2008 "Stars of the Industry"
Employee of the Year, Small Property category
Joe Soliz, Groundskeeper
The Hermosa Inn
April 2 is Joe Soliz Day at The Hermosa Inn where they celebrate the successes and the beauty that Joe has brought to the boutique hotel for the past 22 years. After retiring first from the U.S. Army and then from the construction trade, Joe, an exuberant 80 years old, keeps the 6 & 1/2 acres looking like Monet's garden with the help of only one assistant.
Everything on the property - the rose gardens, large pots of flowers on the dining patio facing Camelback Mountain's Praying Monk, grassy areas around each of the 35 casitas, desert trees, even the large, lush cactus garden - are Joe's handiwork. Thousands of flowers are planted annually at Hermosa Inn, with beds being changed three times a year.
When Fred and Jennifer Unger purchased The Hermosa Inn in 1992, they were delighted to "find that Joe came with the property," said Jennifer Unger. "We continue to be impressed by not only his artistry but by his work ethic and gentle nature. He has a real gift and takes great pride in his work."
Employee of the Year--Tie in the Medium Property category
Ron Bennett, Mechanic
Enchantment Resort
Ron joined the Enchantment Resort in 1995 as the vehicle mechanic, but it would now be impossible to reduce Ron's involvement at the resort to a simple job description, as he impacts so many areas on so many levels, all with great enthusiasm and integrity. Initially, Ron was responsible for the company vehicles, as well as the Grounds Department equipment, which includes maintaining leaf blowers, string trimmers, mowers, trailers, sprayers, tractors and a Bobcat. Additionally, during heavy snowfalls, Ron comes in on his days off; sometimes in the wee hours, to assist with the installation of tire chains on vehicles, enabling other departments to continue serving the guests' needs.
He's also the resort welder, never missing a repair and the resort's sole Bobcat operator, a particularly vital job during a recent near-catastrophic water main break. Responsible for the golf carts and their maintenance, he has embraced the ongoing program of replacing gasoline powered carts with electric.
Ron heads the Resort's Safety committee which requires him to organize monthly safety training classes for the Engineering Department as well as any areas of safety concern on the resort campus and has always received exemplary marks by the resort's insurance carrier inspection reports.
But the job isn't only nuts and bolts as he is willing to take charge of any Holiday activities, including the annual Carving of the Pumpkin, off-property picnics for the department staff plus he's the go-to-guy when both guests and staff have car troubles, ranging from jump-starts, changing tires and quick runs into town to pick up extra parts.
Employee of the Year- Tie in the Medium Property category
Karen Sheriff, Queen of Hors d'Oeuvres
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Inspiration comes in many forms and this nominee has touched our lives in a remarkable way. Professionally, we believe she is the best in her "field" - we lovingly call her the "Queen of Hors d'Oeuvres". Personally, we believe she is a role model in the face of adversity.
With a cumulative 25 years of experience in the Valley, Karen has spent the last 9 years making tens of the thousands of the best hors d'oeuvres in Arizona, with 2007 being a record breaking year. Additionally, alongside the Executive Chef, she helps create the menu, adding her personal flair to many of the items. Her creativity, quality work and dedication to her craft have been an integral part of the success of this property, known for its outstanding culinary and banquet team.
This past year, she was diagnosed with both breast and lung cancer. She has found strength and support through family, friends and the American Cancer Society's local programs and groups. Many people might lose their spirit, drive and passion having to deal with the tragic nature of this diagnosis, but she has not. In fact she has demonstrated to all who know and love her that her diagnosis is not an illness, but an opportunity to focus on the best that life has to offer. She feels fortunate for what she has and what she can continue to give. "She continues to run circles around folks in the kitchen half her age. I find her absolutely an amazing employee and person," said Executive Chef Lee Hillson.
Karen makes us proud every day and reminds us to enjoy every moment and to LOVE what we do, as this is what life is all about.
Employee of the Year, Large Property category
Mary Buvalic, Concierge
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Mary is a very active member of the Valley of the Sun Concierge Network and is currently applying to become a member of the prestigious Les Clefs D'or Society, while volunteering with various organizations with her family. 
Mary's natural ability to put those around her at ease has made her both a successful concierge and a true mentor as she happily takes new associates in the Concierge department under her wing.
