These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.
Kanami Fujita was recently hired as director of sales at Semiahmoo Resorts.
1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?
I am most looking forward to working with a dynamic team, where enthusiasm, respect, creativity, honesty, sincerity and accountability make up the core values and are reflected throughout the resort. I also look forward to representing such a unique, one-of-a-kind destination in the Pacific Northwest and am excited to make a positive contribution.
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
My background has given me a mix of valuable experiences in the hospitality industry, from working at a small, independent boutique hotel to a large, branded convention hotel, allowing me to market hotels and destinations. Semiahmoo is a destination like no other, and I have some thoughts, ideas and insights that I have gained over my 17-year career that I hope to implement at Semiahmoo Resort.
3. How did you get into the industry?
It all began when I worked for Cathay Pacific Airways as a ground operation supervisor and would regularly fly into Taipei, Taiwan. One day, I walked into the Grand Hyatt Taipei, the largest convention hotel in Taiwan, and thought to myself how nice it would be to work for such a beautiful hotel. My dream came true when a position opened up shortly after that, and I was fortunate enough to become a sales manager for the Grand Hyatt Taipei. This marked the beginning of my career in the hospitality industry.
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
I want to help bring Semiahmoo to the next level by working together as a team to make the Resort the number one destination in the Pacific Northwest for corporate retreats, conferences, weddings—you name it. I want to make a difference while having fun along the way!
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
Working in the hotel industry is like being a part of an orchestra; housekeeping plays the flute, engineering plays the clarinet, front desk plays the bass and so on. When all the departments come together with the same goals and passion, it creates a beautiful piece of music. That’s what I enjoy most about the industry.
