You obviously don’t work at Choice Hotels.

In a unique program, the multi-national company’s CEO made a flying visit to Tamworth yesterday to experience life as a staff member at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse.

Trent Fraser scrubbed floors, worked reception, changed mini-bars and even helped the maintenance crew.

“I’m proud to be an executive that’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and relate to staff on their level,” Mr Fraser said.

“It would be horrific if they thought we just sat in our ivory towers and weren’t conscious of the real challenges they face day-to-day.

“This is my real passion; I love the people, I love their stories.”

It marks the second year the executive from Choice has travelled to one of the company’s 280 hotels across Australia and New Zealand to be a staff member for the day.

Mr Fraser said it was also an opportunity to keep abreast of the changing face of the group’s hotels.

“It’s important we see the change and innovation that’s happening and ensure we keep up with the market,” Mr Fraser said.

He described the New England’s two Choice hotels in Tamworth and Armidale, both run by Greg Maguire, as among the best in the group.

Powerhouse Tamworth general manager Ben Davies said it was heartening to see the CEO on the hotel frontline.

“It’s just great for him to be up here seeing the day-to-day trials and tribulations of running a hotel,” Mr Davies said.