Many of our members have success stories to share, so we thought it would be inspiring to feature one each month.  For November, two of our longtime members have just announced that they will be working together!

Ainsley Onstott will be joining Richard Carroll on the sales team at the Chatham Bars Inn Resort & Spa (CBI) and they tell us how it all came together.

MPI/NE: Please tell us a little about yourselves and your professional backgrounds.

AO: Growing up in Wellesley, I have always loved the Boston area.  After four years living in St. Louis, MO, I could not wait to be back in New England.  I started my career with Conventures, Inc. and Sail Boston 2009, followed by a few years with the American Heart Association, and most recently almost five years at the Museum of Science.  I love to travel, ski, hike, and spend time with my friends and family at the beach! 
RC: I have spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, with a background in Sales & Marketing for the last 20 years.  I grew up in the Starwood Brands in the 90’s (yes the 90’s) and went to work for independent hotels in 2004.  I am currently the Director of Sales & Marketing for CBI and Harbourtowne St. Michaels in Maryland.  I have been married for 20 years and have 2 wonderful kids: Kayla, 16 and Kelley, 14.  I live in Plymouth, MA and grew up in Arlington, MA.

MPI/NE: Why did each of you first join MPI?

AO: When I moved back to Boston after college, I was looking for ways to get more involved in the industry and make some local professional connections.  A family friend (who then became the chapter president) was involved in MPI New England at that time, so I chose to start there!
RC: To make connections, find business relationships and make money for my employer!

MPI/NE: How did you first meet one another?

AO: A year or two after I first joined MPI, I was recommended to join a committee.  I chose Special Events, as this seemed like the most logical place to start with my background.  Richard was the VP of Special Projects at the time, leading the group.
RC: On the Special Events Committee!  I was VP of Special Projects and Ainsley was a chair of the Special Events committee.

MPI/NE: How did the conversation start about working together at CBI?

AO: After almost five years in my former role at the Museum, I was looking for opportunities for growth in the industry.  As a mentor of mine, Richard and I had multiple conversations about my career and his recommendations on what my next steps should be moving forward.  A few weeks later, he called me to talk with me about an opportunity to join his team!
RC: CBI had a Group Sales position open and we were taking our time to find the right fit- it didn’t matter how long it took.  I was at the MPI meeting in September chatting with Ainsley- we had a good conversation and on my drive home it hit me.  I’ve always admired her intelligence, drive, commitment to the chapter and maturity.  We’d known each other for years and we’ve been on the board together for a few years.  I have tremendous trust and faith in all of her abilities.  Why wouldn’t I explore the opportunity to have her join our team?

MPI/NE: What are you looking forward to most about working together?

AO: Richard and his team at the Chatham Bars Inn have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.  When I went in to interview, I had great conversations and met an amazing group of people who truly love what they do and have fun doing it.  I am very excited to grow my career with CBI while expanding the network at the resort!
RC: Success, balance and fun! In life you may only cross paths with a few exceptional individuals.  I encourage you all to look up from your phones and see if one is standing right in front of you.