One of the most precious gifts that a person can give is their time and Mary has gone over and above in showing sincere concern for her peers in this regard. This past year she has assisted fellow associates by giving rides to those who lacked transportation, checking in on those who have been ill and something as thoughtful as loaning Christmas ornaments to an associate who didn't have any to decorate their tree. It's the little and not so little things Mary does for her fellow associates and community that make her an extraordinary person.
Mary consistently provides exceptional service and genuinely cares for our guests at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. She has received countless comment cards, accolades and letters as a result of the extraordinary level of service she provides to them. She treats each guest as if there were her in her own home and has a gift for knowing exactly what they are looking for and directs them accordingly. She is beloved by our frequent guests and they seek her out to exchange an engaging conversation on what they have been doing between trips to Scottsdale. If they need a particular trip planned or want to know the "out of the way" places to enjoy a meal, Mary has all the answers.
Going the extra mile is common practice for Mary who will often take time out of her own schedule to explore new attractions and restaurants in an effort to better assist our guests. Mary takes great pride in her position and in helping our guests see and experiences all that our fine city has to offer.
Manager of the Year, Small Property category
Daniella Gonzalez, Human Resource Manager
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
Daniella's career at Sanctuary began as a cocktail server in 2002 as she was beginning her college education as a Hospitality Management student at Northern Arizona University via local studies at Scottsdale Community College. She earned her degree in May 2006 and was soon promoted to her first management position as Spa Operations Manager and was then promoted to Human Resources Manager. Her commitment and enthusiasm to all facets of her job serve as an inspiration to both current and prospective employees. Additionally, she was recently one of the first people in Arizona to be certified as a Valley Tourism Ambassador as well as a Trainer as she is the consummate individual to promote Phoenix as a destination to the world.
Care Enough To Do It Well - Daniella exemplifies our resort vision in everything she does and has the innate ability to inspire everyone around her.
Manager of the Year, Medium Property category
Raymundo Ocampo, Grounds Manager
Westward Look Resort
Raymundo joined the Westward Look team 21 years ago as a dishwasher with very little command of the English language, but with a huge desire to be a part of the hospitality industry. Eleven years, a few transfers and a couple of promotions later, Raymundo was named Grounds Manager, where he found his niche; the perfect position where he could effect co-workers and guests with his love of the environment. There is something so peaceful about Raymundo. His calming effect shows through his management style, not only with his team, but all 270 employees at the resort. The grounds at Westward Look Resort set the tone for everything we do here. All new hire employees spend 15 minutes with Raymundo in his Chef's garden. His attitude and pride of the property have proven to inspire and excite new employees and guests. One woman thanked him because after spending an hour in the Chef's garden with Raymundo, her husband agreed to move to Tucson. His love of the land combined with the beauty and peacefulness of his artistry touches everyone he meets.
In addition to maintaining the resort's 80 acres of natural desert, Raymundo created the Spa Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Hummingbird Garden, the organic Chef's Garden and nurtures more than 20 species of fruit trees. Guests truly enjoy the fruits of his labor as the numerous herbs and vegetables from the Chef's garden are featured nightly on the menu award-winning Gold Room Restaurant. Summer menus feature fruits hand picked from the resort gardens: pomegranates, melons, berries, peaches, plums, apples and bananas, and plates are beautifully accented with edible flowers that are cultivated year round. Raymundo's green thumb has even coaxed fruit from the elusive avocado tree; a particular triumph since The University of Arizona agriculture department had unsuccessfully struggled for years to get their avocado trees to produce fruit, so it was a proud moment when Raymundo was able to share the news of his bounty with them.
Every morning, Raymundo shares his passion with the guests by hosting a guided nature walk through the resort's nature trails and gardens as he explains the plants' origins and their holistic power, which has even by filmed by the BBC when they wanted to feature the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Located on the resort's popular hiking trail, Raymundo's most recent labor of love is the 42-foot Labyrinth, as he polished every rock by hand. The design is known as the Ancient Man in the Maze and is an important symbol for the Tohono O'odham people and was even blessed by a member of the tribe. The Labyrinth beckons visitors to relax in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and is open to the general public.
Raymundo is a frequent recipient of guests' comments and adorations. A repeat visitor to Westward Look tells a story of her encounter with Raymundo 20 years ago. His English was limited, but his warmth won her over and to this day, a stay at Westward Look would not be the same without her "boyfriend" Raymundo. At this point - Westward Look just wouldn't be the same without Raymundo.
