When I was in high school, I signed up for a hotel management class that required a 100 hour internship. I chose the Courtyard Marriott, and what started as a class requirement quickly became a passion. In fact, I was so committed that I convinced my boss to hire me after only 80 hours!
That internship launched my career in hotel management. Over the next several years, I worked my way up from Front Desk Associate to Supervisor, Manager, Director of Revenue, and eventually Assistant General Manager. I had the privilege of working at seven different hotels in the Anaheim area, each one giving me experiences and lessons that now shape how I approach real estate today.
My career was full of incredible moments. I was responsible for hosting Mikhail Gorbachev during his stay, I had a long conversation with Drew Barrymore after her house fire, and I met countless professional baseball players. Of course, not every story was glamorous, like the time an upset guest threw his watch at me because the dry cleaner lost his laundry. I calmly picked it up, set it on the counter, and walked away. That moment taught me that composure often speaks louder than words.
Through it all, I learned six guiding principles that continue to influence the way I serve my clients in real estate today:
6 Lessons That Translate From Hotels to Homes
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- The guest is always right. Every client deserves to feel heard and valued, even when frustrations arise.
- Service with a smile. A warm welcome builds trust. A simple smile was the first step toward a positive guest experience, and the same is true for client relationships.
- The art of “making it happen.” Whether it was finding last-minute solutions for guests or solving complex problems in real estate, I believe in going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
- Attention to detail. It’s often the little things that make the biggest impact, like remembering a guest’s favorite meal or anticipating a client’s needs before they even ask.
- Professionalism is paramount. No matter the challenge, staying calm and composed leads to better outcomes.
- Empathy is key. Every person’s situation is unique. In hotels, not all guests were traveling for pleasure. In real estate, not all clients are moving under ideal circumstances. Compassion matters.
I’m deeply grateful for my years in hotel management. The skills I learned there like service, empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail. All are the very same principles that now define my approach to real estate.
I’d love to hear from you! Is the career you have now the same one you imagined right out of high school?
And here’s a little pro tip for your next trip: Be kind to your front desk associate! You never know, you might just score a free upgrade!