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.
Kim Nevins was recently hired as sales manager for The Hotel Landing in Wayzata, Minn.
1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role as sales manager for The Hotel Landing?
I’m looking forward to putting business on the books, conducting hard-hat tours to show off our gorgeous property to prospective clients, being part of the opening team, and meeting and greeting new team members. I’m also looking forward to opening day and welcoming our guests, providing exceptional service and ensuring their stay with us is a memorable experience.
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
With more than 30 years in the luxury hotel business there isn’t any challenge that can’t be overcome. The relationships I’ve cultivated, including those with dozens of Fortune 500 companies and celebrities (some with requests 50 pages long), make this role exciting and rewarding. With my experience in hiring the right people, I’ve learned that you can’t train people to be nice, just hire nice people.
3. How did you get into the industry?
While I was working as a server in a hotel restaurant, a sales position became available. I asked for the job and was hired.
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
Putting heads in beds as well as embracing the community and working together to bring visitors and locals to experience Wayzata and the Hotel Landing, which are both reminiscent of laid back east coast beach style—casual, yet elegant.
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
Everything! No two days are ever the same, and that makes every day interesting. I enjoy welcoming guests as if they are coming to my own home and working closely with staff to ensure their visit is perfect. Any challenges are opportunities to make things right. I appreciate networking, prospecting and negotiating business that is a good fit the client and the hotel as well as creating a memory, not just a hotel stay.