Manager of the Year, Large Property category
Nicole Rumps, Front Office Manager
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Nicole joined the resort just six and a half years ago as Assistant Front Office Manager, and her drive, focus and dedication were quickly apparent as she was promoted to Assistant Executive Housekeeper, then promoted to Front Office Manager.
As a result of her excellent record, Nicole was chosen two years ago to be part of a Loews' program called Q2, which refers to the Franklin Covey quadrant where an individual is most productive and most effective. The Q2 program consists of a very few specially chosen individuals from some of the Loews properties and is a training and projects-driven track to senior management.
Nicole is equally driven outside of the resort as she is a continuing member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization and has been mentoring a young lady for several years, helping both the young lady and her grandmother/guardian.
She also works with Coronado Middle School in Marana as part of their involvement with Junior Achievement of Arizona. She teaches 8th graders financial awareness, personal finance and smart credit choices. For the past two years, she has volunteered to give seminars about the hospitality industry to Pima Community College students who are enrolled in the Summer Career Academy, a free program for high school students who want help making career decisions. She also volunteers as a guest speaker several times a semester at the local campus of NAU, talking to hospitality students on leadership, front office procedures and housekeeping and information technologies.
In 2006, Nicole volunteered to sit on a subject matter expert panel at the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitor's Bureau, for the Tucson Ambassador's Program, an educational course offered to any hospitality industry employee in Tucson which helps them gain basic skills in customer service and learn more about the Tucson community.
Nicole has a Bachelors Degree in Hotel Management and just completed her Masters Degree (in between working and her community involvement) in Adult Education and Training. She is very much a role model for her employees in the Loews Hotels company and for a great many young people in the Tucson community.
Guest Service Employee of the Year, Small Property category
Lydia Simcox, hostess at LON's at the Hermosa
Hermosa Inn
Lydia has been instrumental at one of the more un-appreciated positions in the industry. As a hostess, Lydia is second to none. She is detail oriented and constantly seeking ways to improve the guest's dining experience. Lydia embraces the Points of Distinction culture program at The Hermosa Inn and she enhances her own job through creative efforts taken from her own artistic values.
Lydia implemented a guest birthday and anniversary card program. When a guest dines with us to celebrate a special occasion, Lydia ensures the guests are presented with a greeting card signed by all of the front and back of the house employees from that evening. On a daily basis, Lydia ensures the dinner room flow is similar to a choreographed dance. Above all, Lydia has been committed to the excellence of this property and is helping create lasting memories through shared visions.
Guest Service Employee of the Year, Medium Property category
Patricia Culp, Fun Center attendant/cashier
Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn
With 15 years in the hospitality industry, ranging from dishwater to cashier, Patricia's extraordinary desire to provide exemplary service to guests and to the "back of the house guests" (fellow employees) is inspirational.
So many of our guests take the time to both fill out our comment cards on her courteous service, bur beyond that, they actually take time to write letters to the management on how impressed they were with her and how she made their stay extra special. Her guest service comes from her heart for making people smile and her sincerity in making their stay memorable is truly admirable. I would say this is first and foremost our job in the hospitality industry and she has certainly put her mark on this aspect of it.
Not a week goes by that I do not see guest comment cards that reflect her special talent for making guests and families feel so very welcome in our hotel and bowling center. The comments indicate her consistent efforts to go out of her way to make their stay and experience a unique and special one. She thrives on finding ways to serve her guests and enhancing their experience while under her cared. She also loves to share with other staff embers and teach our new team members on any aspect of their job. Not settling for just doing her job, Tricia will step into most any gap and lend a hand in serving our guests. She is excited to serve on a trainer team and spend time on her days off to come in and help develop new customer service programs and ideas to help all of our staff. From the dishwasher station to the bowling center and cashier, Tricia is all about serving both customers and her fellow team members.
Guest Service Employee of the Year, Large Property category
Mike Gennaula, PBX Operator
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
As a PBX operator, Mike doesn't often have direct visual contact with the guests at the resort; however, he always looks for ways to create memories for the guests he does speak with. One such example of his exemplary guest service is when he single-handedly made an American soldier's dream come true.
