Conde Nast Gold List Barnsley Gardens Resort GM Scott Mahr Shares Success Tips After Being Named Outstanding GM by the GHLA

Credits Staff and Integrated Maestro PMS for Supporting Award-Winning Guest Service, Productivity and Revenue at Luxury Preferred Boutique Hotel Group Property

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 30, 2010

Scott Mahr, general manager of the Barnsley Gardens Resort was named 'Outstanding General Manager' by the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association during the annual Stars of the Lodging Industry Awards on March 2, 2010. Barnsley Gardens Resort, a Conde' Nast Gold List resort named one of the 'Top 500 Places to Stay in The World,' uses Maestro PMS Enterprise hotel software to streamline its entire operation.

Mahr, who is a PGA of America club professional, joined Barnsley Gardens Resort in 1999 as the property's golf pro. He soon was moved to the role of assistant general manager, and in 2005 Mahr's passion for the property earned his promotion to general manager. Under Mahr's direction, the resort's revenue continues to grow. In 2009, Barnsley Gardens Resort increased its leisure business by 19 percent.

Passionate staff and reliable integrated technology tools = $uccess

"Our Resort is successful thanks to our people," said Mahr. "Every member of our staff is passionate about our property. Our team uses the most advanced technology to support its 360-degree guest service. We rely on the NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS Sales and Catering, Spa Management, Golf Tee Times, and Fine Dining POS systems that are fully-integrated on one database for instant guest recognition and record access so we can deliver the personalized service our guests value." Before the property installed Maestro's suite of resort software modules on its single-image database, his operation relied on interfaces between separate third-party systems, which caused considerable difficulty. "With our entire operation on one platform, our operation is effortless. Our director of revenue uses all the NORTHWIND tools and relies on Maestro Yield Management to optimize rates and occupancy."

Independent hoteliers need an experienced partner to listen, recognize their challenges, and provide reliable software and professional services that adapt to their unique business needs. Maestro goes above and beyond PMS by delivering specialized tools and expert services that maximize revenue and keep guests returning, which is why it is the preferred solution of many of the industry's leading independent single and multi-property hotels and resorts.

Total property automation and excellent service = repeat guest & group business

Barnsley Gardens Resort is a unique luxury destination located in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains 60 miles north of Atlanta. The property is known for its beautiful location, championship golf course, spa, and equestrian events. Its excellent guest service is borne out by a 65-percent rate of repeat business. "We have a high percentage of corporate group business from Atlanta-based companies that use our property for executive retreats and corporate incentives," Mahr said. "With many of our guests playing golf or having therapy sessions in our spa, it is essential we have a single hotel software system strategy that enables our staff to quickly reserve any activity when guests request it. NORTHWIND's Maestro Suite of total property automation solutions enables our staff to deliver award-winning service, schedule dining reservations, tee times, and spa appointments without picking up the phone. Maestro's online Diamond Plus training service also keeps our team productive and our operation running efficiently."

NORTHWIND's main focus is helping their clients be successful. With Diamond Plus Service, staff can access free resources 24/7 to gain knowledge and skills. Employees who are confident of their abilities have a higher level of job satisfaction and provide better service, which reduces turnover and increases productivity and property profitability.

Mahr noted his staff nominated him for the 'Outstanding General Manager' award and this demonstrates the importance of training, teamwork, and commitment. "All of our employees read and sign what I call our Foundation Document that explains our mission and values," said Mahr, who clears tables and rooms guests when needed. "Barnsley Gardens Resort would be just another property without the right technology tools and our team of excellent staff and its commitment to service."