Full name: C. Cammack Morton
Title: President, CEO
Company: Ashby Hospitality
Age: 58
Hometown: Birmingham by birth, Baton Rouge by choice
Why do you do what you do?
I think it’s amazing to observe our entire staff working together to exceed our guests’ expectations. It’s rewarding to watch the accomplishments on the faces of our employees as well as our guests.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
The rebirth of the Heidelberg Hotel into The Hilton Capitol Center.
What was your first job?
Paper Boy in New Orleans
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Everything my father ever said to me.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
Richard Lipsey for his commitment to the Boy Scouts and many other causes. His dedication and loyalty has been unwavering for over 40 years.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
The Head Groundskeeper for Camden Yards.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
Turning an NYSE Company around after joining and finding out it was in default of all its loan covenants and was in jeopardy of being classified by the auditors as “not a going concern”.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Everything I’ve done has made me the person I am today so I really don’t believe that I’d change anything.
What is your prescription for life?
To be passionate about your family, friends, community, and profession.
What book are you currently reading?
The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey and Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Herb Kellerher, Sam Zell and Jack Welch
Who would play you in a movie?
Pierce Brosnan
What do you do to unwind?
Gardening and golf
What is the most expensive purchase you’ve made for yourself?
My Lexus
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Spending time in my garden and playing golf with my wife Mary.
What’s your theme song?
Does my wife’s ringtone count as a theme song? She uses “Simply The Best” by Tina Turner when I call her.
What’s your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The pool deck at The Hilton
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Black
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Brian’s Song, Merlin & CSI, Jimmy Buffet
What is your favorite gadget?
My iPhone
What is something that you can’t live without?
My camera and my wife Mary – and not necessarily in that order.
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
The weather in August.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That we truly become “America’s next great city”.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That downtown never reaches the residential “critical mass” to sustain continued development.
