Build on your experience, and then trust your instincts.

Penta Hotels offer unique accommodations for modern travelers and business guests, while also serving as a welcoming hub for locals and the surrounding communities. Their hotels reflect and celebrate the neighborhoods they are located in, with the Pentalounge serving as a versatile space for dining, socializing, and relaxation. Established in 1971, Penta Hotels prioritizes values of genuineness, unpretentiousness, cheerfulness, ethics, and stability in all aspects of their operation, setting them apart from more conventional and uninspired hotel options. These define who Penta as a brand is, and they believe it’s the character this brings that distinguishes them from what could be considered a slightly boring and somewhat beige, stacked middle market, according to Ben Thomas, the Chief Operating & Commercial Officer.

Ben believes that his journey to his current position has been somewhat unconventional. Due to financial constraints, pursuing formal education was not a feasible option for him. Instead, he started from the bottom as a bartender with no prior experience. Through this role, he gained valuable insights into the importance of preparation, consistency, and time management. Despite lacking formal training, he made up for it through dedication and a commitment to exceeding expectations. This mindset has been instrumental in his progression from a bartender to a corporate executive, he describes.

His strategic work can be witnessed when businesses in the sector faced immense challenges during the pandemic, including financial struggles and ensuring employee safety. However, this difficult time also provided them with the opportunity to reevaluate their brand's core values. It was a chance for introspection, allowing them to define their identity, purpose, and motivations. By aligning these aspects with their vision, they positioned themselves for a stronger recovery post-pandemic.

By maintaining a clear distinction between his professional responsibilities and his personal pursuits, Ben dedicates his weekends to coaching a youth football team for children under the age of 7. While the primary goal is to enhance their athletic abilities, Ben also places significant emphasis on nurturing their social and cognitive growth. Fostering their potential and providing them with the necessary resources to flourish is a task that demands patience but ultimately yields immense satisfaction. Ben gains valuable skills from this experience, a departure from his daily routine, which he can apply in various aspects of his life.

Ben's personal leadership philosophy aligns with Penta's broader perspective. In a world increasingly driven by AI and automation, he values human relationships and interactions. He acknowledges that if he were to apply for his role today as an external candidate, his CV may not pass through automated resume screening due to factors like not attending a certain school.

Penta is highly skilled at identifying talent within the company and offering chances for development. Ben emphasizes the importance of making goals achievable. They achieve this by breaking down goals into smaller, measurable targets that involve multiple team members. It is essential for each team member to have their own specific goals to work towards, which in turn contribute to the overall goals of the company. Having everyone fully informed and aligned with their targets enables the entire team to collaborate towards a shared objective, which holds immense significance for them. Every day, their teams actively embody and demonstrate their culture, making it the most important aspect of their culture.

In terms of competition, it is critical for Ben to consistently engage in reading and observing, both within the industry and among competitors. It is also crucial to seek inspiration from diverse sources. “At our company, we conduct executive-level offsites every quarter in unconventional settings, such as art galleries, music venues, sporting events, or wellness retreats. This approach enables our team to stay receptive and glean insights from others, implementing effective strategies into our own practices.”

Currently, they are diligently working on various projects that will enhance the variety of Penta’s offerings. They have recently ventured into the hostel sector, which was a new endeavor for them, but it aligns well with their brand identity. Furthermore, they are preparing to introduce a long-term living concept that will showcase the unique characteristics of Penta. Moreover, they are also offering management services to owners to improve the performance of their assets, ultimately moving towards becoming a comprehensive multi-brand operating platform!