Mike was working when he received a call from a soldier overseas serving in Afghanistan. The soldier told Mike that he was coming home on leave and wanted to take his wife to the same restaurant at the resort where he had proposed. Unfortunately, Mike knew that the restaurant was in the process of being renovated and just when the soldier was about to back out, Mike offered to pay for a room for them at the resort if the soldier would still agree to come and enjoy dinner in the Dining Room (the set-up for the three meal restaurant during renovations).
Mike then made all the arrangements with management to treat the soldier and his wife to anniversary dinner, a free night's stay and a special spa treatment. Mike's thoughts were, "think about what this guy is doing. Hovering in holes and dodging bullets so we can life the life we live."
Mike has a strong tendency to always seek out ways to assist guests even though he doesn't know the answer and will search high and low until he finds the correct one. His generosity of spirit, service and tenacity is what makes him a top Guest Service Associate. Mike does all of this from motorized wheelchair, after being left a quadriplegic as a result of a car accident in 1988. He works on making other people's dreams and magical moments come true at the hotel and never leaves a stone unturned.
Housekeeping Employee of the Year, Medium Property category
Ikonija Filipovic, Housekeeper
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Housekeeper Ikonija Filipovic has the uncanny ability to "read" a guest room and know exactly what small touches will make a guest's stay memorable. After 7 years on the Housekeeping team, Ikonija has developed into a well respected, well liked leader whom guests ask for by name and employees look to as a spokesperson for the department.
She approaches her work with gusto and is pragmatic about the process. In her 60s, she is known to have more energy than those 30 years younger. A typical day begins with the morning departmental meeting, where Ikonija receives her 10 allotted rooms for the scheduled 8-hour shift. Cleaning this volume of rooms to the standards set by Four Season's stringent 24-point checklist - including everything from pairing shoes together to lining up toiletries in a straight and orderly fashion - takes considerable time. It's tiring work and after 8 hours, Ikonija has more than earned an evening of rest. More often than not though, she volunteers or is asked to stay late for the turndown shift. In the early days, she sometimes would be in the employee van ready to depart for the day when the call would come and without complaining, Ikonija would put her uniform back on and return to work. Another time, Ikonija interrupted her scheduled house move to come in when the department was in a pinch on her day off.
The guest experience - and making it the best it can be - is ultimately what motivates Ikonija. She fondly recalls all of her favorite guests and has committed to memory each of their likes, dislikes and idiosyncrasies.
One family returns to the resort each year and requests Ikonija to do all of their housekeeping services. Without asking, Ikonija knows they need extra towels, as their children tend to run around the property and need to wash their hands frequently. This family wants to feel as if they are in their own home, so she automatically removes standard guest room inclusions such as stationary, notepads and pens. They also like to have paper liners in all the shelves in the closet and again, this is done without them having to ask and always with a smile.
Another couple returns to the resort each year and the wife does not like feather beds and duvets, but the husband does. Ikonija, without the couple even asking, sets half the bed with feather pillows and duvet and the other half with foam and cotton.
Ikonija thrives on helping others. When she first arrived at the Resort, Ikonija had arrived recently from the Netherlands and before that, from her home country, Bosnia. She spoke little English, but had attended hospitality school in Bosnia, where she left a burgeoning culinary career. One of their first nights walking down the Resort path, Ikonija saw a large javelina with several babies trailing behind. She also saw a mother and her child walking along the path. Quickly, she found the nearest service phone and called Security. Having recently arrived in the United States, she struggled with how to relay that she was worried about the javelinas harming the guests. Ikonija did remember one word from her culinary training that seemed to adequately describe the animals and she yelled, "Pork! Pork! Pork!" That was enough to send Security out to ensure that the javelinas made their way back out into the desert - after a good laugh and a thank you to Ikonija!
Ikonija is a problem solver and routinely looks for ways to improve her department. When she volunteers to help at sister properties, Ikonija brings back with her fresh ideas about small changes that would make a big impact in Scottsdale. She is proud of a key chain she helped implement in Scottsdale that is simpler to use and doesn't break as often and is currently working to switch to micro-fiber towels, after seeing how well they work at other properties.
To talk with Ikonija, it is easy to forget that she often works 14-hour days, rain or shine, going up and down stairs in sometimes nearly unbearable Arizona heat. What you do notice is her warm smile, her propensity to dole out affection and her steadfast resolve to provide the best possible service to each and every guest.
