MEET THE HOTREC TEAM

Greg Clayton

Founder and CEO
gclayton@hotrecllc.com
CONTACT GREG

As owner and President/CEO, Greg has structured and established HoTrec, LLC upon the core values of honesty, integrity and respect. Greg has an outstanding record of achievements within the hospitality industry. For nearly three decades, Greg has repeatedly demonstrated remarkable capabilities in the areas of sales, business growth, expansion and leadership. He has unfailingly delivered passion and excellence for all of his customers, including IHG, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Atrium, Foodbuy/Compass, Davidson and Sonesta, and many more.

Greg takes a hands-on approach and is involved in all the day-to-day operations with his internal staff, supporting customers and associates. He has established strong partnerships with our customer base over many years.

Prior to opening HoTrec, LLC, he owned Core Services, Hospitality Labor Management operating out of Atlanta, GA and worked with American Staffing Resources dba RNR Staffing prior to that, including Clayton Labor Services, dating back to 1993. He has an extensive background in hospitality, food and beverage and staffing.

Greg currently lives in Savannah, GA, and travels on a regular basis to all the states we operate in and service. He enjoys boating and living near the water with his beautiful family.

Ken Talbott

Chief Operating Officer
ktalbott@hotrecllc.com
CONTACT KEN

Ken was hired as our Chief Operating Officer in September of 2023. He brings 20 years of hospitality experience to HoTrec. Ken has far-reaching leadership as evidenced by performing program development, operating efficiency and developing exceptional high performing teams.

In his executive role, he is responsible for maintaining business operations, creating strategies to improve management practices and enhance service capabilities, enabling us to grow into new markets that will better support our customer base. He is a strong leader with a focus on operational excellence and revenue growth.

Ken is programmed for creative ideas, ‘a thinker’, and a positive top notch professional that we are excited to have on our team. He is dedicated to supporting our President/CEO in his vision and initiatives across the organization.

Ken and his wife and daughter currently reside in Savannah, GA. They enjoy their time near the coast while spending time with friends and family. He also considers Greenville, SC a special place, living there prior to GA.

Julie Akers

Director of Accounting/Controller
jakers@hotrecllc.com
CONTACT JULIE

Julie Akers is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the field of accounting. Currently serving as the Director of Accounting/Controller for HoTrec, LLC since May of 2010, Julie has been instrumental in shaping the financial success of the organization. In her role, she oversees all aspects of accounting, including financial reporting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cost accounting, tax compliance, budgets and planning, as well as cash management. Her exceptional leadership and expertise make her a trusted and valuable asset to the company.

Before joining HoTrec, LLC, Julie held the position of Controller at Hire Alternatives for nine years, where she honed her financial management skills. Prior to that, she served as the Assistant Controller at American Staffing Resources, where her dedication and aptitude quickly earned her a promotion to the role of Controller within just four months. Julie's extensive background in accounting also includes a significant role as Treasury/Banking Manager at Cato Corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Julie's approach to her work is characterized by excellence and integrity. She is known for leading by example, earning respect through her strong work ethic, and consistently following through on commitments. Her ability to work effectively with all levels of an organization ensures smooth financial operations and fosters a positive work environment.

She is a proud alumna of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Julie is a loving mother to two amazing daughters and shares a passion for travel with her husband. Currently residing in South Carolina, she continues to make a significant impact in the world of finance and beyond.

Elizabeth Byrd

Human Resource Director
bbyrd@hotrecllc.com
CONTACT ELIZABETH

Ms. Byrd has over twenty-five years’ experience in the hospitality and staffing industry. She has been with HoTrec, LLC since May 2010 in the position of Human Resource Director. Her responsibility to the organization is to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local policies and procedures as well as workers’ compensation administration. In addition, she handles benefits administration and provides guidance on all major facets of human resource. Prior to HoTrec, LLC, she worked for nine years with Hire Alternatives as its Human Resource Director. Prior to that, working for American Staffing Resources for four years as the Human Resource Director, a regional staffing company with locations throughout the United States. Initially starting her career in traditional staffing in an administrative capacity, she advanced in management, developing human resource policy changes in response to changes occurring with executive decisions.

Ms. Byrd maintains procedures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. She has been through extensive training related to Department of Labor guidelines, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Immigration and Naturalization and Employment Law.

During her tenure, she has exhibited strong organizational skills and professionalism with excellent knowledge and experience in employee relations.

She earned an Associate’s Degree from Greensboro College in English, which has brought to our company her ability to be articulate thus attaining an effective presence in any situation. Currently living in North Carolina, she enjoys spending time with her beautiful daughter and immediate family in the Tar Heel state.

Mark Grace

Vice President of Operations
mgrace@hotrecllc.com
CONTACT MARK

Mark joined HoTrec, LLC in August of 2021. He was hired as a General Manager and was promoted in April of 2022 to Vice President of Operations after demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities. Mark is involved with all of our seven branch locations, supporting our branch staff and maintaining strong relationships with our customers.

Prior to joining the HoTrec team, Mark worked for United Hospitality Services as an Assistant General Manager and for Marriott International and Starwood Hotels in a management capacity for over a seven year period.

Mark is extremely bright and just ‘gets it’. He has a tremendous understanding of the hospitality industry as a whole, coming to us from the other side of the business, management within the hotels, being our customer at one point. He is goal oriented, optimistic and intensely enthusiastic about hospitality.

Currently living in the Atlanta, GA area, he is engaged and enjoys life so much with his much-loved dog ‘Reno’.

Jennifer Greene

General Manager
jgreene@hotrecllc.com
CONTACT JENNIFER

Jennifer joined HoTrec, LLC in July of 2021, hired as General Manager in our Hollywood, FL branch location, servicing Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach, FL. She is exceptional and has a push for constant persistence. Within her work life she lives by ‘failure is not an option’. Under her leadership, along with her seasoned side kick, high energy Area Managers, our FL location has had amazing growth, topping the highest in HoTrec history, of operating in FL.

Jennifer has over twenty years’ experience in the hospitality industry, prior to joining HoTrec, she worked in the hotel industry as a General Manager, maintaining seventeen years at one property and four years at another. She also has extensive knowledge within the food and beverage sector.

She is focused with a strong commitment to customers, employees and co-workers, availability at 24/7. She is a high achiever, with a strong work ethic and record of accomplishment. We feel very lucky to have her as part of our HoTrec team

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality from the FL International University.

Currently living in the Hollywood, FL area with her husband, she recently accompanied her daughter on a road trip for her 2nd year of college. Jennifer is an avid daily runner and does not miss a beat.

Matthew Rasmussen

Vice President of Business Development
matthewr@hotrecllc.com
CONTACT MATT

Matt joined HoTrec, LLC in September of 2019, as a Regional Manager focusing on sales. He has been promoted within our company, and currently holds the position of Vice President of Business Development, maintaining a focus on sales for revenue growth company-wide.

Matt has over fifteen years of hospitality experience, giving him vast connections within the hotel industry allowing HoTrec to grow in new markets, generate repeat business in several states, maintain strong customer relationships, making him a remarkable salesperson.

Coming to HoTrec, from the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, Matt’s career has touched many brands, including Hilton, IHG, Marriott and Starwood. He started his journey in hospitality at the Alyeska Resort, a 5-star property in Girdwood, Alaska.

Matt is described as calm in nature, attentive to the needs of customers and colleagues. He attributes his success to his ability to listen to customers and put their needs first.

Currently living in Nashville, TN, mentioning he loves TN, with his lovely wife, newborn son ‘Cole’, his dog and two cats. He is a die-hard, ‘devoted’ fan, of the Tennessee Volunteers.