There was no doubt Donald knew the flawless foundations of providing great food. He had been doing it for ten years at The Estate when the leadership charged the staff with expanding the hotel’s breakfast offerings. The finish line was “a remarkable breakfast experience worth repeating and referring.” The team knew it would take more than food and propping alone. It was well known that Donald enjoyed talking to guests at their tables and introducing himself. He could add the human engagement portion on the breakfast menu. The omelet station moved “on stage” and so did Donald. Twenty to thirty positive guest comment cards began flowing in daily….all referencing Breakfast at the Estate.
There is a wonderful evening tradition at The Estate - - the Royal Swan Feeding. The
red carpet is rolled out and the tuxedo-clad Swan Master appears with the brass mallard
head cane and beautiful bell. The Swans of The Estate leave the comfort of their pond
and march up the red carpet to greet the guests and enjoy a little noshing. It takes a
special person to engage the hearts and minds of guests in such a unique activity. Donald
engages each one is a positively memorable fashion.
His love of the guest has gained him many awards such as Hilton’s “Got Caught” Award
in 2005. His love of his peers has allowed him to be named The Estate’s Associate of the
Year award, not just once but three times. He has not missed one day of work in three years. He would worry too much about who would make the omelets and march the swans to the celebration.
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