I have been in the Hotel Industry for 25 years.
I have worked in 9 hotels in Canada + Internationally.
As a Hotelier, I have lived in 3 countries (excluding Canada).
My first job/position in the hotel industry was a “Hydro-ceramic technician” at Elmhirst’s Resort when I was 11. In other words, I was a “dish washer”. With hopes of a promising career in the hospitality industry, I prefer to reference my start as being much more significant!
The number of times I have..
renovated a hotel: 4
removed a dead body: 3
escorted a guest off the property: 4
seen a ghost in a hotel: 0
kept “it” confidential: 9
dealt with an “Act of God”: 4
performed Housekeeping Duties (made beds, scrubbed toilets): 100
taken a sick day: 0
What does it take to be a GM? What’s involved day to day?
I believe that the hotel industry is about people who are welcoming, empowered and engaged. As a leader in Canada’s largest hotel, I am learning about what it takes to be a GM each and every day – success is leading the team with a common goal – superlative customer service and exceeding the guest’s expectations. With this in mind, the GM must always ensure that the budgeted revenues are achieved for the owner. In a nutshell, the GM plans, directs, organizes and controls everything from front-line service to finance.
The three things I can’t live without are:
1-Family & Friends,
2-Good Food & Wine
3-A Good Cigar!
My caffeine fix: One decaf cup a day
When I wake up, the first thing I think about is… last nights Occupancy, ADR and how cold it is outside.
The Hoteliers that have inspired me the most are… Peter Elmhirst Owner Elmhirst Resort, Michael Singer GM Novotel North York and Josef Ebner – my current RVP Delta Chelsea
My most embarrassing encounter with a hotel guest was setting the ballroom carpet on fire during Sunday brunch when I was a young cook.
My most famous hotel guest was…
Most Loved: Justin Bieber
Most Powerful: George W. Bush,
Most Hated: Kim Jong-un
My most bizarre special request from a hotel guest was to have my guest’s mistress in the adjoining room.
Best CANADIAN hotel for a entertaining/fun/dirty/wild weekend:
For entertaining and fun – for families – the Delta Chelsea but not so sure about the dirty/wild part – if so, prefer not to know.
Best CANADIAN hotel for a shopping trip:
The Delta Chelsea – famous for the holiday campaign, “Shop ‘n Stay” and more importantly, we are not only steps from the Toronto Eaton Centre, we are the official hotel.
Best CANADIAN hotel for business travel:
There are many reasons that the Delta Chelsea is the best for business travel – some of which include the loyalty program, “Delta Privilege” (one of the industry’s best), great location and good value.
Best CANADIAN resort: Elmhirst Resort – Keene, Ontario
Best technology innovation in hotels: Express check-out, key less access, mobile check-in apps.
The best advice given to me: Be humble
My biggest pet peeve when visiting “other” hotels is no bed in the room.
The Hotel amenity I can’t live without is Q-tips and good lobby bar
The worst feeling in the world is living with regrets.
If I could change one thing about the hotel industry, it would it be?
People who want something for nothing.
If I could meet one person (alive or dead) it would it be Mike Ditka
If I had to do it all over again, I would… I am only 36 years old – ask me that question 15 years from now.
I prefer:
Night over Day
Summer over Winter
East Coast over West Coast
Sunset over Sunrise
Quiet over Loud
Rock Music over Classical
The “best hotel story” of my career.
I have few in my back pocket but given the fact that this is a public forum, I think it’s best that I keep them to myself. After spending time in Asia, you can guess as to my best story.