Housekeeping Employee of the Year, Large Property category
Yoland Fernando, Housekeeper
The Phoenician
At the Phoenician, when a guest requests a sewing kit, a seamstress is sent to the room instead; and when it comes to needle and thread, Yoland Fernando, the resort's seamstress, is an expert. She can take in a hem, make a quick alteration, or sew a button in matter of minutes. Yet it is her unwavering dedication to excellence that makes her a true professional.
A great example of Yoland's outstanding customer service involves a guest of the resort who visited a retail shop at The Phoenician in search of safety pins. The guest relayed that she needed to take in a beaded skirt that was too large and she needed to wear the formal to an event that began in 45 minutes. The sales clerk offered the services of a seamstress and Yoland was able to alter the skirt and deliver it to the guest's room within a half-hour to a very grateful guest. Because Yoland stayed late to assist her, she missed her bus ride home and had to wait an extra hour for the next bus to arrive. Yoland put the needs of the guest ahead of herself, which is truly exemplary.
Yoland lives in Litchfield Park, Arizona. In order to catch her bus by 4:30 a.m., each morning she rises at 2:30 am. She arrives promptly at 5:30 a.m. to begin her day at Maloney's cleaners where she holds a part-time job as an alterations seamstress. After her 3-hour shift, she boards the bus again to arrive at The Phoenician by 9:30 a.m. for another 8-hour shift. At the end of her long day, she takes another two-hour bus ride back home, arriving at 8 p.m.
"I work long hours so that my son, Shahan, who is in his third year of medical school, doesn't have to. He is also the new father of my 9-month old grandson, so I want to help him out," she says with a smile on her face.
Yoland has worked at The Phoenician for 3 years. From assisting a golfer who split his pants, to embroidering a robe for a guest celebrating a special anniversary, to altering a garment purchased at one of the retail shops, Yoland consistently delivers the exceptional. Her work can be seen across the resort, as she makes custom napkins for Mary Elaine's Restaurant; sews curtains which adorn meeting rooms and alters uniforms for 1,500 associates.
Although her schedule is more than full, Yoland is always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond her daily responsibilities. For example, when a Phoenician Associative gets married, the resort presents the newlyweds with monogrammed bath towels as a congratulatory gift. Yoland personalizes these gifts by taking it upon herself to order an assortment of thread colors so each couple can select a hue that matches their home's interior. And no task is too small or too big for Yoland. Recently, an associate noticed some couch cushions did not have zippers sewn into their seams, so Yoland personally added zippers to every cushion across the entire resort. When the cushions now need laundering, it is a much easier and efficient process.
Yoland epitomizes the true meaning of dedicated customer service and it shows through her positive attitude, hard work and gracious hospitality.
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year, Medium Property category
Vicente Flores, Banquet Server
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Depending on the day of the week, one might find Banquet Server Vicente Flores wearing housekeeping uniform and tidying up the employee cafeteria. Another day, he may be standing in as a banquet captain if the staff is short-handed. Sometimes, he fills in as a server poolside at Ocotillo Grille or Saguaro Blossom. His paycheck often displays a medley of different departments and job codes for this proverbial "jack of all trades".
An 18-year-veteran of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Vicente's passion is food and beverage, but his knowledge base of the hospitality industry and the operations of a hotel runs far beyond. He started at the Four Seasons property in Santa Barbara in 1989, working the overnight housekeeping shift and then transferred to banquets as a houseman. From there, he became the coffee break point person and eventually became a server, which is the job he assumed when he transferred to Scottsdale in 1999.
Says Conference Services Manager Deb Martine," He is by far one of our most respected servers and he is always in tune with our guests' needs. He can be very motivating and people aspire to be like him. When I see Vicente's name on a banquet event, I know things will be done right."
Deb also notes that anytime there is a VIP group staying at the Resort, Vicente is the point person from the banquets team. During the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess' VIP planning retreat earlier this year, Vicente overheard an attendee saying happy birthday to one of the other guests. He took the initiative and ordered a small cake to be presented to the guest, creating a memorable, unexpected surprise. During the same meeting, Vicente overheard someone say the session was breaking early. He rushed to make sure that the coffee break was ready for the guests as they departed the meeting room.
