May 21st, 2013 by TRT Blog

It’s one of the most common myths within the lodging industry – in order for hotels to go green, they must spend a lot of green. In simplest terms, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Today, there are many cost saving alternatives within the sector, especially when it comes to property renovations. For example, by investing in furniture refinishing, re-upholstery and remanufacturing, hoteliers can save up to 80 percent on total expenditure when compared to buying brand new assets.

To gain further insight into other cost-effective tactics, and the benefits of sustainability, this month’s sustainable spotlight shines on Kristen Mckenzie of Hotels Combined. Hotels Combined is a popular travel booking site that recognizes the rising consumer demand for green lodging, and subsequently, created its educational online resource, Green Hotels & Responsible Tourism to “make travel fun, rewarding and responsible.”

Read on for our full interview with Kristen:

The Refinishing Touch (TRT): How have you seen the industry’s commitment to green initiatives change over your company’s history?

Kristen Mckenzie (KM): Green initiatives are becoming more common place than ever before. In large part, this is due to consumer demand. Not only are travelers looking for an ideal location and low price, but they are also looking at recycling, towel linen reuse options and more. Today’s consumer is looking for guilt-free options, even while traveling.

TRT: Which challenges do hotels face when adopting green practices, and how is the industry addressing these?

KM: There’s a misconception amongst some hoteliers that green practices are difficult and costly. With continued education and advocacy, we can change this way of thinking. For instance, offering email receipts at checkout not only saves on the cost of buying paper, but it also helps slow the rate of deforestation. Small actions that are both sustainable and cost-effective build up, and can really improve a hotel both internally and externally.

TRT: What gives you hope when it comes to the adoption of green and environmentally-friendly practices?

KM:  Today, consumers expect their hotel to be environmentally-friendly. It’s become a necessary property feature along with clean beds and good customer service. Not only is going green good for the earth, but it’s also good for business. It’s only a matter of time before more hoteliers realize this and begin to act accordingly.

For more information on Hotels Combined and Green Hotels & Responsible Tourism, please visit the corresponding websites here, and here.

If you are interested in seeing what The Refinishing Touch and our eco-friendly, cost saving furniture renovation services can do for you and your company, please visit our website and request a free quote today.  

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May 17th, 2013 by TRT Blog

Throughout the 35 years that The Refinishing Touch has been working within hospitality industry, we have become quite familiar with the struggles and fiscal-commitments that come with implementing mandated Property Improvement Plans (PIPs). While a large number of corporate brand owners suspended PIPs during the economic downturn, the recent upswing in the industry (as we highlight in our most recent blog post) has PIPs being re-implemented and franchise owners everywhere scrambling to comply.

But not all brand owners force franchisers to come up with the money for PIPs by themselves. Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisers, is giving its Comfort Suites and Comfort Inn hotels the opportunity to snag a piece of its offered $40 million in PIP incentives. The proposed plan provides eligible hotels with the chance to use a portion of the money for establishment renovations, as outlined in their PIPs, to move the brand forward at a faster pace.

And that fast-paced movement is more and more common. As development in the hotel industry has taken a sharp turn for the better, those who are able to take advantage at the right time will gain, and maintain, significant competitive edge. However, it’s crucial for franchises looking to complete PIPs without breaking the bank to consider more superior alternatives to purchasing new furniture. Most PIPs require hotels to meet new design requirements – a particular color nightstand, upholstered headboards, or dressers suitable for plasma televisions – and solutions such as furniture asset management can ensure requirements are met, while reducing costs by an average 80 percent.

By making the choice to refinish, re-upholster or repurpose existing furniture assets instead of purchasing new, hoteliers can re-allocate budget to meet necessary PIPs in the scope of a single project, as opposed to multiple phases or over an expanded time frame. Additionally, by reducing the need to purchase new furniture assets, PIPs can leave your hotel with a green stamp of approval, something that is sure to increase customer retention and ROI.

