Aimbridge Hospitality
Joyce Mateo serves as the Area Director of Sales for Aimbridge Hospitality, the management company overseeing Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, and SpringHill Suites—all located in Schaumburg. Known for her welcoming demeanor and deep community involvement, Joyce and her team have become familiar faces at local events and online through their active presence and employee appreciation initiatives. Their recent celebration of “Housekeeping Week” especially highlighted the company’s strong culture of recognition and care for its team members.
Where It All Began
Joyce began her hospitality career in Schaumburg more than 20 years ago as a front desk agent at Candlewood Suites. That role marked the beginning of a 14-year journey with the same management company, where she advanced through various positions and built a foundation for her future in hotel leadership. She later transitioned to Arlington Heights with another management company and eventually had the opportunity to open a dual-branded hotel in Rosemont—an experience she describes as incredible.
Her path ultimately led to Aimbridge Hospitality. After years of hearing glowing reviews from her cousin, who also began her career at Candlewood Suites and later joined Aimbridge, Joyce was eager to apply when an opening for the Area Director of Sales position became available. She joined the company in February 2024 and has been a proud member of the Aimbridge team ever since.
Daily Challenges and Rewards
Here's what Joyce said when asked about her biggest challenge and her most rewarding: “Finding the right balance to give each property the attention it deserves is one of the biggest challenges, especially during RFP season,” Joyce explained. Despite the workload, she finds tremendous reward in the people she works with. “The most rewarding part of my job…I get to work with three sets of amazing hotel team members! They’re some of the hardest working in the industry, and it makes it THREE times as fun.”
Community Engagement
Joyce and her team are well known for their active participation in the Schaumburg community. Whether at chamber mixers, charity events, or local business gatherings, they embrace every opportunity to connect and collaborate with others.
“We believe that being present in the community is more than just showing up. It’s about truly connecting,” Joyce shared. “Our team is committed to cultivating a strong presence in the Schaumburg market by actively engaging with local organizations, events, and people. This culture of involvement isn’t just encouraged—it’s embraced by our entire team.”
Their enthusiasm for community involvement has fostered lasting professional and personal relationships, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for genuine hospitality both inside and outside the hotel walls.
Employee Retention and Recognition
Employee appreciation is at the heart of Aimbridge Hospitality’s culture, and Joyce’s team demonstrates that commitment in creative ways. During “Housekeeping Week” in September, they hosted everything from spa days to ice cream socials and painting classes to celebrate their hardworking housekeeping staff. The joy and pride among employees were unmistakable.
“At Aimbridge, taking care of our team is just part of who we are,” Joyce said. “It starts at the top at our corporate office and flows all the way through to our hotel teams. Our General Managers make it a priority to make sure everyone feels seen, appreciated, and celebrated.”
In addition to special events, monthly luncheons provide opportunities to recognize team members who go above and beyond—whether for guests or fellow coworkers.
“These little moments go a long way in building a strong, happy team that sticks around. We’re proud of the culture we’ve built, and even prouder of the people who make it what it is,” Joyce shared.
Special thanks to Joyce for sharing a little bit about herself! You can explore more inspiring Partner Spotlights.