Staying Awhile

The Hyatt Regency Sarasota’s company culture and relationship with their employees remain different than any other hotel chain. While there are a number of other hotel properties downtown available as options to work for, and an industry such as hospitality where it’s common to have a high turnover rate—with many employees as transient and variable as the guests—the incredible amount of tenured associates that want to make a difference to the lives of their colleagues, guests and community, shows there is something special being retained here. While many guests come and they go, the staff here stays. Many of them note the loyalty, comfort and contentment they feel putting on the same Hyatt Sarasota name tag after so many years. There’s something homey in the waters here. Management puts the security and happiness of their staff as high of a priority as its guests. Internally and externally, people are treated with respect, humanity, integrity and empathy—a tribute to the long list of dedicated and passionate associates with 20 plus years under their belt, and still going strong.

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS, CAROL DANISI has worked for the Hyatt Sarasota for 27 years— starting as the Restaurant Manager, then moving up to Banquet Manager and Convention Services & Catering Manager, before stepping into her role currently. “The history and the culture that she provides to the hotel is a huge asset,” says DeVito. “We have brides that have gotten married here, then come back and have christenings for their children because of her. We have guests call year after year just asking for her. Her personality helps us close business every day. As a single mother, Danisi holds memories dear, such as when her daughter came to work with her for “Take Your Child to Work Day.” A large luncheon happened to be going on that day in the ballroom. The Chef put her right to work in the plate up line—complete with a hat and gloves. Danisi’s daughter helped plate over 300 lunches. After 32 years total with Hyatt, “it pretty much is in my blood,” she exclaims. “The hotel and people that work at my hotel have always been there to celebrate the highs and support me in the lows of my life. My work with the Hyatt is something I always take great pride in and I still enjoy the creativity my job offers me every day.”

SALES AND EVENTS MANAGER SARP KAYA recalls working at the Hyatt Regency Austin back in the 90s. “When our son was one year old, we took a vacation in Anna Maria Island and fell in love with the area,” he says. “I asked my wife who is self-employed, if she would live here. She (the Boss) said ‘get a job and we will move.” Kaya’s now been with Hyatt for over 22 years, and is currently the property’s Sales and Events Manager, but is really more than that, according to DeVito. “He is the face of our hotel and to the community—people come here because he’s here.” she says. “I guess that makes the Hyatt a part of me,” he says. And the Sarasota resort-style location in particular, he notes, “is like a playground where I come and see the friendliest faces, aka my coworkers.” And while Kaya has had the chance to interact with important political fi gures who have walked the halls of Hyatt Sarasota—shaking hands with George Bush, Dick Cheney, Julian Castro and many more—for him it’s more about the fun team building traditions like bowling retreats, happy hours, pizza parties, mini golf outings and going on the La Barge after a busy season or busy period.

BANQUET MANAGER CAPTAIN PAM POE agrees, “Hyatt is all about family time and caring for each other,” she says. “Hyatt means stability to me.” 42 years ago, Poe moved from Michigan to Florida with her parents after graduation, and went out looking for a job. She saw the Hyatt sign on the side of the building. The way the company values guest and treats everyone with dignity and respect she says is what’s kept her for over four decades. Not to mention the opportunities to meet stars like Chuck Norris, Don Johnson, Jay Leno and Michael Jordan. For Banquet Houseman Chris Martin, he started at Hyatt Sarasota in 2008. “I was told there was a job opportunity in the set up department by my friend that worked as the Dockmaster,” he says. Since then, he has been awarded Employee of the Year and sent to Hawaii as reward for anticipating the needs of the guests, and putting them first and foremost.