To learn more about The Refinishing Touch, our projects, and what we can do for you, please visit our website today! For more information surrounding Choice Hotels International’s initiatives, access the full article here.

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May 10th, 2013 by TRT Blog

Hoteliers, property managers and other professionals immersed in the hospitality industry are increasingly facing the need for greener practices and accommodations within their establishments. As a supplier of sustainable, cost-efficient services to countless resorts, hotels and motels for over 35 years, The Refinishing Touch has witnessed the industry change first-hand and is enthusiastic to see the environmental evolution continue.

According to a recent survey from TripAdvisor.com, analyzed responses from 1,300 U.S. travelers revealed that 62% of travelers almost always consider the environment when planning their vacations.  Furthermore, another 69% of respondents vouched they will make even more environmentally-conscious decisions in the year to come.

In response to the increase in consumer demand for eco-friendly amenities, TripAdvisor has launched its new rating service entitled ‘Green Leaders’. Having teamed up with Energy Star, the U.S. Green Building Council and the United Nations Environment Programme, the site will now feature a green button alongside other ratings, helping travelers easily sort through the most sustainable near their travel destination.

Ratings, which range from bronze to platinum, will be given based on various environmental practices such as implementation of linen and towel reuse programs, energy-efficiency appliances and practices, solar panels, green roofing and more. Since its launch, TripAdvisor states that 32 million members have utilized the service and over 100 million green reviews have already been written.

Consumers now have a number of ways to obtain information pertaining to a hotel’s green practices – a new deciding factor when making accommodations. In order to maximize business growth, hoteliers must implement sustainable alternatives – which doesn’t always have to break the bank.

For instance, The Refinishing Touch’s furniture asset management services, which include refinishing, re-upholstery and armoire conversion, achieve maximum cost savings and time efficiency while significantly reducing a renovation project’s estimated carbon footprint. Our studies suggest past clientele have saved over 80 percent in budget costs, and nearly 90 percent in carbon emissions. Similarly, we have also begun recognizing our clients for their commitment to sustainability through our Sustainability Awards, a program dedicated to honoring businesses that have reduced their environmental impact through furniture asset management solutions.

For more information about The Refinishing Touch and our furniture repurposing services, please visit our website here.  To inquire about how your own business can go greener, request a free quote today.

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May 7th, 2013 by TRT Blog

When it comes to the implementation of sustainable initiatives, the most productivity is seen when a community, establishment or organization receives support from the government. When an entity has certain standards to uphold and regulations to adhere to, the environmental movement is propelled forward in a more efficient manner. However, environmental policies vary from state to state, town to town, and countrywide.

As a company dedicated to delivering eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable furniture asset management services, we have completed renovations within various US courthouses, The White House, military bases, naval barracks and many other government edifices. Because of this, we uphold an avid interest in governmental initiatives and regulations relating to green practices and sustainable development.

In lieu of our thoughts on this issue, we took to our blog page to ask our valued readers, ‘In your opinion, which level of government has been the most responsible in lowering its costs through sustainable initiatives?’ Here’s what we found:

• 40% of readers believed that the most effective initiatives lie in the hands of the state government, with the most effective eco-friendly solutions being set forth by politicians and parties on the state level
• The majority of the vote was split, with another 40% of respondents claiming the federal government has done the best work in terms of achieving  and reinforcing sustainable cost efficiency
• In a close second place, 20% of readers accredited local government, citing that their own towns and cities have made the most sustainable and cost-saving strides within the past years

Overall, The Refinishing Touch is pleased by progress made in all governmental sectors – local, state and federal – on the road to universal sustainability. Due in large part to the rise of regulations and the increase in environmental awareness, the idea of a green future has become far more feasible than ever before.

For more information on The Refinishing Touch’s services within the government sector, please read a case study documenting our renovation work in The White House. To learn more about what The Refinishing Touch can do for your business, visit our website and request a free quote today.

