Name: Kevin B.
Position: Revenue Management Leader
Location: Orange County, California 
Dream destination: My family and I would love to travel to Africa and do a Safari. I have also always wanted to visit the Maldives or Bora Bora and stay in one of our properties with the over-the-water bungalows!  
Drink or treat of choice: I am a big fan of craft beer. There are some great local breweries near my home in Long Beach, CA. I also enjoy visiting the local breweries wherever I travel.   

When Kevin first stepped into the lobby of Florida’s JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort as a college intern, he probably didn’t imagine that one day he would be leading revenue strategy for 10 hotels across the country in Orange County, California. But that’s the beauty of a Marriott career—it often takes you places you never expected. 

What started as a front desk internship while attending Northern Arizona University turned into a dynamic career path that led Kevin from operations to the heart of hotel strategy. Today, as the Market Revenue Management Leader for the Newport Beach/Irvine Revenue Management Cluster, Kevin is helping shape the future of hospitality in Southern California.  

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You might be wondering what exactly Revenue Management associates do, and, as a leader in the field, Kevin has a great answer: “Revenue Management is selling the right product, for the right price, to the right customer at the right time,” he says. “Our role is very important to hotels, since we are tasked with setting the revenue strategy based on our budget, projections, needs of the hotel, and demand of the market.”  

Essentially, the Revenue Management team analyzes market demand, booking patterns, competitor pricing and historical performance to make strategic decisions that help a hotel maximize profit.   

A background in finance, accounting, or economics can be very helpful, but also, as Kevin explains, skills like being able to embrace change and make your own decisions can be key in building a successful career in this field. “There’s no checklist in Revenue Management—you have to be a self-starter. You’re constantly solving unique problems and operating in gray areas,” says Kevin. “It’s about willing to take risks and being ok with failing, especially at the beginning!”   

Kevin’s road to leadership is a great example of how curiosity, adaptability, and a good dose of passion for what you do can open all doors at Marriott. If you’re curious about what a career in Revenue Management looks like, keep reading to learn more about Kevin’s pivot into this field, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what keeps him inspired.  

Tell us more about how and why you got started in Revenue Management?  

I was always interested in Revenue Management and worked closely with the team as a Front Office Manager. My favorite part of working in operations was driving revenue and finding new ways to make more topline sales for the hotel. Since I had a very strong background in hotel operations, I felt very prepared for a career in Revenue Management. Understanding how the hotel operates from a property level is very important for Revenue Management. The experience on property helped me connect with the hotel’s operations teams so we could make better strategy decisions. 

What advice would you give someone just starting out at Marriott? 

Be curious and always ask why things are done in a certain way. Always look for ways to improve current processes. I would also [recommend to] embrace change; as a company we can never stay static, and if you are willing to be at the forefront of change, you will go a long way. I also tell new associates to try and find something to become an expert in. Find a system or process, and spend time becoming an expert in that, so that people come to you for help or advice. This will strengthen your brand and help you get your name out there.    

What’s a skill or mindset you’ve developed in your journey here?     

I’ve gained confidence in financial reporting and learned how to align revenue strategies with operational goals to drive positive financial outcomes through collaboration with GMs and Directors of Finance. 

What have you become through your time at Marriott? 

I’ve become a leader. Working with ownership groups and executive teams has deepened my strategic thinking and helped me grow into a confident, empowered decision-maker. 

What makes you feel like you belong at Marriott?  

Since early in my Marriott career, I have always felt like I had a seat at the table. And my leaders were always willing to listen. Their support and guidance have always helped me feel a sense of belonging. As a leader, I have strived to do the same, to always listen and respect everyone’s ideas and opinions.   

Can you share a moment when you felt especially supported or seen by your team?  

When I had my first child back in 2021, I felt overwhelming support from my team and the entire Marriott community. Not only did they give me support going through a life changing event, but my manager gave me the option to be flexible with my work schedule, so that I could be home more often. Even after I returned from paternity leave, I always felt supported to have my schedule altered because of appointments or key events that I did not want to miss with my kids.   

How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?  

I have really enjoyed my time at Marriott. This company has given me the opportunity to constantly grow and learn new skills. Marriott is always evolving its systems, processes and strategies, which makes it very exciting to come to work every day. I have always liked to embrace change, and this company gives me the opportunity to do so. I have also met some great people throughout my time with Marriott! This helped grow my network and learn new skills. The opportunity for career growth at Marriott is also a positive. There are so many potential opportunities all over the world to grow!   

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