Nicole
Nicole was only 13 years old when she started in hospitality at what was “just a really good job to pay for school.” Little was she aware, that from this point forward, her job experiences were going to lead her towards a rewarding career in the tourism industry. She spent eight seasons at the Fraser Downs Raceway, where she bussed tables and served drinks.
In between, Nicole worked in a hotel, tried sales, and helped open Planet Hollywood. “I always dabbled in different places.”
One summer, Nicole showed up at the Moraine Lake Lodge in Alberta. She was hired as a restaurant server and later became dining room supervisor.
She later returned to Vancouver and for five years, she worked as a Restaurant Supervisor, later becoming Assistant Manager, and Assistant Dining and Event Manager at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
After having left the Capilano Suspension Bridge in search of a different experience, Nicole found a new challenge at Emelle’s as Catering Manager.
“I do two things. For the sales manager part, I bring in the business. Once the sale is here, then I put on the catering manager hat. So I hire staff, schedule the staff, plan the menu,” Nicole said. This aligns directly with Nicole’s ability to source and select the right people for the job, ensuring their talents and availability are suitable to the standards of the company and planning a menu around her workforce’s capabilities.
“If I sell a vision, I know it can happen and I implement it. Whether it’s a bride or a corporate event I don’t want what I told them is going to happen not to happen,” Nicole said.
Selling Emelle’s was no walk in the park. “I started pounding pavement. I talked to people. I cold-called for the first six months,” Nicole said. Although the job was challenging, something must have kept her motivated to continue.
So, why has she stayed in the industry for a long time?
“You’re always meeting new people, doing new things. You have to be creative all the time. It keeps me motivated, stimulated. It’s always interesting. You never get bored,” Nicole said. Her love for the dynamic nature of the industry and its endless possibilities has motivated her to enhance her life and professional career within Tourism. Nicole has set herself apart from the rest by being passionate and driven about her experiences and always aiming to produce a high quality product.