Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Home2Suites by Hilton Leesburg for sharing your story with us. Congratulations on being a finalist for the 30th Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards! View all finalists here and event info here.

Tell us the story of your business and how it’s evolved.

The decision to open a Home2 Suites by Hilton in Leesburg, VA, was driven by a clear opportunity to serve a rapidly growing and diverse community. Leesburg is a vibrant and dynamic area, attracting business professionals, government travelers, and leisure visitors alike. With its proximity to major government agencies, data centers, and an ever-growing wine country, Leesburg needed a hotel that could offer flexible, comfortable accommodations for both short-term and extended stays.  The Home2 Suites brand was the perfect fit for this market.

Known for its spacious suites, eco-friendly design, and guest-centric amenities, Home2 Suites could provide what travelers to the area were looking for—a modern, welcoming environment with the comforts of home. The property was designed to accommodate everyone, from business professionals seeking a place to unwind after a long day to families visiting the many historic sites and attractions in the region.  Since opening, the Home2 Suites Leesburg has been embraced by the community and has become a preferred choice for both residents and visitors.

We’ve built strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and event organizers, reinforcing our commitment to supporting and contributing to the continued growth of Leesburg.  We’re proud to be part of the Leesburg community and excited to continue serving guests from near and far with exceptional hospitality and a welcoming, home-like experience.

What are you most proud of when it comes to your team?

What we are most proud of when it comes to our team at the Home2 Suites Leesburg is their unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional guest experience and their genuine sense of teamwork. From day one, our team has embraced the spirit of hospitality and gone above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for every guest who walks through our doors.  Whether it’s making a long-term guest feel like they’re part of the family or providing a little extra care for a first-time visitor, our team consistently exemplifies what it means to put the guest first. They’ve turned challenges into opportunities and consistently come together to ensure every guest leaves with a memorable experience.  Our success is driven by their creativity, passion, and attention to detail. It is the heart and soul they put into their work every day that makes us truly proud. We couldn’t ask for a better team, and we are excited to see how we continue to grow and make a difference together.

In what ways do you give back to the Loudoun community?

As a relatively new hotel in Loudoun County, the Home2 Suites Leesburg actively engages with the community to identify ways to contribute to local growth and development, such as supporting tourism efforts.  We promote local businesses by recommending nearby restaurants, shops, and services to our guests.  Since opening in May 2023, we are just now beginning to make footprints in the sand and be more involved with our community!  It takes a lot to get a hotel opened and up and running efficiently and can be challenging in the early days to get out and get involved.

Some examples of our community involvement have been volunteering with Dulles South Soup Kitchen, The Arc of Loudoun “I Can Bike” camp, and relief efforts at the Leesburg Executive Airport to support hurricane Helene victims. We have donated gift certificates to local schools and non-profits for charity fundraiser events and silent auctions. Home2 Suites by Hilton Leesburg has engaged in community support activities and partnerships with local organizations such as the Loudoun Youth Symphony for our grand opening event, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Business Women of Loudoun committee, Chamber Leadshare group, Professional Leaders Networking Group, Loudoun County Social Collectives and other networking groups and charities. We have even partnered with the Town of Leesburg to host their Annual Small Business Awards in our hotel lobby.

These efforts can lead to improvements in community services, support for local causes, and enhanced community spirit and cohesion and we are proud to do so!

What would it mean to you and your business to win a Small Business Award?

Winning a Small Business Award would be a tremendous honor for the Home2 Suites by Hilton Leesburg and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. It would represent not only our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality but also our role as a proud member of the Leesburg community.

For our team, winning a Small Business Award would be an acknowledgment of their daily efforts to create a welcoming and memorable experience for every guest. It would also highlight our commitment to supporting local initiatives, partnerships, and events, reinforcing our desire to see Leesburg thrive.  Ultimately, this award would affirm that we’re not just a hotel—we’re a positive force in the community, a place where people connect, and a business that genuinely cares about making a meaningful impact. It would inspire us to continue raising the bar and striving for excellence in everything we do!

Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

This is a really hard question to answer and narrow down to just one person, so please forgive me for mentioning two; my Grandfather and Father.  Both were great businessmen and taught me a lot of values and lessons in personal life and business alike.  Both have been incredible business mentors throughout my life. Their guidance taught me the importance of resilience, building strong relationships, and always striving for excellence —principles that are at the heart of everything we do at the Home2 Suites Leesburg!

What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

I always wanted to be a veterinarian!  I grew up in South Jersey close to Philadelphia.  My uncle was a veterinarian and had his practice in Southeast Philadelphia.  He always told me he would hold his practice for me and one day I could take it over from him.  I would spend a lot of time with my Aunt and Uncle over the summers at their beach house in Ventnor, NJ.  Now and then, I would spend time with them in their Philadelphia home as well.  My uncle asked me one day if I wanted to go to work with him and be with him when he neutered a dog, I was so excited…..until I wasn’t!  That was the day that I realized that I may have “wanted” to be a Vet but my stomach told me otherwise, LOL!  It was then that I decided to follow in my Grandfather’s and Father’s footsteps, stick with a Business Management degree, and find my niche in life.

If you’re not in the office, where can we find you/what is another passion you have?

If I’m not at work, you can usually find me spending quality time with my family and my two very spoiled Labrador Retrievers, or more recently, relaxing by my pool. My home is my sanctuary, where I recharge and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.  I also love cooking and meal-prepping for the week on the weekends. Maybe love is not the right word, but it is a necessity to get through the workweek!  There’s something fulfilling about creating delicious meals and making sure everyone is well-fed and happy.  These moments allow me to stay grounded and bring balance to my professional and personal life, which I believe is crucial to being my best self for both my family and my business.

How do you see the business evolving in the next 5 years?

We plan to evolve as a premier hotel choice in Loudoun County, establishing ourselves as a cornerstone of hospitality and excellence in the region. We envision our hotel becoming even more embedded in the community, known not just as a place to stay but as a local hub that fosters connections and supports the growth of Leesburg and Loudoun County.

Our goal is to expand our partnerships with local businesses, wineries, and community organizations, creating a unique guest experience that highlights everything Leesburg has to offer. By doing so, we’ll provide our guests with authentic local encounters, whether they’re here for business, pleasure, or an extended stay.  We also see growth in our team, as we continue to develop our associates through professional training and leadership programs. Our team members are our greatest asset, and their development is key to maintaining the exceptional service our guests have come to expect.

All in all, our vision is for Home2 Suites Leesburg to be more than just a place to stay—it will be a dynamic, thriving destination that sets the standard for hospitality in Northern Virginia. We’re excited to see how our hotel will continue to evolve and contribute to the ongoing success of the Leesburg and Loudoun communities!

Visit the Home2Suites Leesburg website here.