New Member Spotlight

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Ottawa, and grew up in Orleans a suburb east of the nation’s capital. I attended Garneau High School, and studied Hotel & Resort Administration at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. I am the husband to a loving wife, and a proud father of 2 energetic boys.

How did you join the industry?

After graduating from Georgian College, I started working in the industry immediately as a guest service agent at the Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa Downtown (now the Carleton Suites Hotel). I was given the opportunity to join the sales team a few years after, and the rest is history…

What do you recommend following on social media?

Even though I am considered a Millennial I tend not to dabble too much in social media. I use LinkedIn as a way to communicate with clients, colleagues, and pick-up on some industry news/content. The lost art of face to face interactions with clients/industry colleagues is by far the best way to stay connected, and relevant.

What do you want to accomplish before your next birthday?

Before my next birthday, I want to complete my private pilot’s license. It’s been a long process.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Working in a high stress/expectation environment it’s important to give it 110% everyday, but that’s all you can do. No one is super human!

Do you collect anything?

I collect ties, and pocket squares.

What was your favourite networking event?

I thoroughly enjoy all MPI events that the Ottawa chapter organizes. The MPI Gala (Prestige Award) is always a good one.

Favorite Quote?

"It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation" -- Herman Melville

Article written by: Chantale Degagne, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Article Edited by Rozanne Lyons, CMP, Intertask Conferences