Did you find the hospitality industry or did the hospitality industry find you?

We found each other! Post college, I was working as a floral designer with my own business but also freelancing for other designer friends. I was at the Four Seasons in Chicago on a wedding and was quite impressed with the catering manager and that was when the spark hit me to consider moving into the hotel business. The rest is history!

What do you think is the importance of the hospitality industry and how do you feel you fit in?

Hospitality is really the baseline for ANY business. Any business should be anchored by hospitality at the forefront. 

Are there any aspects that excite you the most about the hospitality industry and invigorate your team?

I’ve always enjoyed being with the guests as much as possible. Seeing what they are interested in and how we can make it better. I think that is probably why I was in catering and sales for such a long time.

Making the move to Marketing Director has been enjoyable, as I get a chance to connect with even more colleagues at the property and work to find ways to make it better for both our guests, but also for our amazing team members.

What do you feel are the most serious challenges facing the hospitality industry and how might they be resolved? What is the industry doing well?

The hospitality industry is always evolving but tends to be slower than other industries, which I think is actually sometimes a good thing. Technology can be amazing and beneficial to everyone but sometimes taking things slower is good.

I think hospitality has a tough job juggling this balance to please guests, but also to make sure it doesn’t become too “automated.” The FS app was a great invention as it solved first and foremost those that wanted service touches without having a human interaction in person or over the phone, and we can respond very fast. I believe we have the best in the business as service is the forefront and most important.

What do you envision will take place in the hospitality industry in the years ahead and how might the local industry adapt or change?

Not necessarily just the hospitality industry, but all industries will continue to look for ways to make it more efficient and cost less. Change is not bad and can be very beneficial, but we can’t forget what is most important—ensuring guests and clients have the best experience they can have while visiting our properties.

It is an experience that people dream of having. Hawai‘i has become more and more accessible, but it is still a big trip experience for so many. Our job in the islands is to make sure visitors come to enjoy, learn a bit, and leave with something that tells others to visit and come back again.

We have something very special in our culture here on the islands. It is the reason I moved here years ago after an amazing experience traveling to the islands. I hope we can make that just as special for every guest who comes to our home.