H O T E L
M A N A G E R
Q & A
industry insight
Kingsley Smith YANKALILLA HOTEL
WHAT IS THE TITLE OF YOUR POSITION? My title is Venue Manager. WHAT HOTEL/S DO YOU MANAGE? I manage the Yankalilla Hotel and previously the Colonnades Tavern for the RD Jones Group. HOW DID YOU ENTER THE HOTEL INDUSTRY AND WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH? I entered the industry via the Hotel Adelaide as a maintenance lad changing light bulbs, pool cleaner and general yard duties. My career path started when I met the late Mr Richard Jones at the Hotel Adelaide when he was involved with the venue in the late 80’s/ early 90’s. I was promoted to store person/purchasing officer for the Hotel Adelaide and then was given a full time position closer to home (Morphett Vale) at the Colonnades Tavern in the bottle shop. From there I worked my way up to become Venue Manager in 2006 and then transferred to the Yankalilla Hotel in June 2012. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY CONNECTIONS IN THE HOTEL TRADE? My aunty and uncle – Judy and Colin Rowe - had the Lobethal Hotel and then the Duke of Brunswick in Gilbert street. WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION ENTAIL? My position entails managing every aspect of the hotel, growing the Hotel, managing staff and keeping the hotel in tip top shape. WHAT ASPECT OF THIS POSITION IS YOUR FAVOURITE? I love being involved in the community and love the locals.
WHO HAVE YOUR MENTORS BEEN OVER THE YEARS? My mentor – the late Mr Richard Jones. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE LOOKING TO WORK THEIR WAY UP THE HOTEL BUSINESS LADDER? My advice is to never knock back extra shifts when offered, stay committed and show that you want to learn and are interested in various roles within the business. WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? The future looks pretty good. The industry is flying with the travel restrictions keeping everyone at home for the next few years, I see myself at the Yankalilla Hotel in the future.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART/S OF THIS ROLE?
WHAT MAKES YOUR HOSPITALITY OFFERING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VENUES?
Least favourite is the COVID-19 issue, a bad time for all, people getting angry about being asked to scan the QR Code or write in a register. Some people just don’t get it and can be a bit silly.
Our difference is that we are in the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula and offer warm and friendly hospitality within a historic country hotel.
APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY STAFF DO YOU MANAGE? We have 23 staff. Back to Contents
DO YOU HAVE RENOVATION PLANS FOR THE HOTEL/S IN YOUR GROUP? Yes, the Group is currently working on plans for the hotel which will involve a few areas. W W W . A H A S A . A S N . A U
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