If a guest asks for something the first day of their visit, Vicente will make note of the special request or preference. For example, the first day of a prominent corporation's program, the main contact asked for a latte. The next morning when the guest arrived, Vicente prepare a latte and brought it to her. The group contact was touched by this small, but significant gesture.
Vicente also is willing to lend a hand with media events. One summer several years ago, he assisted with a live television shoot with the local ABC affiliate. He arrived at 4:30 a.m. to assist the crew with set-up and special requests and even appeared in a live shot serving a smoothie. Another time, he assisted on air with a taping of the CBS "Early Show". Vicente arrived in the wee hours of the morning to set up an elaborate brunch buffet and appeared on air during one of segments, again, serving a smoothie!
Vicente is consistently recognized by his peers and members of the management team for this superior approach to serving the guests. He consistently goes above and beyond and sets the bar higher for every employee with whom he works.
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year, Large Property category
David Nezzie, Kai Server
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa
David Nezzie came to the resort like so many other Native people - without any exposure to modern hospitality. Born into the Navajo Nation on the Reservation and raised in rural Arizona, his parents brought him up with the hopes that he would become a rodeo champion. After high school, David moved to the big city, planting trees at a nursery and working in construction. Shortly afterwards, in 2003, he came to the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resprort & Spa - a decision that would forever change his life.
David started as an In-Room Dining Server, where he quickly earned the promotion to Captain. His first role of responsibility in his career motivated him to expand his knowledge; soon he became Supervisor for the upscale casual restaurant Ko'Sin, overseeing 20 associates and creating a dining experience ironically that he never had experienced himself. Less than a year later, he transitioned to Kai, the resort's signature restaurant starting as a Bartender to gain experience in the world of luxury dining.
After a short time and much hard work, he developed into a server, becoming the first Native American server in Kai. In 2006, at the age of 22, his service to the AAA Auditor significantly helped gain Kai its highly-coveted Five Diamond Rating. The gracious service he lavishes on guests is duly noted in the unbelievable number of letters and comments cards from guests who are so impressed by his thoughtful attention to detail that they take the time to thank not only David, but to make management aware of what an asset David is to the resort.
Located on the Gila River Indian Community, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa incorporates the culture of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes on many levels. David's involvement in the restaurant quickly spilled over into the community of the Gila River People, where he mentored the students in the middle school's Hospitality Program. This program's initiative is to enrich the education of the community's children, creating future work opportunities available at the resort. David also traveled to the Community's elementary school to learn about the Tribe's commitment to returning agriculture to their homeland. There he worked with the children, tilling the soil and planting foods to be used in Kai as ingredients.
During David's evolution, he met with Emmit White, a distinguished Community elder (one of the few remaining who speaks the Pima dialect) more than 15 times to develop a stronger understanding of the Pima and Maricopa spirit. These meetings included storytelling, lessons on Pima and Maricopa history, learning the alphabet and practicing the pronunciation of the language. With hopes of sharing his learning with the guests of the Resort, David volunteers to lead guided walks along the Interpretive Trail every Saturday morning. This tour infuses David's knowledge of the culture, along with stories about the indigenous plants and wildlife, to provide guests with a deeper understanding of the surrounding Community.
On occasion, David also volunteers to perform Storytelling on Fridays around the open fire pit, telling Pima traditional stories to families visiting the Resort. Currently, he is working with Executive Chef Michael O'Dowd to find additional innovative ways to further fund the Gila Crossing School's agricultural curriculum, buying much needed tools and supplies for the children's gardens.
Guests ask many questions of David that fall outside the normal realm of guest associate interaction. It is not uncommon for him to be asked "what Tribe are you?" or "do you live in a teepee?" or "do your People believe in a God?" David approaches these questions with patience and understanding and answers with a grace that is void of frustration. He believes that his main purpose at the Resort is "to educate those who I come in contact with so I can enrich their experience here at the Wild Horse Pass."
David manages to fulfill his obligations at the resort while attending school full-time as an American Indian Studies student. He hopes to become a Tribal Lawyer to create better opportunities for his People. From his simple roots as a child herding sheep, to his development into a server in a AAA Five Diamond restaurant, David is an inspiration to both his peers and his guests alike. David's humble tableside manner allows him to share the riches of the community's culture, providing them with an experience they will always remember.
