Jill Thomas

Activist, Blogger, Brainstormer, Business leader, Business mentor, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Explorer, Foodie, Global soul, Idea generator, Marketer, Parent, Photographer, Potential employer, Project manager, World traveler, Writer/Editor

It’s funny how life leads you right where you need to be, however a roundabout the path. I'm a Canadian living in the Deep South in the land of ‘Y’all’ and sweet tea. I’m a straight shooter and have a big laugh. I love big ideas and beautiful stories and I'm inspired by all the best things about travel. As founder and head of Innisfree Hotel's in-house marketing agency (Bee Loud), I am responsible for marketing strategy development and implementation for all of Innisfree's owned and managed hotels, restaurants and spa properties. We focus on developing and implementing cutting edge digital marketing initiatives. I also perform market research and brand development for corporate acquisitions and head up Innisfree's Corporate Social Responsibility program. Innisfree owns dozens of hotels in partnership with the world’s most recognized hotel brands. I started my career as a broadcast journalist and producer for national Canadian television shows. After that, I spent a decade doing strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising and communications for nonprofits. Then, in 1999, I traded everything I knew for the exciting uncertainty of the restaurant world. During seven years at the helm of the Tree House Café on British Columbia’s Salt Spring Island, I transformed a coffee shop into a busy live music venue, increasing sales more than 600%. I also owned Rock Salt Restaurant and Café – named one of the best places to eat in Canada by Where to Eat. I served on the Board of Directors for the BC Culinary Tourism Society and the British Columbia Food Services and Restaurant Association. I was a member of the organizing committee for the 2010 Canadian Chef Congress. I serve on the Marketing Oversight Committee for Visit Pensacola. I am a member of Pensacola's IMPACT 100, a Board Member for Dixon School of the Arts, a member of Hyatt Corporation's Digital Advisory Committee and sit on the University of West Florida Foundation board. I believe in having fun at work, even on the hard days. I’m lucky to live and work in a beautiful place. Come visit – I know a good hotel.

Digital, Hospitality, Innovation, Leadership, Marketing, Strategy