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April 26th, 2013 by TRT Blog

The Refinishing Touch begins each project with the avid determination to provide cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally-friendly furniture asset management solutions to all of our customers and the establishments in which we operate. Through the implementation of our refinishing, re-upholstery, and remanufacturing solutions, hotels are able to reduce budgets and eradication unnecessary landfill waste, while minimizing the impact projects have on guests and day-to-day workflow.

Recently, our team completed a project at The Westin Grand Central Hotel in New York, NY. Previously known as The New York Helmsley Hotel, the property became part of the Westin family of hotels in October of 2012 and subsequently underwent an expansive renovation project, focused on combining beauty and sustainability. Nestled in the heart of downtown Manhattan, the hotel is a popular stay for travelers, tourists, and locals alike.

When the hotel was faced with furniture in need of an update, Westin Grand Central turned to The Refinishing Touch. Our crew quickly moved in to assess the existing furniture assets, formulate an effective plan, and reinforce 445 sofas and 754 lounge chairs. The end-result was over 1,000 re-upholstered like-new assets.

And the Westin Grand Central didn’t stop there. The hotel has also recently commissioned The Refinishing Touch to re-upholster 65 additional furniture assets. And in addition to saving approximately 80 percent in refinishing and re-upholstery costs when compared to purchasing new furniture, the hotel has also remained worry-free about the environmental-health of its establishment throughout the entire project. The Refinishing Touch implements eco-friendly materials and low VOC lacquers across all of our furniture asset management projects, bringing a new level of sustainability to each of our customers.

For more information on The Refinishing Touch and its services, please visit our website or email us today for a free quote. To book a stay at the luxurious Westin Grand Central Hotel, make a reservation here.

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April 23rd, 2013 by TRT Blog

Guest author: Tien-Yueh Bosma Kubach

Tien-Yueh is the owner of BEST WESTERN PLUS The Inn at King of Prussia, and Governor of District 7 – Region 7 Best Western International.

Guest room before renovations

As the third generation in a family of hotel and restaurant owners, I’ve learned the keys to successful property management – and it all starts with guest satisfaction.

Over the past six years, BEST WESTERN PLUS The Inn at King of Prussia has transformed into a modern, inviting establishment that comfortably accommodates both business professionals and leisure travelers. We pride ourselves in promptly responding to and meeting guest requests – ranging from a large fitness center, free printing in the business center to the addition of ergonomic desk chairs in all of the guestrooms.

Recently, our business lodgers took to surveys, phone calls and in-person conversations to express the growing need for bigger, updated LCD televisions. With this in mind, we immediately looked into the latest technology, but we still had one major problem – what to do with the custom-made, well-built television armoires in each guestroom?

The solution was The Refinishing Touch’s fast, on-site furniture refinishing, re-upholstery and armoire conversion services. In just 30 days, the company’s experienced production crew restored headboards, nightstands, side chairs, benches, desks, micro fridge cabinets and armoires in 100 rooms throughout our establishment. The company was able to preserve our original, high-quality cherry armoires by trimming, resurfacing and re-staining each piece to make a sleeker, more modern television unit.

One of my favorite aspects of the company’s work is its ability to renovate on-site, reducing potential damage of maneuvering furniture through tight corners and corridors, and saving money on expensive moving and storage costs. The production team was very cooperative throughout the process, continually taking our feedback into account, and avoiding any late night or early morning operations. Both guests and employees were left undisturbed, and we were able to remain open for business during renovations – significantly improving short- and long-term ROI.

Armoire after renovations

Guest room after renovations

By investing in furniture asset management solutions instead of purchasing new, our property was able to save nearly 76 percent in total expenditure, and further our commitment to environmental responsibility by cutting projected greenhouse gas emissions (in tons) from 125.32 to a mere 1.24. Thanks to The Refinishing Touch, we were able to cater to our guests and maintain complete customer satisfaction, while remaining conscious of our budget and the environment.

