We asked some Pocono Mountains hospitality professionals about their career experience. Read on to find out what it's like working in our region:
“My first job in hospitality was a dishwasher. After that I worked at a ski rental shop, then as a lifeguard and a waiter. When I went to Woodloch Pines Resort, I realized hospitality could provide a career! I started as a member of the Activities Team, then at the Front Desk and eventually Group Sales. 17 years later, I am still at Woodloch and work as a Corporate Sales Manager. Hospitality offers so many outlets for people to find the path that best suits them. It's an excellent career choice for people who might not have their future completely figured out, because it opens so many doors that you might not have known existed!”
- Matthew J. Butler, Woodloch Resort
“The most rewarding part is providing the backdrop against which your guests have experiences they will store in their memory banks forever. Watching a grandfather teach his grandson how to fish; observing the look of joy on a child’s face when they have created something beautiful in arts and crafts and listening to the laughter of friends and family who have gathered around a fire pit. Those vignettes remind all of us in the hospitality industry why we do what we do. We have an impact on these family’s lives.”
- Jan Keen, Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort
"I have been involved in hospitality in the Poconos for over 30 years. I started as a volunteer car attendant on The Stourbridge Line as a child with both of my parents. At 18 I entered the workforce of the Poconos as a line cook at a restaurant on Lake Wallenpaupack. My experience in the restaurant industry taught me more about customer service and guest experiences. In 2015, I headed back to The Stourbridge Line as part of the team to bring the railroad that was out of commission for 4 years back to life as head of on-board services. In 2016, that position evolved into the Excursion Manager of the railroad. Over the years, the vision of the Poconos has changed from the “Honeymoon Capital” to a year-round destination for people of all ages. I look forward to being part of the hospitality industry of the Poconos for many more years and to see what the bright future has in store for all of us here in the Poconos."
- Tim Wright, The Stourbridge Line
“The most rewarding part of working in hospitality is being able to talk with people and guide them to make sure they have the best possible experience when visiting the Poconos.”
- Jane Kohler, Pocono Mountains Visitors Center
“It is our job to make people happy. Our core purpose is to make others feel entertained, relaxed, happy, welcomed – what a great thing! To me, when you have made someone happy and satisfied, that in and of itself is the reward.”
- Rory J. O’Fee, Woodloch Resort
Ready to get started? Click here to browse open positions in Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, and join us in person at the Regional Job Fair on May 13, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blue Mountain Resort, The Inn at Woodloch and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions to find out about companies near you hiring now.
