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Bob Talavera, Palace Hotel
As the Palace Hotel’s Payroll Administrator, Bob Talavera has run a tight ship with clarity of vision and control of the myriad details of a system that churns out over 13,000 paychecks a year. In 2001, the Palace was able to “steal” Bob from another hotel where he had been since 1983. Although he sometimes displays a serious nature, there is definitely another side to this 32-year hospitality industry veteran. Bob never misses an employee function and usually signs on to help with registration just so he can meet and greet everyone attending. He relates beautifully with the next generation, as well, as he can be found making cookies and playing games with employees’ children at their annual party. In fact, Bob confesses that these are his favorite jobs as they allow him to keep in touch with everyone. There are so many ways that Bob relates to his colleagues: As a New Hire Ambassador, he guides and orients new associates and managers around the hotel; as a translator with fluent Spanish language skills he assists associates with translations; as a trusted advisor he often helps report situations some associates may be too shy to relate; as a mentor, he offers “fatherly advice” to all who seek the wisdom of his experience. Then there’s his “special brew” which he concocts at the hint of a sniffle and provides for anyone under the weather…strictly for medicinal purposes. His warmth and generosity is extended to newcomer and veteran associate, alike. Behind the scenes, nurturing the internal customers of his property, Bob provides the type of safe haven that instills confidence and trust. Bob Talavera understands how every task contributes to the overall success of a property, and his support and encouragement have been instrumental in creating the rising stars of the industry.