1. Tell us a little bit about your career. How did you decide to get into engineering? Was it always your goal to work in facilities management?

I was never one for school and loved being hands on. After high school I joined the Navy and was afforded the ability to see the world while expanding my knowledge in the engineering discipline. After my tour of duty, I experienced many different roles and landed an engineering position in the hotel industry. Being in the trenches is one of my passions, working hands on and balancing with the “boardroom” has been both challenging and rewarding.

2. What is the most unique aspect of working in the hotel industry? What makes a hotel different than managing and maintaining other types of properties (i.e. hospital, stadium, etc)?

Ever day is different. You go in ready to tackle your to do list and something else comes up and takes prority. I have taken several classes in facility management and I think each industry has it own set of unique challenges. I have always wanted to work in the hospital environment. What an adrenaline rush it would be to know that if my job was not 100% done, it could mean life or death.

3. In regards to the Westin Copley, structurally-speaking, what is the most unique aspect of the hotel?

That’s a loaded question. I think it would have to be the fact that it was built 100% electric, and at the time of construction, it was the most cost effective hotel around.

4. Tell us about some of the “preventative maintenance” initiatives that you have launch to ensure the safety of your guests.

We strive for the perfect room and being proactive and not reactive. We have maintenance contracts with several national vendors to ensure we are on proactive maintenance schedule, to ensure the saftey and security of our guests and associates.

5. The Westin Copley has received multiple accolades for your work in accordance with energy conservation. Can you update us on some of your most important recent “green efforts,” including the “all-green” floor?

Never will a day pass when a member of the engineering team or myself looks at a product, or process, without thinking about how it could further our conservation efforts. We continue to try to make the Westin Copley more efficient on a daily basis.

6. Moving forward, do you feel that all hotels will be built and renovated with energy conservation in mind? Why is this so important?

Yes, it’s the way of the future, it’s smart from a business sense; it means happier guests and associates and a direct impact on the bottom-line. With Energy Star, and the new focus on LEDs, it’s going to become part of our industry’s culture.

7. Anything else that makes the Westin Copley a special place to work and or stay?

The best team in the City!

October 28th, 2009