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Jerry Simmons, Hyatt Regency
For 40 years Jerry Simmons has been an ambassador of hospitality. He has worked almost every job in the hotel and can relate to almost any situation. He understands that to provide exceptional service, you must extend genuine concern and care to both internal and external guests. Never too busy to stop and listen, his daily walks through the hotel all hours of the day and evening give him an opportunity to interact with as many guests and associates as possible. His staff can relate hundreds of “Jerry Stories” and here’s one. Sometimes these walks allow him to come to the rescue of a guest. For example, he ran into a gentleman with a look of distress on his face. He had forgotten his cuff links and he was on his way to the Ballroom as the Keynote Speaker! Jerry just said, “No problem…Here, take mine.” These are everyday occurrences…both large and small… that make his team proud of him and of their hotel.
A firm believer in giving back to the community, in 2009, one of the events in which the hotel participated was the American Heart Association Fundraiser and $10,000 was raised through various employee activities. Jerry is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau and sits on various boards throughout the City. Having played professional football, Jerry Simmons understands team dynamics. He has been a “coach” for hundreds of people who consider it a privilege to have worked with him. A loving husband and father, his motto is “family first” and he lives by it. Jerry has made a profound impact on many lives, his hotel and the hospitality community.