Our monthly member spotlight gives us the opportunity to get to know our TBTA members — travel professionals who are leading the charge — and learn from their stories.

June TBTA Member Spotlight, this month introducing Scarlett Coffman, Director of Sales, Hilton Garden Inn, Nashville/Franklin/Cool Springs. 

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• Nashville local or transplant?

• I am going to say local, my mother moved here when I was one (1) and that was a loooooong time ago. Now my husband is a unicorn, born, and raised here. 
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• First  job in the travel/hospitality industry? 

  • I was the FD supervisor at the Courtyard in Brentwood (Maryland Farms) ... that is back in the beginning of the Courtyard brand and they were NEVER going to be franchised, well, we see how that worked out! 
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  Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

  • My best friend was the FD Manager at the Courtyard and she had a very long career with Marriott and just retired a few years ago from the Nashville Marriott. 
    
    
• Favorite Vacation Spot?
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  My family has never really taken vacations much due to crazy schedules, so as a family it was Gatlinburg, but I do the love the beach and the sun! 
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• Best piece of travel advice ever given? 
  
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• Not sure that this is really "travel advice"   But maybe the best pieces of "industry" advice  would be from the late Great Carol Norfleet -  Two things.... Think out of the box... see the Bigger Picture and What would tell your 20 year old self today ... "Don't Overthink It" .....do your best job and it will be what it is and you can't change that, so don't stress over it.
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Favorite Nashville restaurant or venue? 

• There are so many to choose from .... but my favorite is Monell's. I am a simple girl and Michael the owner has a great story of how he started his business.
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