I would recommend The Refinishing Touch’s services to my colleagues, and to other property managers who want to stay ahead of the competition and create a more modern ambience without breaking the bank. For a quick before and after video on the work completed at the King of Prussia property, click here.

And if you’re ever in the Philadelphia area, be sure to visit BEST WESTERN PLUS The Inn at King of Prussia to see the renovation work firsthand – we’re only 20 miles west of the bustling city and located directly across from the King of Prussia Mall, the second largest mall in the US. Please visit our website to book your stay today. We look forward to serving you!

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April 19th, 2013 by TRT Blog

This upcoming Monday, the world will celebrate Earth Day for the 43^rd time. The Refinishing Touch is dedicated to preserving the world’s resources year-round, but we welcome this day of environmental celebration and sustainable awareness with open arms.

The first annual Earth Day took place in 1970, and boasted participation from nearly 20 million people. Next week, it is projected that an astounding one billion people, across 180 different countries, will join together to commemorate the special day and make a difference to the environment we all share.

Our premier clientele, which include hotels, college dormitories, on-base army barracks and more, possess the ability to make impactful changes. Our world’s environment greatly depends on the act of not only individuals, but organizations at large. Whether you’re in a position of power at a global corporation, or simply trying to increase environmental awareness in your own home, here are a few reasons to go green on Earth Day and for years to come:

- The amount of wood and paper thrown away each year is enough to heat 50 million homes for two years. To cut down on such environmentally-hazardous routines, increase the amount of recycling bins in your edifice and repurpose existing assets whenever possible.

- Recycling a newspaper each day would save about 250 million trees each year, yet only 27 percent on Americans currently recycle the daily read.

- An individual goes through seven trees each year in paper, wood, and other products made from trees.

- Furniture asset management services, like The Refinishing Touch’s refinishing and re-upholstery, can reduce a large-scale renovation project’s greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent.

After 35 years of delivering cost-effective, sustainable furniture asset management services within the hospitality, higher education and government sectors, we’ve taken pride in the amount of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and preserved landfill space resulting from repurposing furniture assets. From our studies, The Refinishing Touch estimates it has saved approximately 2,250,000 pounds of wood from making its way into landfills nationwide since our inception in 1977.

If you would like to learn more about The Refinishing Touch’s fiscally-responsible and environmentally-friendly refinishing, re-upholstery and remanufacturing solutions, visit our website or request a free quote here.

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April 12th, 2013 by TRT Blog

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we work diligently on every one of our projects, ensuring our award-winning furniture asset management solutions are implemented to the fullest extent – from beginning to end. One of the key industries we work with to implement our services is higher education, where we operate in dormitories and various campus-wide edifices to remodel existing furniture assets, saving on budget costs and eradicating harmful landfill waste, when compared to buying new.

Similarly, a recent interview with The Refinishing Touch’s founder and president, Mario Insenga, was highlighted in the March and April edition of The Association of College and University Housing Officers, International (ACUHO-I) magazine, Talking Stick – The Authoritative Source for Campus Housing. The article entitled ‘Weighing in on Waste’, investigates the topic of effective waste management within the college community.

Presented with the opportunity to spread our knowledge, Mario was able to stress the importance of sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, as well as showcase the monetary benefits higher education institutions have experienced by implementing our furniture asset management services.

To close his interview, Mario raises an important point to readers – one that is heard quite frequently around The Refinishing Touch offices, and one that is at the core of our day-to-day operations: Extend the life of your furniture assets by utilizing the material that’s found inside of a building already.

To read the entire article, head on over to page 21 of the most recent Talking Stick, and for more information on The Refinishing Touch’s services, visit our website or email us at info@therefinishingtouch.com.

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April 2nd, 2013 by TRT Blog

As an international furniture asset management company with offices in the US and Canada, The Refinishing Touch is always looking for industry leaders who demonstrate environmental preservation and fiscally-responsible behavior.

