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 lauren.pahmeier@tigeroak.com.
Ashlee Barton was recently named the director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort.
1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?
I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn how to navigate such a seasonal property to success. You cannot simply compare year-over-year success as each winter is better than the other in beautiful Lake Tahoe! I am thankful and proud to be part of the Tahoe family at this resort. I look forward to supporting my team throughout the entire hotel, to achieving our high goals for 2020.
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
When leading a team, you are setting the groundwork for the team, but you are leading individuals individually. My experience with leading dynamic teams in San Francisco, has set the undertone on how to support each of my team members individually to a successful year. I think humility is also one of the best qualities that a leader can have, so with that said, bringing the fun I had in previous roles to this current role, will lead to a happy team who is happy to come to work each day.
3. How did you get into the industry?
I majored in hospitality business management at Washington State University. Who wouldn’t want to take a wine tasting class for degree credits? Before graduating from WSU, a good friend worked at a local Marriott property in my hometown. He told me to pack a business suit when coming home for Thanksgiving break, as they were interviewing for an event coordinator. So I packed my suit, came home for the holiday, interviewed and before Thanksgiving break was over, I had been offered the job. So I went back to school, graduated and after New Year’s, started my first role in the industry, event coordinator at a Marriott property. Working in events was a great way to start, as when I transitioned to sales, I then knew what I could logistically sell for the events team to service. Nobody ever wants to “sell the dream,” so our events teams can “service the nightmare.” One Team, One Dream!
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
I am hoping to achieve success and a happy team! When you have success, you have a happy team. When you have a happy team, they are happy to do their job which leads to success!
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I love how this industry is creative, fun, vibrant, ever changing and always keeping us on our toes. We are in the business to be hospitable and to make our clients, associates, colleagues happy. We are in the industry to serve, and we do it because we love it.
