal “post-weekend-recap-what-celebrity-is-dating-who-did-you-see-my-cute-new-purse” chat. We began reminiscing about the things that our parents or spouses and family have repeated to us (sometimes like a broken record,) throughout our lives. For some of us, these are proverbs to live by; for others, they are just now becoming pertinent during the complex state we are all living in.

Here is the “Hall of Fame” of one-liners from our staff that you have our permission to use for your own personal gain, motivation or simple laughter.





If you don’t find at least one that resonates with you, then you may be dead inside…

• Measure twice, cut once
• Your attitude determines your altitude
• God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason
• Do unto others as you would have them to unto you
• Tough times don’t last, but tough people do
• Always try to learn from your mistakes otherwise life will throw the same lesson at you until you do
• Never present a problem until you have figured out at least one possible solution
• The truth will set you free.
• The worst never happens

Is it the case that when life is more challenging you are more open to advice from other people? It is interesting to me that we tend to only have these conversations when feel the need for guidance and direction ---- we tend to forget the wisdom of others when we are on cruise control. How would our actions be different if we solicited wisdom of others even when we were the most sure of ourselves?

a colorful challenge

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales


I recently had a very specific request for a client: to create an elegant awards dinner --- seems standard enough, right? However, the most important specification of the evening was that there had to be five different linen colors – all in very close proximity to each other. The five colors sounded like a lot, but the purpose of having five colors was to identify different teams for an interactive exercise that would take place later in the evening. 

Initially, I was determining how TMM could create the appropriate atmosphere in accordance with the inherent venue design. It was also important not to lose the focus of our pattern by bringing in so many colors that they competed with each other.

As we conducted a walk-through onsite, we discussed several different themes. My first inclination was that the color selection should be monochromatic to avoid visual cacophony; the downside of a monochromatic look was that it wasn’t bold enough.

Our design team decided on a color selection that encompassed the principal hues in the elaborate carpeting at the venue– a natural fit. In the end, we discovered that the most essential element in keeping a cohesive atmosphere was the simplicity and uniformity of the centerpieces.  Each dining table was centered with a trio of beautiful curved glass vases featuring an oversized ivory pillar candle. The glow from the candle light and the pin spotting caused an ethereal glow on the taffeta table linen and our colorful “challenge” had successfully been surmounted.

start the day with B.A.G.E.L.S

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales


Perhaps my favorite part of my work day is when get settled with a cup of coffee and BAGELS – not what you might think. I’m referring to B.A.G.E.L.S. the acronym – my daily journal. TMM recently attended a sales training seminar and this was perhaps the most unique lesson I took away.  I find it personally and professionally enriching and I recommend it to anyone in any industry to give focus and poise to their day. Everyone knows that our work life and our personal life blend together, especially in an unpredictable, chaotic industry such as hospitality, and this is an ideal way to manage your growth in both arenas.

Keep a journal – may even be your office “ to-do” list or notebook – and as you begin your work day, take five minutes to fill out the following items:

Behavior: Your daily behaviors (number of calls, to do list)
Attitude: Something good about yourself that makes you successful
Grateful / Goals: What you are grateful for/ restate your long & short term goals
Evaluation: Evaluate yesterday, what went well and what did not
Lesson: 1 lesson you learned from yesterday
Success: 1 successful thing you did yesterday

This daily practice gives me a compass for my work and my personal enrichment, and it helps me continually improve my role at TMM. I can’t recommend it enough….