Grand Pacific Resorts is proud to be a company where ambition meets opportunity.
For Associates who are eager to learn while demonstrating dedication and seizing opportunities, the potential for professional growth within Grand Pacific Resorts (GPR) is limitless.
Examples of this career development are evident in the stories of many Associates who have diligently worked their way through the ranks, making it clear that GPR is not only a workplace but also a launchpad. Read on to learn about the impressive stories of Marc Russo, General Manager at Coronado Beach Resort, and Kendal Dean, General Manager at Vista Mirage Resort, and their career paths to where they are today.
The Path to Becoming General Managers
Marc Russo, whose track ultimately led him to his current role of General Manager at Coronado Beach Resort, is a testament to the many opportunities available within GPR.
“I was aiming to become a GM in a ski resort town,” Marc recalled.
The response was immediate: GPR had a new property coming into the portfolio, and Marc offered to help onboard it in the role of Guest Services Director. He remained there for a year while the resort was under GPR management.
This was just the beginning of Marc’s career, and his time in the mountains prepared him for his next role at a GPR resort located in the Lake Tahoe region.
“I transitioned into the same role of Guest Services Director and was there for three years. The experience was invaluable, laying the foundation for future leadership roles,” he said.
Similarly, Kendal joined MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort as the Assistant Director of Guest Services in November 2016 and later became part of the leadership development program, Grand BET. Her participation in this program provided her with invaluable exposure to various departments and resorts while allowing her to forge meaningful relationships through networking. Kendal’s dedication and hard work paid off with her promotion to Director of Front Office Operations in April 2019, which marked a significant milestone in her career.
The Importance of Seizing Opportunities
For those aspiring to grow within GPR, the key is eagerly embracing opportunities like the rigorous two-year development program Grand BET, or Leadership Enrichment courses, along with taking advantage of GPR’s Tuition Reimbursement.
“You’ll never know unless you do it,” Marc said. “A lot of what directed my career growth came from surrounding myself with diverse people and listening to their unique perspectives while putting myself in dynamic situations—being willing to help with new business opportunities as they popped up with no certainty of the outcome.”
Kendal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to a relocatable lifestyle that expanded their horizons. “I have always jumped at the chance to participate in new programs and projects, which has significantly enriched my experience,” she shared.
Her dedication to exceptional service has resulted in improved service scores, strong relationships with Owners, and a commitment to creating memorable experiences for families. “My goal has always been to exceed Owner expectations and ensure families have unforgettable vacations,” she explained.
Grand BET Program: A Fast Track to Leadership
The Grand BET Program is one of Grand Pacific Resort’s most significant growth accelerators, specifically for Associates who have the goal of eventually becoming General Managers.
“Grand BET has certainly helped speed up the process, focusing more on higher-level GM candidates. Becoming a Front of House or Back of House supervisor is the first step. You can only apply for Grand BET once you’ve reached a supervisory level,” Marc explained.
For Kendal, the program was instrumental in enhancing leadership skills and confidence. “The networking and training I received were invaluable. It prepared me for the responsibilities of a GM and set clear expectations for my role,” she said.
The program not only equips Associates with necessary leadership skills but also lays out the expectations of GPR, ensuring that future GMs are ready to lead with confidence. It provides courses on customer service along with in-depth training about the GM role, from building budgets to handling insurance paperwork and back-of-house operations.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Both General Managers have words of advice for Associates who are eager to grow into positions with greater responsibilities.
Kendal emphasized the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone: “Absorb as much experience as possible and stay open to new opportunities. I believe that setbacks as opportunities for learning and leading with grace is essential.”
Marc also highlighted the importance of humility and adaptability: “Listen to those above you and bring your ideas and skillset to the table with an understanding that sometimes they won’t be accepted—and that’s okay. Own your mistakes, don’t ask for things before they’re given to you, and if you want to grow, tell your goals to someone you trust who can help make them a reality.”
At the Heart of GPR: Its People
When reflecting on their tenures at Grand Pacific Resorts, both General Managers were clear that it’s the people along with a culture of support, camaraderie, and shared growth, that make Grand Pacific Resorts more than just a company, but rather a family.
Whether it’s through the various opportunities that arise on property at our resort locations or through growth programs like Grand BET, we are dedicated to helping all of our Associates reach new heights in their careers and achieve their professional dreams.