Our World-Champion Housekeepers

During the coming week, two important events will take place. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts will join the National Housekeepers Association to honor Housekeepers around the world, and legendary Denver Broncos’ quarterback John Elway will be honored in Denver. Elway’s jersey will be retired, and his name will be added to the Ring of Fame surrounding the bleachers in Denver’s Mile High Stadium. In each instance, it is, indeed, a fitting recognition of some really great players. Each has turned in championship performances in their respective careers.

Elway was a remarkable performer. Year after year, with seemingly mass confusion around him, he often stood calmly in the pocket behind the line, delivering the goods at just the right time against overwhelming odds. When necessary, he would make a last-minute change in the play, improvise or even run and carry the ball over the goal line himself.

Doesn’t this describe our Housekeeping team? With massive check-ins and check-outs, confusion often reigns, and yet our Housekeepers calmly deliver the goods with a style and quality that has made Outrigger a respected leader in the hospitality industry. When things suddenly shift or the unexpected happens, our Housekeeping team is able to quickly adapt, re-deploy and come up with a new plan to achieve their goal.

Unlike professional athletes, Housekeepers rarely get the recognition they deserve, except possibly in the second week in September when we all join in the celebration of National Housekeepers Week. During the coming days, ceremonies honoring Housekeepers will be held throughout the Outrigger chain. Games, luncheons, entertainment and much more have been scheduled for all of our properties.

I started my hotel career in the Housekeeping department, and as a result, hold a special place in my heart for the Housekeepers of the Outrigger ‘ohana. I know first-hand that Housekeepers make invaluable contributions to our company and our guests, day after day, year after year. Thus, I was particularly pleased to attend the retirement party for Housekeeper Amparo Fagarang a few days ago and to renew my support of our Housekeeping team. ,,,I am sorry that I was out of town when Maria Guerrero retired. These two professionals have 46 years of Housekeeping experience between them–nearly a half century of knowledge and service. It should not go unrecognized.

Housekeepers have to be prepared for the unexpected. They have to work with all of the skill and coordination of a championship team in the National Football League, both within their department and with the rest of their property. In fact, in Waikiki, Housekeeping has to be coordinated and integrated not only within one hotel, but also among several properties.

Over the years, Housekeeping has become a science, requiring knowledge of chemistry, safety, the environment, human resources, guest relations and a host of other disciplines. I am proud so many of our Housekeepers are constantly learning and improving themselves, so they can perform effectively in today’s world.

Congratulations to our Super Bowl Team of Housekeepers! As you score goals every day, you are the real champions in my book. Mahalo for all you have done and continue to do day after day.