Doug Hayes

First hospitality job:

I started as a front desk agent at the Sandman Hotel Kelowna – and almost 20 years later I’m proud to still be with the same company.

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Age you started working in hospitality:

19

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Your inspiration to begin working in hospitality:

As a child I was fortunate enough to visit a luxury resort in the Bahamas and it really inspired a love of hospitality in me. It became a dream of mine to work in the industry as I love to travel, explore new places and cultures and meet new people. I never made it to the Bahamas but I’ve worked in many great places across Canada and the world.

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My hospitality mentor:

There are two people who have been instrumental in my journey to date. Kevin Gilhooly was my Regional Director when I took my first ever General Manager job at our Sandman Hotel Regina. Until then I had been learning on the job, but Kevin really took me under his wing and supported my growth and development.

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What are your favourite aspects of your job?

One of the most gratifying aspects of my role is the opportunity to lead and collaborate with a talented team and work across all aspects of the business. The hospitality industry is inherently people-centric, and I thoroughly enjoy working with individuals who share a commitment to delivering outstanding service.

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What has inspired you to continue your career path in hospitality?

Working with great colleagues, learning something new every day and being open to the growth opportunities that Northland has provided me.

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Advice for students interested in a career in hospitality:

You need a good mentor to learn from, and hands-on experience to really understand the industry. Don’t be afraid to start in a position that might not be your end goal – the industry thrives on practical knowledge so exposure to various roles within hotels or related sectors will always be beneficial.