With a strong foundation in the luxury spa, hotel & hospitality world, Elizabeth Walsh-Zimmermann brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to her new role at Boca Terry. Having previously been on the leadership, budgeting & procurement side, she understands firsthand what clients are looking for—not just in product quality, but in partnership, reliability, and guest experience. Now, as part of the Boca Terry team, Elizabeth is helping clients elevate their programs with insight shaped by real-world experience.
BT: You’ve recently joined Boca Terry as a National Account Manager. What excited you most about making the move to this side of the industry?
EWZ: I’ve worked with Boca Terry from the business side for 18+ years & know them intimately for their beautiful, luxurious, comfortable products, but equally as important, I’ve experienced their exemplary client service firsthand. I wanted to work for the best of the best & was truly honored when they brought me onto their team! I was fortunate having been in an executive leadership role at a historic 4 Star, AAA Four Diamond Preferred property for the past 17 years where we hosted everyone from US Presidents, foreign diplomats & the most recent RNC Convention as well as celebrities & musicians galore, so the expectations were the top of the top. I have never been one to get lost in the sparkle of it all, rather treating everyone with the same care & respect that I would want for myself.
BT: Coming from a spa & luxury hotel background, how has your experience as a buyer influenced the way you now approach selling?
EWZ: I truly understand the importance of product expectations from both sides. Product choice, PAR levels, quality, comfort, budget, durability, washing & care expectations, total guest experience & retail platforms. It is all equally important. Asking questions & learning leads me to how I may help, instead of just recommending without overall understanding.
BT: How do you translate the needs of spa and hospitality professionals into product recommendations that elevate their guest experience?
EWZ: Through conversation & listening. What has worked & what hasn’t & why. What is the feel or vibe of the property? Comfort & Relaxation? Luxury? Family vs. Transient vs. Corporate vs. Social Event travelers? Even climate conditions come into play when recommending a fabric or the weight of cotton.
BT: What do you believe sets Boca Terry apart when it comes to quality, comfort, and overall guest experience?
EWZ: With over 30 years as a family-owned linen and textile manufacturer, we offer a diverse range of premium products, in-house embroidery and heat transfer services, innovative technologies like Zero Twist cotton, continuous product development, and dedicated customer care.
BT: Do you have a favorite Boca Terry product so far? What makes it stand out to you?
EWZ: I love, love, love the new Turkish Velour Robe, it is pure comfort & luxury! I also love that it comes in grey. As a huge animal lover, I also adore our Dog Robes, available in many different sizes!
BT: Having been on the purchasing side, what do you think buyers value most in a vendor relationship, and how do you bring that into your role?
EWZ: It may sound cliché, but prompt & clear communication, approachability, ownership, helpfulness, knowledge & simply do what you say you will do.
BT: What trends are you seeing in spa and hospitality textiles right now, and how are they influencing customer preferences?
EWZ: Both industries want beautiful, comfortable luxury or at least to look and feel this way, regardless of budget. Having different materials, weights, thread counts, sizes, and cost options allows us to offer something for almost everyone. Being a one-stop shop for everything spa, hotel & general hospitality is truly an asset, often with a focus on beauty, functionality, durability & wear.
BT: What advice would you give to clients who are looking to refresh or upgrade their robe and towel programs?
EWZ: Our new “zero twist” technology keeps your towels fluffier longer, so if the optics & feeling of flat dull towels are a concern, we have options for you. Guests go gaga over robes, especially if they fit & are comfortable. It’s a great way to make an immediate impression! Robes are also a great retail income stream, so advertise in the rooms with a QR code. Many guests want to take your brand & experience home with them. We have quite a few new robes, all beautiful, yet different. The Turkish Velour Robe (thick & plush Turkish cotton/poly blend), The Microterry Jacquard Robe (fluffy light 100% poly microterry, yet warm & comfortable), The Seersucker Robe (simplistic 100% light cotton seersucker) & The Hooded Sweatshirt Robe (the name says it all, it’s the ultimate in comfort & warmth).