The saying goes, if you do what you love, you don't work a day in your life. Hospitality is synonymous with the Pocono Mountains, and no place embodies this more than Camelback Resort. As a four-season destination with hundreds of dedicated employees, Camelback exemplifies hard work and exceptional service. That’s why the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is proud to recognize one of its employees as the Hospitality Employee of the Year. We're meeting Eider Prados to learn why he is instrumental to the team and to countless guests visiting Camelback.

Eider Prados, in his modest way, is known as the king of Camelback. Not because of an executive-level title among 1,400 employees across 29 departments, but because of how he helps guests feel truly welcome. "It's not about me," Eider says. "As soon as customers walk through the door, we make sure they have the best time they came here for."

In late 2024, Eider accepted the Pocono Hospitality Employee of the Year award with tears in his eyes. The ceremony took place in the same big room where he works countless events, big and small. He shared the honor with the team he works alongside every day. According to Jameson Cesar of Camelback Resort, "He is more deserving of this award than anyone I’ve worked with. When he received the award, he accepted it on behalf of his team. It wasn’t just his award; it was an award for all of us."

For the past eight years, Eider has been a constant source of humility and servant leadership in the banquet halls, boardrooms, and event spaces of Camelback. "I oversee all the banquet settings and events," Eider shares. "It's not just here; it's at the mountain summit or weddings. Really, all of it."

His passion for creating memorable guest experiences and sharing his knowledge has earned him the respect of his colleagues. According to Dave Makarsky, Camelback's managing director, "We have a culture centered around creating guests for life, based on warmth, personalization, awareness, and proactivity. Eider embodies all these values for every guest."

Eider believes in the power of small gestures to make a big impact. "If you're bringing a smile to someone’s face, you make their day—and better yet, your own. That’s what hospitality is about."

Eider began his journey in hospitality at 18 as a busboy, eventually owning his own business before joining Camelback. His passion for caring for others shines through every day. "It’s not just me; it’s all of us," Eider says. "If you're blessed to work at a place like this, you have to give it your all."

Eider's team agrees that his humility is as inspiring as his work ethic. "He would always deflect credit to his colleagues," Jameson notes. "But we know he is the one who truly deserves the recognition."

As Eider puts it, "This award is for all of them. I don’t do this alone. We have 1,400 people here helping me, and they’re my friends and family."

Through his selflessness and dedication, Eider Prados has made Camelback Resort—and the Pocono Mountains—extremely proud.