Author Archives: Quinn Pochekailo

The Flamingo Lodge Grand Opening

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We are delighted to announce the successful Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting-Ceremony of the new Flamingo Lodge and the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Everglades National Park, which took place on Friday, October 27, 2023. This event marked a pivotal moment in the park’s history, unveiling these exceptional new facilities to the public.

 

Here, Laura Sherman, Vice President of the Hospitality Division, shares her thoughts before the grand opening, highlighting the excitement and significance of this landmark event.

 

The ceremony, attended by Guest Services, Inc. executives and National Park Service officials, was an excellent event. It featured esteemed speakers who shared their insights and perspectives on the significance of this milestone. Among the notable speakers were Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks; Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Department of the Interior; and Mark Foust, Regional Director of South Atlantic-Gulf, National Park Service. Their presence and valuable contributions added to the event’s significance and underscored the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

 

Other esteemed speakers included Roger Young, Executive Director of MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Fran Mainella, Board Chair of The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks and former Director of the National Park Service; Alissa Robinson-Byers, Director of Foundation Relations at the National Park Foundation; Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Florida National Parks Association; Cara Capp, Everglades Restoration Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association; and Nico Foris, Chief Executive Officer of Guest Services, Inc. Flamingo Everglades.

 

The day was filled with various activities, including guided tours, ranger programs, and a reception. Another major highlight was the dedication of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center, named in honor of the first Audubon game warden, Guy Bradley, a key figure in wildlife conservation.

 

Attendees enjoyed an exclusive first look at the Flamingo Lodge. The lodge opened to the public on November 1 and offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the beauty of the Everglades with modern amenities. It promises to be a prime destination for nature lovers and adventurers for many years to come.

 

In this segment, Laura Sherman discusses Media Day, providing insights into the event’s impact and the lodge’s potential to attract visitors and media attention.

 

We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated and made this event memorable. For those interested in experiencing the Flamingo Lodge, reservations are now open. Additionally, the National Park Service website provides detailed information for planning a visit to the Guy Bradley Visitor Center.

 

We eagerly await welcoming you to the Flamingo Everglades to explore the wonders of this awe-inspiring national park.

State of the Onion 2023

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At this year’s Annual Food Show, we had the pleasure of hosting team members from across the country, including VPs, District Managers, General Managers, Assistant General Managers, Chefs, and Clients, who joined us to discover new products and connect with vendors. With over 50 vendors presenting both new and existing products, the State Of The Onion presentation delivered by executive leadership, and engaging interactive sessions organized by various GSI departments, the event was packed with highlights.

The State of the Onion provided updates on the company’s notable achievements over the past year in social and environmental responsibility. Nico Foris, CEO, emphasized the company’s dedication to fostering a culture where employees are treated with dignity and respect, identifying this as a key area for further development.

Several Vice Presidents shared updates on essential components within their portfolios, including Laura Sherman, Vice President of the Hospitality Division, who discussed the completion of a significant capital development project at the Flamingo Everglades. Nico said, “We’re thrilled to reach this milestone and strengthen our partnership with the National Park Service. We’re also eager to offer enhanced experiences for regional and international visitors at the national park we’ve helped revitalize.”

In his summary, Nico also mentioned the significant progress of our Employee Resource Groups: HOLA, BELIEVE, WIN, and Kaleidoscope. For live updates, please check The Core. (note: you must be logged into the intranet to view).

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion’s Mentoring Initiative

A year ago, Nico signed the CEO Action Pledge, underscoring our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and granting access to a wide array of resources available at CEOAction.com. He also highlighted the company’s involvement in its Mentoring Initiative, aimed at senior, diverse leaders. Nico said, “Four team members, currently mid-way through this program, are not only enhancing their own professional development and networks but also bolstering diversity within our leadership and improving Guest Services’ success and reputation.”

Nico also touched on the enrichment of Employee Benefits, discussing features like the Tuition Assistance Program, 401K Matching, and modifications to PTO policies. More details can be found on the Intranet.

On The Horizon

In addition to the capital investment projects mentioned above, leadership is set to celebrate the 25-year club, continue implementing Workday, and explore many major business development opportunities in the Condominium Division.

Thank you to all our team members for a superb 2023, and we look forward to closing the year strong.

Bear Mountain Inn | New General Manager & Overcoming A Natural Disaster

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In early July, Bear Mountain State Park received as much as 9 inches of rain in less than 6 hours during a heavy rainstorm, an unprecedented amount that overwhelmed the local infrastructure. As a result of the storms, Bear Mountain State Park was closed down and, subsequently, all of Bear Mountain Inn’s operations. (Read full press release)

Levon Bedrosian, the brand-new General Manager at Bear Mountain Inn, was hired just a few months before the storm hit. It became his first challenge in his new position.

Staying attentive to incoming communications and inquiries and disseminating information among leadership as well as clients is paramount in a crisis situation. Similar to our properties in Florida, which regularly face Hurricane challenges, Levon and his team did an outstanding job not only responding to the storm but also working to return the Inn to full operations.

 

Who is Levon Bedrosian?

Levon Bedrosian grew up near Watkins Glen, NY, where Guest Services also operates. He started his career in 1984 at Boston University in an entry-level role and quickly moved up to supervisory positions, where he developed his skills in food service management. Over the years, he took on roles in different companies, including Viacom and ABC/Disney, and also worked at Morgan Stanley in the financial sector. Later, he managed several departments of a Municipality as the Special Districts Facility Administrator, overseeing operations and several large construction projects. Eventually, his strong background in hospitality led him back to the industry, securing him the role at Bear Mountain Inn.

 

Team Highlights

“I am fortunate to have a great core management team along with many wonderful staff members. However, there are three people who have gone beyond their regular duties to support my new role here,” says Levon.

“Sydney Mazzei, the Property Controller, has been a big support in so many ways. She has been supportive with providing a clear picture of the complexity of each of the departments/programs, the hurdles that have been overcome, and challenges that may arise in this diverse operation we have.”

“William VanDunk, the Front Desk Manager, has been a key person of historical knowledge and has been helpful with my learning of the past and introduced me to many Park managers, staff, and key personnel.”

“Margarito Gatica, the Concessions Manager, has one of the largest programs here at Bear Mountain Inn. He oversees Hikers Café, Stand 10 Concessions, Paddle Boat Rentals, Carousel operations, and a remote location at Lake Welch just over 10 miles away. He stays calm in many difficult situations. Always open to change and making improvements.”

Thank you to the entire Bear Mountain Inn team for your hard work!