ORLANDO – INNclusivity, a visionary, innovative approach to hotel training and hiring, is transforming the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and providing exceptional benefits to participating hotels. A rapidly expanding non-profit organization, unique to the hospitality industry, INNclusivity provides this often-neglected group with opportunities that offer gainful employment, newfound capabilities and a place in the workforce, while setting goals for a more secure and productive future. Founded by veteran hospitality executive Mike Schugt, INNclusivity partners with vocational schools and local hotels to identify potential workers, provide training and find suitable jobs within the hospitality industry. INNclusivity has expanded from its Orlando headquarters where four properties are part of the program, to hotels in Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. In Fall, 2025, the organization will take its singular concept to Europe, expanding to Germany.
Hotels offer numerous positions that adults with developmental disabilities can capably fill, according to Mike Schugt. Positions span work in the laundry, kitchen, housekeeping and meeting and banquet set up. Resorts offer more opportunities in landscaping, pool maintenance and beach cleanup. Partner hotels now include Caribe Royale Resort Orlando, Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando, Wyndham Orlando Bonnet Creek, Lake Nona Wave Hotel Orlando, Inte8rcontinental Hotel New Orleans, Hilton New Orleans Airport, Hilton Atlanta, Beacon Grand San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco and Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh.
Hotels also benefit from the program. INNclusivity helps to combat labor shortages and reduces turnover by providing committed and dependable employees. Hotel staff are very supportive of the plan and proud to mentor these new and eager workers, improving teamwork and focus. The program also expands the diversity of the workforce and forges ties with the local community.
INNclusivity brings this ground-breaking program to life with an empowering, carefully coordinated three-step process. Mike Schugt first connects with schools and centers that support adults with developmental disabilities, with his Leadership presentation. The premise is that anyone can be a leader, you just need to lead yourself and set an example for others to follow, Mike explains. This presentation gets individuals to think more about their future and provides a way to identify potential candidates for the program. INNclusivity then introduces selected candidates to hotel partners committed to inclusion.
If interested in pursuing a career in hospitality, they enter a three-hour immersion program 8designed to build self-esteem and confidence. Candidates are welcomed into a hotel environment with a behind-the-scenes tour, hands-on training and direct exposure to various roles in the hospitality industry. Throughout the process, INNclusivity and its partners work to ensure that jobs and individuals are carefully matched.
Cathy Zucker, general manager of the Wyndham Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, commented on the success of Hotel Houseman Jacob Jacubek.
Jacob is so special to our team, it’s a privilege to have him on board. Jacob does an exceptional job; always on time, never on his phone, and we love that he is so reliable.
INNclusivity also supports the individual’s family. Parents of adults with developmental disabilities are deeply concerned about their children’s future and eager for them to gain independence, self-esteem and meaningful participation in the life of their local communities, says Mike Schugt.
Mike Schugt sees limitless potential for INNclusivity, expanding the program to cities and hotels throughout the United States and Europe. Mike has put his career on hold to launch and fund this new and transformative initiative and now proudly wears the title Founder and Chief Kindness Officer. The lives of adults with developmental disabilities can be difficult, Mike asserts. They often feel ignored and frustrated at being told no and what they can’t do. At a time when government programs are being severely reduced, we show them the exceptional possibilities offered by the hospitality industry. Our mission is to take them from being unseen to unstoppable.
About Mike Schugt, INNclusivity’s Founder and Chief Kindness Officer
Mike is the Founder of INNclusivity, a non-profit organization that creates jobs for adults with developmental disabilities in the hospitality industry. He has taken time out from his exceptional career in hotel sales and marketing to develop and personally fund this ground-breaking organization.
Prior to that, Mike was President of the Teneo Hospitality Group for 10 years. Teneo Hospitality Group provides group meetings and marketing services to over 400 independent and small branded lifestyle and luxury hotels, around the world.
In 2010, prior to Teneo, Mike launched Leading North, a full-service sales, marketing, revenue management and digital marketing firm, aimed at creating greater value for hotels by improving their financial results.
As a hospitality industry leader within the sales and marketing arena for over 35 years, Mike is a frequent speaker on the state of the hospitality industry, addressing global travel buyers such as Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Bank of America, Amgen, Hewlett Packard, and Chevron.
INNclusivity is a nonprofit on a mission to provide meaningful jobs in the hotel industry to intellectually diverse adults. INNclusivity partners with hotels and vocational schools to offer immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences, helping these incredible individuals gain confidence, develop skills and secure real employment. Founded by leading hospitality executive, Mike Schugt, INNclusivity is expanding to hotels in communities across the United States. INNclusivity is a non-profit organization and has applied for 501 (3) (c) status. Donations are appreciated and can be made via the organization’s website at www.Innclusivity.org.
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