Our most recent research takes us to the Fairfield Inn & Suites Montreal Airport by Marriott, where the property has shown significant improvement to sustainable efforts, receiving a 4-Key rating from The Green Key Program.  The Green Key Program recognizes green hotels, motels and resorts that are committed to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. As of right now, an impressive 2,967 hotels are ranked, meaning that the establishments have proven their commitment to upholding sustainable practices.

Through reduced utility consumption, employee training and supply chain management tactics, the Montreal Airport hotel was able to achieve its high 4-star rating – just one star shy of top marks. The ratings are given based upon energy conservation, water conservation, indoor air quality, community outreach, building infrastructure, land use and environmental management.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Montreal Airport shared some of its projects, rules and regulations that helped drive the Marriott-owned property to environmental leadership in an article found on Waste Management World:

- Extensive recycling: The hotel implemented recycling in all of its guestrooms, its banquet hall, and other public spaces, ensuring recycling bins were easily accessible from any area

- Paper waste management: The property removed newspaper delivery services, and replaced it with an over-the-counter free newspaper option. The Montreal hotel also began using 100% recycled paper towel products.

- Use of biodegradable materials: Easy to decompose, biodegradable glass, plates, bowls and utensils      were purchased for use in the breakfast area, in an effort to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint.

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we’ve worked with several divisions of the Marriott brand, including Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance Hotels and Resorts, and Residence Inn, to deliver yet another eco-friendly, cost-effective solution – furniture asset management.

During renovations, hoteliers are often posed with the daunting task of maintaining brand standards and aesthetics, while balancing tightened budgets. The solution can be found in repurposing furniture assets – which can range from refinishing, re-upholstery, resurfacing and armoire modification. By using The Refinishing Touch’s services, hotels save an estimated 80 percent in budget costs, and 90 percent in projected carbon emissions – dramatically lowering a property’s overall carbon footprint.

In a sector with such a large capacity for change, it is imperative that hotels, motels, and resorts worldwide realize the impact they have on the environment and the ability they possess to further sustainable development.

To learn more about The Refinishing Touch and its services, please visit our website. For an in-depth look at the sustainable efforts implemented by the Fairfield Inn & Suites Montreal Airport, please read the full news article here.

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March 29th, 2013 by TRT Blog

During every renovation project, The Refinishing Touch comes prepared to deliver its award-winning refinishing, re-upholstery and armoire conversion services to meet property managers’ requests, without disturbing employees or guests. Whether you value efficiency, sustainability, cost savings or all of the above, our experienced production team aims to provide our customers with top-tier results and service.

Last month, an armoire conversion project led us to a Best Western branch located in the Jacksonville Airport, right in the heart of Florida’s travel district. The property’s location is ideal for visitors looking to attend annual nearby events, including The Players Championship Golf Tournament, Daytona 500 and the University of Florida vs. University of Georgia football game. Offering luxurious amenities to travelers from all over the world, the hotel boasts rave reviews from customers citing the property’s overt friendliness and delivery of traveler satisfaction.

In order to continue meeting the needs of its lodgers, Best Western Jacksonville Airport called on The Refinishing Touch to modify existing television armoires into dressers, an effort that avoids the need to buy brand new assets and reduces the amount of waste sent to our nation’s landfills.

The 21 original television armoires were converted into three-drawer dressers, ideal for showcasing flat screen televisions. By using The Refinishing Touch’s furniture asset management services, Best Western Jacksonville Airport was able to significantly save on renovation costs and demonstrate environmental responsibility by reducing its carbon footprint.

For more information regarding the benefits of our environmentally-friendly, cost-effective furniture refinishing, re-upholstery and armoire modification services, please visit our website. To learn more about what The Refinishing Touch can do at your own establishment, please request a free quote today.

If you’re interested in seeing our work first-hand while enjoying the Floridian sun, book a stay at Best Western Jacksonville Airport here.

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