 << Back to all Puget Sound Ambassadors
 Jitesh Verma
Banquet Captain,
Sheraton Seattle Hotel
Jitesh Verma migrated from India to Seattle in 1987. He worked part time at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel while in school and running a small business. After he achieved his degree in Commerce and hotel Management, he sold his business, went full-time at the Sheraton Seattle and, in his own words, "stayed to pursue happiness and a dream."
How did a part-time job turn into a 20-year career in the hotel business?
It fit right in with my lifestyle. I love this industry. There's never a dull moment because we're meeting phenomenal people from around the world every day. I've worked in banquets, the hotel's gallery bar, café, room service. I managed Fuller's restaurant but I came back to banquets because I liked the contact with people. And I went through the hotel's management training program. We have a phenomenal management team here who empower people every day to do their best.
What does it mean to be a banquet captain?
You make sure that food and beverage and other events go flawlessly and that everyone benefits from that with return business and satisfied clients.
Last year, the hotel opened a much-anticipated second tower and yet more meeting and banquet space. How do you like it?
It's wonderful since the expansion took place. It's brought even more interest and more people. We are just thrilled.
Do you notice when tourism is up or down?
We notice it. When it's down, everyone does their part. We're all pieces of a puzzle and we work together. I think that's the reason why Seattle has become a world famous city. I think that's one reason I've stayed. I've had chances to work elsewhere, but I've chosen to stay because I really enjoy it.
In more than 20 years of providing superb service, there must be one or two odd requests from guests.
I remember once being asked by a group of British guests to take a day off and personally show them around the area. They said they'd pay me $3,000 for the day. I declined because I was scheduled to work the next day [when pressed, Mr. Verma politely acknowledges the inherent compliment in the offer].
Why does tourism matter to you?
Tourism has made me a better person because I have been able to make a living, travel, and own my own business [a new, small rental business that benefits from Mr. Verma's flexible work hours at the hotel]. I believe learning never ends. Travel enriches you. I want to make sure that visitors enjoy their stays and that all of Seattle benefits from visitors.
<< Back to all Puget Sound Ambassadors
|
