Howard County's hospitality workers are everyday heroes who go above and beyond to help others, especially in times of crisis. Whether they work in hotels, restaurants, shops, or other attractions, they’re often the first faces guests see. Hospitality workers put their best foot forward to warmly welcome out-of-town guests and residents alike. HoCo is showing its gratitude for them and everything they do because their work is critical to our community and they deserve to be celebrated!
Candace Manos - Studio Coordinator & Instructing Artist, Pinot's Palette - Ellicott City
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
I’ve always loved interacting with people. My background in theater as a stage manager really helped me develop a passion for communication and ultimately customer service. Working with Pinot’s Palette inspired me to seek a certificate in hospitality and event management. I finish my certificate this spring!
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
My motto is to treat people how you’d like to be treated, and I uphold that sentiment when communicating with our customers. I think communication is extremely important and when we communicate effectively great things can happen.
Mike Foster - Facilities Manager, Savage Mill
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
Growing up in Savage, The Mill was always an important part of my life so being able care for the buildings and it's visitors helps me feel like I'm doing something for the community that has done so much for me.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
When you spend so much time working with the public it's important to remember that a short interaction with someone can have a big impact. It's nice knowing that sometimes it only takes something small to make someone's day and I hope that they take that little bit of kindness and pass is on to the next person they meet.
Tia Major - Sales Manager, Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
My favorite thing is the high I get from helping others achieve their goals and looking their best in the eyes of others. Whether it's a beautiful bride who needs great rooms to impress her new in-laws or a new office coordinator who's nervous because she has to book rooms for her company's COO. Getting them through the process with kindness and patience plus understanding that their needs are important to me, really helps them a great deal. However, the joy on their faces and the smiles in their voices telling me that everything worked out great... is the biggest thrill for me which is truly my favorite thing.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
OMGGGGG.... CHANGE! Definitely change is something we have to be comfortable with in the hospitality industry. I say this because everyday can be different with customers' expectations, reservations, meetings, events, staffing, heck even the weather which can cause damage and we will have to completely change spaces and guestrooms at a moment's notice. So, while all "H-E-Double Hockey Sticks" is breaking loose behind the scenes, we never run. We strut, keep calm and make the changes so that our customers can relax, unwind and continue to enjoy their stay.
Kara Lovalvo - Chef, AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
I grew up with my mom cooking a different meal almost everyday. It became a part of my life experience. I took that passion into culinary school. This encouraged my career choice to cook for the rest of my life. Now, I can see almost immediately, the impact my team has on our guest experience.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
It is a high energy, high stress job. Our biggest challenge is maintaining consistency and managing everyday challenges. The last 2 Covid years have given me the strength and knowledge to handle almost anything. I am more confident than ever in what me and my team can handle each day.
Rene Ordonez - Special Projects Foreman & Open Space Operations, Columbia Association
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
I like knowing that what we are doing here at CA - whether it's providing quality community events, keeping the open space beautiful or maintaining facilities - is enriching the lives of the people in my community.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
I want everyone I'm serving in my community to know that they are top of mind. My intention is always to do a good job for them.
Rodney Burley - Enchanted Express Train Driver, Clark's Elioak Farm
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
My favorite thing is watching and seeing that look of excitement, wonder and joy in a child’s eyes when they discover and experience something new at the farm.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
I love helping families explore our farm and have a wonderful day enjoying themselves. I work every day with a wonderful team of folks who also care about giving all of our visitors a great experience.
Tracy Kreiter - Director of Sales, Turf Valley Resort
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
Being such an integral part of our clients' lives has been the most rewarding aspect of working in the hospitality industry. We see everything; from baptisms, to weddings, to business meetings, to celebrations of life. We experience every part with our clients and it's a privilege to be on this journey with them.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
Working in hospitality isn't easy but sure is fun!
Photo: Dima
Gladis Cueva Diaz - Food and Beverage Supervisor, Homewood Suites Columbia MD
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
Getting to talk to my regulars, meet new regulars and help people. Talking....
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
I love what I do & I enjoy my work, I love coming in every day.
James McGrady - Barista & Supervisor, Decadent, A Coffee and Dessert Bar
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
Food and Drink is comforting for many people and I get to bring that warmth to them. Sometimes you do an especially good job, or maybe it hits them just right and people get this look of satisfaction. I love that.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
I want my customers to know that their smile means more to me than they realize.
John Hinzman - Project Consultant, The Vertical Connection Carpet One
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
Getting to meet new people every day and helping them make their homes beautiful!
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
That this is a profession. I am licensed and have been through countless hours of professional education.
Pete Murphy - Bartender, Walker's Tap & Table
What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry?
I enjoy creating both cocktails and an experience that guests cannot get at any other establishment. Which cultivates an experience that turns a one-time guest into a regular.
What do you want your customers to know about working in hospitality?
Regardless of what is going on there is a lot that goes into ensuring a perfect guest experience.