Thank You, Hospitality

Thank you, Hospitality.

My life changed when I met you. Everything came alive. Even as a 15-year old busboy, I knew that nothing would ever be the same. I wasn’t just serving bread, pouring water and clearing tables. No, my role was to ensure a flawless, world-class dining experience for every guest every time.

As a fine-dining server, I was on a team that was orchestrating excellence. I was not just taking menu orders and serving food. I was a conduit that connected the kitchen and bar to the guest.

As a concierge, I didn’t just book reservations, I curated custom itineraries so guests could have a memorable stay.

I could go on and on. There were 17 roles in all, across various hotels. No matter the role, hospitality was the glue. I was either serving the guest or serving someone who was.

And service is the lens through which hospitality operates.

Genuine hospitality means that you are kind to people you don’t know. It means that no one should have to earn  your kindness. It is self-less and always, ALWAYS looking for ways to brighten someone’s day.

Anyone can be hospitable to people they like.

Anyone can be hospitable to people they think are important.

True, genuine, heartfelt hospitality lavishes honor on both King Joe and Joe Smith alike.

Both are important and both should get the best of you. Genuine hospitality demands it.

Treat. People. Like Royalty.

Assume everyone you serve is the most important person you will ever meet. That’s what hospitality taught me.

Always do your best, even when you don’t feel like it. That’s what hospitality taught me.

Look for ways to to do more than what’s expected. That’s what hospitality taught me.

Be the teammate I would want to have. That’s what hospitality taught me.

Treat my staff exactly how I want them to treat the customer. That’s what hospitality taught me.

There is always a solution. That’s what hospitality taught me.

Hospitality is not a job, it’s a lifestyle.

So, thank you, hospitality for helping to mold me into the man I am today. In my personal life and professional life, I am better…because of you.

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