My first career was in guest service. I started out washing dishes for the Oley Valley Inn, a fine dining restaurant where I grew up. I moved on from there to work as a bag attendent at a country club, in fast food, serving in banquets, and finally managing restaurants in upscale hotels and resorts before transitioning into wine sales (where I could still work with hotels and restaurants, without the crazy hours, and puruse my second passion: wine). I loved hospitality. Delivering an exceptional guest experience truly made me happy.
I learned a lot over my years and have maintained that guest service/customer service mindset in work – with co-workers and clients – and in personal life, with friends, family, strangers. It really does apply everywhere.
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