Rick Lackland of DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia named Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year
- Feb 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Lake Murray, SC 02/25/2025 - Capital City/Lake Murray Country proudly celebrates Rick Lackland, Director of Sales & Marketing at DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, for being named Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year at the 2025 Stars of the Hospitality Industry Awards, presented by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA). This prestigious recognition highlights Rick’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to the hospitality industry in South Carolina.
A University of South Carolina graduate and former member of the Hilton National Sales team, Rick joined DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia in 2018. He brought with him a wealth of industry expertise and a passion for driving success. Over the past six years, he has transformed the hotel’s sales and marketing efforts, playing a pivotal role in its continued growth.
Rick’s leadership was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic when the hospitality industry faced significant challenges. Rather than slowing down, he pivoted with strategic ingenuity, securing non-traditional events, such as dance competitions and college graduations, to keep the hotel thriving when many others struggled. Thanks to his resilience and vision, DoubleTree not only rebounded but exceeded pre-pandemic sales levels in the years that followed.
“Rick is a true sales leader and a beacon of perseverance for our industry,” said Miriam Atria, President & CEO of Capital City/Lake Murray Country. “His dedication has not only driven success at DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia but has also strengthened our region’s tourism industry as a whole.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Rick is a dedicated community leader. Under his guidance, DoubleTree has become a premier venue for charity events and fundraisers, and he actively serves on the boards of Capital City/Lake Murray Country and the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management Alumni Society.
Rick Lackland’s recognition as Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year is truly well deserved. Consistent leadership and dedication in hospitality make a huge impact on guest experience and brand reputation.
In today’s competitive market, businesses that combine strong customer service with smart online promotion stand out even more. Working with a professional digital marketing agency dublin can help hospitality brands strengthen their visibility and connect with a wider audience. Congratulations again on this great achievement!
Great recognition for Rick Lackland! His leadership, especially during the COVID-19 challenges, really shows how strong strategy and adaptability can drive success in the hospitality industry. Turning tough situations into growth opportunities is truly inspiring. In today’s digital era, similar results can also be achieved through a well-planned SMM Marketing Agency, helping businesses build visibility, attract customers, and strengthen their brand presence effectively.
Congratulations to Rick Lackland on this well-deserved recognition! His leadership shows how effective sales and marketing strategies can drive success. Leveraging GMB services could further enhance local visibility for hospitality businesses like DoubleTree.
Rick Lackland’s recognition as Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year is truly inspiring! His leadership shows the power of strategy, creativity, and the kind of results you’d expect from a top Digital Marketing Agency.
It’s awesome to see recognition like this for people who actually move things forward in hospitality. I’ve worked with teams trying to improve their presence, and I know how much work goes into it. That’s one of the reasons I turned to restaurant digital marketing when running promotions for my place. The service helped us attract more local traffic, fill slow nights, and actually track what worked. Real results came once I stopped guessing and started using smart digital tools that know this space.