Author Archives: Quinn Pochekailo

Team Member Spotlight: Nick Romeo Expands Guest Services’ Reach Through Partnerships and Education

Guest Services has a long tradition of welcoming visitors to parks and public spaces across the country, ensuring they have access to memorable services and experiences. With more than 35 years in the hospitality industry, Nick Romeo brings experience from major attractions such as Legoland Activity Centers, the Big Wheel in Orlando, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life, and now applies that expertise as National Tour and Travel Sales Manager.

A New Frontier with Resellers

One of Nick’s primary responsibilities is overseeing third-party resellers and hotel partnerships. This includes well-known online travel agents such as TripAdvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide, and Tripster, which allow Guest Services’ parks to reach millions of potential visitors. By activating these channels, Nick ensures that guests booking trips to Florida or beyond can seamlessly add natural experiences to their itineraries.

“Tour and travel sales are an essential part of how we grow awareness of our parks and experiences,” says Laura Sherman, Vice President of Hospitality. “Nick’s work is already making an impact, and his dedication to building strong partnerships is helping us reach new audiences every day.”

“Not everyone likes working with resellers,” Nick admits. “But I’ve always enjoyed it. They bring in business we may never have reached otherwise.” His strategy is to partner with the strongest companies in both the U.S. and Europe, particularly those that integrate with FareHarbor, making it easier for guests to purchase tickets as part of larger travel packages.

 

Personal Journey and Resilience

Earlier this year, Nick experienced a medical emergency after a fall, which led to a seizure and two major brain surgeries. Recovery required time away from work, but Nick voiced his appreciation for the overwhelming support of the Guest Services team for helping him return. “It really feels good to be back,” he reflects. “At a company of this size, I was honored to have received this level of care. The support made all the difference.”

Outside of his role at Guest Services, Nick has a unique background, holding a degree in animal science and having previously worked as a licensed funeral director in New York. He and his husband live in Orlando, where they have built a life together for the past 24 years.

Here to Support Properties

For Nick, the most important part of his role is supporting general managers and property teams. He wants them to know he is a resource, whether it’s navigating reseller relationships, leveraging online travel agents, or developing educational partnerships with schools.

“I’d love to be able to work not only with Florida but across our park systems,” Nick says. “I’m here to help, and I want our teams to know the resources they have available.”

Thank you for all you do, Nick!

Breckenridge Becomes Colorado’s First Dark-Sky Certified Resort Town

In August 2025, Breckenridge was officially designated as a Certified Dark-Sky Community by DarkSky International, becoming the first mountain resort town in Colorado to earn this distinction (Town of Breckenridge, CBS News). This milestone reflects years of forward-thinking initiatives, starting with an exterior lighting ordinance in 2007 and significant upgrades to street lighting and construction codes across town (Town of Breckenridge).

At Guest Services, Inc., we are proud to operate The Lodge at Breckenridge, where guests can experience the beauty of the Rockies while enjoying our commitment to hospitality. We are honored to be part of the Breckenridge community and to contribute to a town that leads the way in preserving its natural wonders.

Giants Ridge Shines with Statewide Wins and Team Member Recognitions

Giants Ridge has once again proven itself a premier destination in Minnesota, taking home multiple accolades in the Minnesota’s Best reader-choice awards presented by the Star Tribune. This year, Giants Ridge earned:

  • Gold – Best Golf Course
  • Gold – Best Ski Hill
  • Gold – Best Ski Resort
  • Gold – Best Weekend Getaway
  • Silver – Best Fall Fun/Events
  • Silver – Best Day Trip
  • Silver – Best Fall Destination
  • Silver – Best Winter Destination

General Manager Fred Seymour explained that these recognitions are more than just titles, saying they reflect “the hard work, dedication, and hospitality that our team brings to every guest experience.” He emphasized that every role, whether it’s grooming trails, mowing greens, or serving guests in the restaurants, contributed to the wins. Fred noted that with more than 250 employees across golf, ski, Nordic, and food & beverage operations, the property is “a unique operation that takes a dedicated team to keep running smoothly.”

Having led Giants Ridge for eight years, Fred added that its variety of offerings makes it unique, pointing out that “championship golf courses, a ski area, Nordic trails, three restaurants, and year-round operations all come together here.” He also emphasized the property’s importance to the community, noting that it is one of the region’s largest employers.

 

 

Spotlight on Rising Talent

Alongside these statewide honors, Giants Ridge is celebrating lift mechanic Neale Leete, who has been nominated for the 2025 SAM Rise Up Challenge, a contest spotlighting lift maintenance professionals.

In less than two years, Neale advanced from lift operator to mechanic while pursuing technical training to deepen his expertise. Marketing Director Josh Woolery shared that “Neale’s journey and passion make him a standout not just at Giants Ridge, but across the ski industry,” encouraging the community to watch his video submission and vote daily to help him secure an education grant.

Fred added that Neale’s story reflects a broader philosophy at Giants Ridge: “It’s important to believe in your team, give them the tools to succeed, and trust them to make decisions. That’s what allows us to create a culture of excellence in everything we do.”

 

 

Continuing the Tradition of Excellence

From wide recognition in Minnesota’s Best to attention for rising talent, Giants Ridge continues to demonstrate the passion, teamwork, and dedication that define the Guest Services experience. Building on these accomplishments, the team looks forward to welcoming even more guests and strengthening its reputation as one of Minnesota’s premier four-season destinations.