A candle was lit by Klaus Peters
on June 14, 2017 2:31 AM
The way Earl made me feel 53 years ago, affected my personality, my management style and is responsible for my ultimate success in hospitality management.
In 1959, I started my hospitality career as a 14-year old in Germany. Following my 3 years’ apprenticeship, I worked for a season as a server in Leysin, Switzerland and in Paris France.
At that time in Europe, if you weren’t a “Somebody” you were a “Nobody”. In 1964, I arrived in Houston as a “Nobody” server, at the Hotel America in Houston Texas, making $3.50 a day plus tips. Because of this and the fact that I didn’t make any money and disliked tips, I had low self-esteem and thus became arrogant to cover up my insecurities. I don’t believe that I was liked by too many people.
A miracle happened, when I first served M/M Duffy and guests in the hotel’s restaurant. Just imagine, Mr. Duffy greeted me by name and introduced me to his guest and his guests to me.
WOW, this had never happened to me before. Mr. Duffy respected me and treated me like an equal. To him and his wife, I was a “Somebody”. The way he made me feel, totally changed my personality and the way I would treat subordinates in the future.
My career took off. Within 5 years, I went from being a server to Maître d’, to F&B Manager, to GM of a beautiful Country Club and Inn in Florida. Following I managed several Sheraton and Hyatt Hotels as well as independent major hotels and resorts around the country.
Because of my quick career rise, I never became an expert in any of the hospitality disciplines, instead I put to practice what Earl Duffy had done to me, by making individuals feeling good about themselves, by feeling appreciated and important, they would do their very best to accomplish our goals. Thus, I had a most satisfying career managing and living in hotels for 40 years until I retired 8 years ago.
Rest in Peace Earl and Thank You, I will never forget.
A candle was lit by Klaus Peters
on June 14, 2017 2:05 AM