QHA REVIEW April 2017

Q&A
IF IN TOWN AT THE TIME MAKE
SURE NOT TO MISS THE EXCHANGE
HOTEL’S BBQ AND BEER FESTIVAL
ON THE LAST WEEKEND IN
SEPTEMBER.
PHOTO: BEAU ARNOLD/ BEAU ALEX PHOTOGRAPHICS
What have been some of the most memorable
moments?
One of the highlights of my time here was being
nominated, and becoming a finalist, for the QHA
Award for Excellence as Best Employee,
Administration in 2014. And then again last year,
the hotel was nominated for, and was a finalist,
for Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises. Also,
we had a fire in March 2015, which destroyed the
kitchen and my office. That was pretty devastating
at the time, but since then we have done amazing
renovations, which has made the hotel a bigger
and better place to be.
What are some of the best things about working
at The Exchange Hotel?
I love working at The Exchange because every day
is different. It’s a very personable pub, where everyone
knows everyone and if you don’t know someone,
it doesn’t take long before you do. I feel very safe
working here because I know all my regulars and work
colleagues have my back if anything happens, and
vice versa.
Thirty years so far, how many to go?
I imagine I will still be here when it’s time to retire
(if they’ll have me), so maybe another 10 years or so.
This job definitely has its ups and downs, but I
don’t think I would enjoy working anywhere
else as much.
What advice would you give someone just
starting out as a manager of a hotel?
You must have your wits about you. Be prepared to
deal with all types of people and hear many different
stories. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and
help out around the place. I’m not one of those
people who think it is not their job to pick up
a dirty plate or glass, or clean a toilet if needed.
If you hadn’t chosen to work in the hospitality
trade, what would’ve you done instead?
If I wasn’t in hospitality, I would have been an
accountant.
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