Mr. Hammons, age 83, is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites in the United States.  Commissioned by Mr. Hammons� officers at John Q. Hammons Hotels in recognition of his dedication, the book brings unique insight into the motivations, lessons learned and accomplishments of a legendary man that inspires so many people to excel, regardless of the odds.

Authored by Susan M. Drake, �They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend� depicts the fascinating life of one of America�s premier hoteliers responsible for shaping the hospitality industry over a span of several decades.  Through interviews with hospitality industry movers and shakers, civic leaders, celebrities, and Mr. Hammons� close friends and colleagues, Ms. Drake captures the essence of a man that continues to impress those with whom he comes in contact or those just familiar with his legendary approach to business and life.

�They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend� highlights:

• Mr. Hammons� career, which is likened to a ��ride on a 120-mph roller coaster.�
• His continued role as a patient teacher, as described by a colleague, �He�s tough enough to lead, soft enough to teach.�
• His monumental contributions to the hospitality industry, as noted by one industry leader, �In the old days, he (Mr. Hammons) used to approach cities.  Now they approach him.�
• His commitment to community, as shared by one interviewee, �A lot of people owe economic prosperity to John Q. Hammons.� 

�Having Mr. Hammons� biography documented is a way for us as a company to say thank you for allowing us to be a part of the incredible hotel machine that has earned the reputation for being �the best of the best� in the hospitality world,� Mr. Tarwater said.  �Mr. Hammons� dedication, passion for the hotel business, unmatched instincts for hotel development, and big heart for the community inspire us all.  It is a pleasure to know him and to work with him.�

The inside front cover of the book jacket summarizes Mr. Hammons� phenomenal life: �In 1931, he trapped rabbits to help his family during the Depression.  In the �40s, he went broke manufacturing mortarless bricks.  In the �50s, he became a millionaire.  And now, at the age of 83, he�s the largest independent developer of hotels in the country�and going strong.

�He�s an unbeatable optimist who takes the word �no� as a challenge.  He negotiates like a gentleman, but he almost inevitably gets his way.  With a witty, down-home style, and an uptown approach to quality, he has created a personal story that�s unforgettable in this industry or any other.  That�s why, when people refer to him, they simply call him �John Q.��

�They Call Him John Q.: A Hotel Legend� is being distributed to hospitality schools of management nationwide.  The book, available in paperback, also can be found in John Q. Hammons Hotels� 56 hotel properties throughout the United States. To purchase a book, please call  (417) 864-4300.

About the Author
Susan M. Drake is the founder of Spellbinders, Inc., a marketing and communications company in Memphis, Tenn.  She has also written six books, including �Freelancing for Dummies� and �Simple Works.