When you think of a businessperson who works remotely from his tablet and strategically plans his time to spend with his new bride, you probably picture an early thirtysomething. You probably don’t think of a man who worked in the Watergate Hotel when they filmed All the President’s Men starring a spry 39-year-old Robert Redford.
Mark Waxler, 60, is taking a page from the Millenials for his new business venture the Waxler Hospitality Group. He is using new technology to advance his career so he can work to live, not live to work.
Waxler spent decades as the Vice President and General Manager of the Beechwood Hotel on Plantation Street. He came to Worcester after years in hospitality working all over from Atlanta to Cherry Hill, N.J. Then a few years ago he met his wife and life changed.
Waxler loves married life but when he worked at the Beechwood and his wife would ask, “What are we doing this weekend?” the answer was always the same: “I have to work.”
Before marriage, he was on his own with no one to answer to when he worked holidays or came home well after the standard eight-hour work day. He welcomed the transition into his new role as husband and stepfather but he felt he needed to make a few adjustments.
Technology has changed our lives and made new ventures more possible than ever before. Waxler knew that could be him too. He left the Beechwood, which felt like a huge leap.
Even though technology is there it’s hard to rewire decades of thinking. Baby boomers were told stay with one company for years, give them everything you have and then retire. Waxler didn’t want to miss out on the best moments with his new wife. Besides he had an arsenal of experience to back him up. That arsenal led him to quick growth. He began reaching out to a plethora of his city connections and soon those first chances turned into referrals.
Now Waxler services a roster of local clients, as well remote clients beyond Massachusetts state lines. His core mission of the Waxler Hospitality Group is to help companies with operations in an effort to increase profitability. The group refers to a collaboration of companies. They work together as a business concierge to help any type of company with credit card processing, energy management and audits, purchasing, computers, Wi-Fi and telecommunications among many other areas.
His team does everything from negotiate rates with vendors to employee training, or retraining in some cases. Working with employees is one of his favorite aspects of the job. “When an employee comes up to me and says they’re experiencing greater job satisfaction because of the work I’ve done, that’s really satisfying,” he said.
According to Waxler, there are four magic words that can turn an oppressive company culture around fast: What do you need? He advises clients to work with their employees and find ways to give them what they need to do their job well. Like the founder of the Virgin Group and titan of business Richard Branson says, “If you look after your employees, they’ll look after your customers.”
While spending time training staff is one of his favorite tasks, Waxler’s years of hospitality experience also help businesses cut costs immediately. Most business owners are stretched thin and don’t have the time or the patience to quibble over phone bills and vender invoices. Moreover, in many cases owners don’t know where to start. The Waxler Hospitality Group scrutinizes every line item until clients can tip over into the realm of profitability.
Nowadays he has control of his schedule, which leaves him with plenty of time for his wife. As we departed Waxler was on his way out to greet his wife with a home-cooked meal after a long flight back from her latest excursion—a puffin tour.