travel at home with
An Interview with
Lisa Bush Director of Sales & Marketing Hutton Hotel, Nashville TEXT BY dAMON BAGWELL
AT HOME TENNESSEE: How LB: There are so many things I love on the long have you been in your current position? 1808 Grille menu, but for dinner it is the Bronze Glazed Quail. My favorite lunch menu item, though, has to be the Flaked Char. LISA BUSH: I joined the Hutton Hotel in May 2008, as part of the pre-opening team. After six years in Southern California, I AHT:How do you convince people to visit returned to my home state to be close to family, Nashville? as well as for the rare opportunity to launch an independent luxury hotel. LB: Quite simply: there is something for everyone. AHT: What inspires you when talking to Music is a universal connector—and Nashville others about the Hutton Hotel? truly is Music City. It’s a mecca that is best known for country, of course, but you’ll find LB: The hotel is gorgeous, so that is definitely fantastic local artists of every genre here. an advantage. From the beginning, though, we Music is just the tip of the iceberg though: it knew we would be filling a niche in the market is genuinely a special place for everyone, from and would be welcomed with open arms by the families to the business traveler. Nashville community. The boutique feel of the property provides a welcoming environment—our frequent guests call us their “home away from home.” Our award-winning green initiatives have also been pivotal in promoting the hotel; it’s a point of pride for everyone involved, from the valet team to our general manager, to be leaders in this field. The best compliment we receive about the hotel, however, is the quality of our service. It is tried and true Southern hospitality, redefined for our modern lifestyles.
AHT: Tell us about your community
Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. This year, I am also proud to take on the role of Marketing Chair for the Steeplechase Lookbook Fashion Show, the proceeds of which benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
AHT: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
LB: Painting is one of my favorite pastimes—I
find it very relaxing. In the summertime, I love spending time by the pool, grilling and socializing with friends.
AHT: What is your favorite Tennessee memory?
involvement — do you participate in local LB: As a Middle Tennessee native, I spent my philanthropic endeavors? fair share of days on the farm. My father raised cattle, and I loved quarter horses, spending the LB: I began partnering with the tremendous majority of my time riding on Ben Lomand T.J. Martell Foundation upon my return Mountain. It is one of the most peaceful places to Nashville. It has become such a rich and on earth. A large part of my childhood was also spent on Center Hill Lake, waterskiing and rewarding relationship. boating. After living in another state, I can I also serve on the Business Leaders Council, truly appreciate Tennessee and the comforts of which began in 2009 with the mission of home. engaging corporate decision makers in the AHT: What is your favorite dish in the community. This started with innovative cancer research at the Frances Williams Preston 1808 Grille at the Hutton? 46 | At Home Tennessee • April 2012