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General manager of the Fairfield Inn Michael Wilson learned his work ethic while working at Wal-Mart in college.

“Sam Walton’s mantra was that if you took care of your guests and your staff, they would take care of you,” Wilson said. “I carried that with me as I’ve trained my staff at hotels.”

Originally from the Elkin area, Wilson graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1989 and graduated from Surry Community College in 1991 with an associate’s degree in business and retail.

His career with hotels started after he graduated from college.

“My first job was working the desk part time at the Days Inn in Jonesville,” he said. “When the Hampton Inn opened in 1994, I was the manager.”

Riverview Holdings bought the Hampton Inn in 2006 and remodeled the hotel while Wilson was managing the hotel.

In 2008, the Fairfield Inn opened on CC Camp Road, and Wilson has been the general manager since the hotel opened. Since 2009, the Fairfield Inn has been ranked one of the top Fairfield Inn locations in the country under Wilson’s management.

Wilson credits the hotel’s success to his staff.

“It’s all in the training,” he said. “I can’t be here 24 hours, seven days a week, but if you empower your staff, they will be able to take care of the guests.”

Guests from all over the United States stop at the Fairfield for wine tastings or on their way down Interstate 77.

“Elkin is in a really good central location on 77,” Wilson said. “I don’t think people realize all the traffic we get coming off of exits 85 and 82 with our restaurants and wineries.”

Though Wilson stays busy at the Fairfield, he still finds time for the community. He is involved in the Rotary Club, the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes and in his church, Knobb Baptist Church.

But most important to Wilson are his wife of 16 years and his children: Christian, 13, Madelynne, 7, and Jocelynne, who is starting kindergarten this fall.

“I love taking day trips with my family and spending time with them,” Wilson said. “Elkin has a great small town feel and is a great place to raise a family.”

Full name: Michael Wilson

Job: General Manager of the Fairfield Inn

How long been at job: At the Fairfield Inn since 2008, but with Riverview Holdings for 20 years

Favorite food: Turkey Sandwich at 21 & Main

Favorite pastime: Spending time with his kids

Favorite Sports Team: UNC

Pet: Chihuahua named Jack Jack

Church: Knobb Baptist Church

Family: Three children and wife of 16 years

Residence: Austin area

City born in: Wilkes County

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 18 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com.