Concierge Work. Community Fundraising Work. With Cookies. In this episode meet Scott Nichols, a concierge with more than 20 years experience. A concierge who because of recent life developments has had to put his career on hold. A concierge who just also happens to be my best friend. edacious.co/070
Now concierge might not be the first occupation you envision when you think of Food Work, but hotels and restaurants have a symbiotic relationship, one that operates behind the scenes, with hotel staff and restaurant employees often working for each other's benefit, coming together to make sure both establishments remain successful. It's a relationship often misunderstood, and one most travelers never take advantage of.
Scott started in hotel reservations, slowly working his way up to the front desk. Learning as much as he could, networking, soaking up every piece of knowledge like a sponge. The relationship between a concierge team and their hotel employers is often volatile. So when the entire team walked off the job one day, Scott stepped in and a career was born. A career where he thrived because of his ability to connect, converse, and anticipate the needs of his customers. Knowing what they wanted before they did. Anticipating what they needed just by looking at their suit, the make of their watch, their demeanor as they stepped up to the desk. A job so demanding he often had to sleep on a cot in a closet behind his desk.
What did he enjoy most about the work and still does to this day? Making people happy. Making sure every guest feels welcomed and their visit is a trip to remember. This isn't as Scott says, "McDonald's Concierging". This is building relationships.
Whether you're a business traveler or a tourist, utilizing your concierge makes for a better travel experience. You don't have to be a millionaire. Be honest, form a relationship, and your concierge will work to tailor an unforgettable occasion within your budget. Nowadays people use Internet "Best Of" lists to tick off every box. By keeping an open mind and trusting a concierge you will still have the most amazing experience, just maybe not the one you planned. Way better than consulting a Top 10 list on Yelp. Need a table at Rose's Luxury but don't like standing in line? A good concierge can hire you a line sitter.
Which brings us to restaurants. Any concierge worth his salt has professional symbiotic relationships with restaurants, often with the hostess, a server, or even the chef. Often restaurants hold open houses for hotel staff, enticing them to recommend their establishment to travelers. This "Favor System" isn't without its flaws, but remains an important aspect of driving business. Best case scenario? The entire team of restaurant and hotel come together to make things happen so everyone involved goes away happy.
Last summer, Scott was diagnosed with Stage 3B colorectal cancer and had to leave his chosen profession for treatment. Medical bills began to pile up. So I stepped in to help, as friends do, by creating a GoFund Me campaign, and the Big Love Bake Sale. The love and support for this campaign from friends, family, and even total strangers have been overwhelming. He is so very grateful.
Not only is this the BEST episode I've ever done, it's the one fully inhabiting the mission I set for myself. Community and Connection. It lives the intention I set each and every morning when I sit down and put on my headphones. It will be the one I present when folks ask, "Which episode should I listen to first?" I saw a different side to my friend, one I hadn't witnessed. It made me prouder of him than I've ever been. And it made me damn glad to know him. Give a listen then head out to Charlottesville City Market for the bake sale. Big Love everyone. Big Love.
