Employee Spotlight: Robert Topacio

Posted in: Ambassadors
Tags: employee spotlight, the woodlands resort, employee of the year, robert topacio, director of housekeeping

A lost valuable can put a damper on any vacation. Luckily for one woman who lost a diamond ring while visiting The Woodlands Resort, it didn’t have to. When Director of Housekeeping Robert Topacio heard about the guest’s missing ring, he immediately joined the search in hopes of helping recover the lost item. After searching high-and-low, Robert discovered the ring had been lodged in the washer drum and promptly returned it to the guest. Needless to say, the woman was beyond grateful and able to enjoy the remainder of her vacation.

It’s Robert’s commitment and dedication to each and every guest that earned him 2010 Employee of the Year. Though Robert’s number one priority is taking care of the guests needs, what has kept him working at The Resort the past 22 years are the friends he has found in his co-workers and the team-like atmosphere.

During his 22 years at The Resort, Robert has served as Director of Housekeeping and has maintained a hard work ethic that has not wavered. Each day Robert inspects the property—from public spaces and guest rooms to The Spa and restaurants—to ensure all areas exceed visitor’s expectations.

In his free time Robert serves as President of the Houston Northwest Filipino-American Community Organization, a group that offers assistance to those in need through a variety of programs including senior services, toy drives and food donations. Robert also enjoys collecting antique cars and playing a round (or two!) of golf with his friends.

Employee Spotlight: Kim Lowe

Posted in: Ambassadors
Tags: kim lowe, the woodlands resort, sales manager

Sales Manager Kim Lowe knows that when you’re away from home, it’s the little things that make all the difference. Kim continually goes above and beyond to ensure each and every clients’ needs are met, throwing in a few personal touches of her own.

When working with prospective clients, Kim not only strives to be the easiest, quickest and most responsive contact, but she develops a relationship with them to learn about their interests in order to personalize each client’s experience.

Kim learned that one particular client loved the Resort’s pillows. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kim ordered the pillows from the supplier and sent them to her client along with Godiva chocolates for an extra special Valentine’s Day treat!

Another client happened to be meeting at the resort on her birthday. She mentioned that her seven-year-old son was worried about her traveling on her birthday because she would not have anyone to celebrate with. Kim planned a birthday celebration and took pictures to e-mail home so her son would know Mom enjoyed birthday cake and was surrounded by smiling faces.

Whether Kim is putting magazines pertaining to her client’s hobbies in their guestrooms, sending birthday cards or calling for a friendly chat, Kim never fails to go the extra mile.

It’s these special touches that helped Kim earn the 2010 Smart Supplier award for sales creativity and excellence in client care at The Smart Meeting, a three-day educational conference for tourism and meeting planner professionals.

Kim’s proudest moment during her four years at The Woodlands Resort was being awarded Manager of the Year. “Being appreciated is the greatest motivator,” said Kim reflecting on the honor.

Kim is truly appreciated by everyone at The Woodlands Resort, and we are proud to have her on our team.
 

Employee Spotlight: Lan Lao

Posted in: Ambassadors
Tags: the woodlands resort, employee spotlight, houseman supervisor

Ever wonder how hotels make beds with perfectly tucked sheets?

At The Woodlands Resort, Lelante “Lan” Lao is the man behind the scenes ensuring each sheet is tucked and folded just right.

Lan joined The Woodlands Resort team in 2005 as houseman and has since worked his way up to Supervisor.

As Houseman Supervisor, Lan checks each guest room to ensure his team provides a clean, welcoming environment to each guest upon check-in. Lan also works with the front desk to make certain that all guest requests are met in a timely manner. He is meticulous when supervising his team, and motivates them to take pride in their work.

Although Lan’s role is as a Houseman Supervisor, it’s not uncommon to find him helping guests with luggage, giving rides around the resort and offering additional assistance when needed. Lan is truly dedicated to the overall guest experience at The Woodlands Resort.

One of Lan’s proudest moments while working at The Resort was when he found a two-year-old boy wandering around The Resort going from door to door looking for his mom. Lan successfully reunited the child with his mother, and will never forget the look of relief on the worried mom’s face.

Lan and his wife of sixteen years came to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2001, and they are proud to call The Woodlands home. Lan enjoys spending his free time cooking for his wife, a high school teacher. Some of his specialties include Chinese Lo Mein, Sweet and Sour Fish and Blue Crab in Coconut Milk.

Next time you see him around The Resort, be sure to say hello! He might even share a recipe or two.
 

Employee Spotlight

Posted in: Ambassadors
Tags: banquet captain, 2010 employee of the year, the woodlands resort

Rodesno Fuentes has managed hundreds of corporate banquets and lavish weddings as Banquet Captain since 2005. He was also named 2010 Employee of the Year. What’s his approach to providing exemplary guest service? We sat down with Rodesno to find out.

Great employees go above and beyond the call to help provide exceptional guest experiences … describe a time you went above and beyond the call.  One group planned a golf-themed lunch. They brought some props with them but just before lunch was to be served, the planner decided it would be neat to set-up a mini putt-putt course in the meeting room. I searched the property and secured some wood, ice buckets and green turf. My banquet team and I set up a challenging putt-putt course in the room with different elevations and obstacles. The planner was thrilled!

What do you like most about working at The Woodlands Resort?
There is a great team concept among all the departments. Employees are quick to help guests and each other with a friendly, appreciative attitude.

What sets the Resort apart from other hotels?
The first thing I noticed when I started working here was how extremely organized the resort is. In this industry, you always have to be willing to improvise and react quickly to last-minute requests from guests. We never lack the tools and resources needed to be successful and it enables my team to provide the best service possible.

What’s your proudest moment while working at the Resort?
I was named Employee of the Month during my first year here. Not only was my hard work noticed by my fellow employees, but I also received nice letters from guests telling about the service I provided. I was very touched and surprised.
 

Because We All Need a Getaway

Posted in: Ways To Play, In The Know, Ambassadors
Tags: the woodlands, couples, romance, dining, entertainment, getaway, weekend getaway

Nick Wolda - The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

The other day I bumped into a friend of mine in Houston. We talked about our daily grind and, at one point, the conversation turned to places to go for a quick, weekend getaway. Of course, I was all too willing to suggest The Woodlands for he and his wife.

Here are my Top 5 "couples" spots in The Woodlands:

#5. The bar at Américas Restaurant in Waterway Square. You'll think you're in New York when you step into this great nightspot. A terrific lounge environment with great music and fun, cabana-like chaise lounges.

#4. The Fountains at Waterway Square. Just steps from Américas, check out the Fountains for its night-lit synchronized water displays. A nice after-dinner treat.

#3. Town Green Park. Right across the street from Market Street, Town Green Park is a great midday spot for a picnic, to read a book or just to relax in the sun.

#2. Jasper's in Market Street. Outstanding cuisine (Executive Chef Kent Rathbun is an Iron Chef America winner and a four-time James Beard Award nominee) and a terrific atmosphere. If the weather is right, ask to dine on the patio.

#1. Crush Wine Lounge. Hundreds of superb wines and an amazing atmosphere have made this the nightspot in The Woodlands. Also offers a great selection of light appetizers . . . located in Waterway Square.

For other great couples spots, go to www.visitthewoodlands.com.  Book a romance or spa package for a true getaway.