Hospitality Business Review: Specials Magazine

For decades, tiny plastic bottles of toiletries have been a staple in hotel bathrooms. But behind their convenience is an environmental disaster in the making. They pile up in landfills, pollute waterways and contribute to a growing crisis. While many hotels want to embrace sustainability, the high upfront costs of greener alternatives are blocking their way. That barrier is now a thing of the past. Green Suites Hotel Solutions, a pioneer in soap dispensing solutions for the hospitality industry, presents a new path forward through its Ecocents initiative. Through Ecocents, the company provides free dispensers, liquids and shipping to hotels in 48 states, charging only per occupied room. This approach allows them to save capital costs, 30 to 70 percent of plastic costs and labor savings of about 25 cents per occupied room. “It is a three-year contract, billed monthly,” says Dan Bornholdt, president. “If their occupancy is low, then the bill is also low. It’s a win for everyone involved.” For instance, a typical hotel room will have five products in plastic bottles and soap bars placed at different locations like the shower and vanity, a setup that normally costs around two dollars and fifty cents. In contrast, Green Suites has packages with the same five products available at 45 cents. Clients can choose different product grades to adjust pricing further. Regardless of the plan, the client is saving on the cost of plastic bottles and soap bars. They can also upgrade the amenities to premium brands like Beekman or Aroma Land down the line for an even better guest experience. Today, the Ecocents program benefits over 600 hotels across the country, providing a practical, profitable solution to environmental issues in the lodging industry while helping them attract the modern, eco-conscious traveler. Products that Symbolize Sustainability Beyond Ecocents, Green Suites sells a wide range of competitively priced dispensers targeting every market segment, from low to high-end. The luxury offering, the Kiff dispenser, is a premium, marine-grade stainless steel product that holds 16oz of liquid—33 percent higher capacity than most commercial products.

FREI Hospitality Group specializes in solving one of the hospitality sector’s biggest challenges: dependable staffing for critical back-of-house roles. From housekeeping and kitchen support to restaurant service and outdoor maintenance, FREI delivers reliable personnel who keep things running behind the scenes. When needed, clients can also access trained managers and front-of-house personnel, including welcome desk staff. Celebrating its ninth year of success, FREI has proven to be a trusted partner for hotel operators seeking consistency and reliability. Setting it apart is a commitment to personalized service. FREI handles payroll and scheduling queries directly, without routing clients through call centers. Its dedicated local supervisors and managers remain available, even on weekends, allowing clients to reach out anytime and resolve issues in real-time. Regular check-ins, on-site supervision and rapid scheduling support ensure readiness for events, occupancy spikes or sudden absences. This level of attention has fueled FREI’s significant growth, with a team now consisting of nearly 1,500 employees and close to 130 hotel customers. “Checking on customers every single day, even when there are no issues, is part of our duty. We make it a priority to stay connected at all times,” says Fernando Freire, founder and president. Freire began his journey far from home in Cincinnati, Ohio, taking on every role himself—manager, supervisor, recruiter, HR— while managing day-to-day operations. Within just six months, his relentless effort paid off. He secured 15 client accounts and staffed nearly 100 employees in a single city. That early momentum became the springboard for FREI’s expansion into Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Alabama and Indiana. Unlike national staffing firms that often take a one-size-fits-all approach, FREI puts effort into building close and collaborative relationships with each client. However, its consistency and long-term reliability also come from prioritizing workers’ wellbeing. Staff receive paid time off and medical, dental and vision coverage that results in improved retention and better performance. Clients report enhanced accountability and guest service from FREI personnel compared to other staffing sources. Many properties see the same team members return often. Their familiarity with property protocols means less time spent on training and a faster transition to full productivity, leading to greater overall efficiency.