Interview with Julie Brown - Director of Rooms at Intercontinental Chicago

👋 Julie Brown is the Director of Rooms at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, a historic hotel built in 1929 with 792 rooms.

🏨 The hotel is known for its beautiful architecture and features a pool on the 14th floor. Julie shares her unique journey into hospitality, starting from a background in criminal justice.

👩‍🏫 Julie began her career at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, the largest hotel in Chicago with 2004 rooms. She fell in love with hospitality while interacting with happy employees and guests.

🔍 After working in security, she transitioned to the Hilton Chicago as a security officer and later became the assistant director of security, overseeing 35 male officers.

💼 Julie then moved to housekeeping, where she managed a department of 500 employees and 135 room attendants to clean 1544 rooms on sold-out days.

📊 The housekeeping department was structured with 16 floor supervisors ensuring quality and productivity. Julie emphasizes the importance of treating employees fairly and addressing issues promptly.

🤝 She believes in developing her team, having promoted 19 to 20 individuals during her career. Julie focuses on mentoring and providing opportunities for growth.

🌍 Julie highlights the significance of relationships in hospitality, stating that genuine connections with guests and colleagues are essential for success.

💪 She encourages those in the industry to remain hopeful, stating that hospitality will rebound post-COVID and that there are still opportunities for passionate individuals.

📞 Julie shares a touching story of calling back employees from furlough, emphasizing the joy and excitement of returning to work in hospitality.

✨ In conclusion, Julie's journey reflects the transformative power of hospitality, both for employees and guests. She encourages everyone to treat their people right to ensure a successful and fulfilling career in the industry.