Some people choose careers to earn power; some are motivated by financial reward and others are dedicated to saving people, animals or the environment. At the core of every innkeeper’s soul is hospitality. This makes them champions of romance and culinary acumen. They are counselors, chefs, marketers, conversationalists, concierge and mini Chambers of Commerce all rolled into one.
The job of an innkeeper runs 24-7. Unlike any other career, the demands on an innkeeper are ever present. From shopping to baking to accounting to greeting and once in awhile even putting some guests to bed, innkeepers are on the go from dawn to well beyond dusk.
Thus it comes as no surprise that the new decade draws new year’s resolutions from innkeepers focusing on doing even more for guests while seeking just a little time for themselves. I asked BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection innkeepers for their new year’s resolutions. Here are responses from Diamond Collection members from throughout the USA, listed in alphabetical order by state:
From Joanna Guidotti and Brian Jensen, Churchill Manor, Napa, CA: “In 2010 we hope to stride confidently into social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. We also hope to find ways to become more green. We have made improvements in 2009 such as changing out light bulbs, installing a water softener, and buying environmentally responsible amenities but we know we can do more.”
From Donna Cain, Brewster by the Sea Inn and Spa, Brewster (Cape Cod), MA: “This year I wanted to have a new resolution (besides my usual to lose weight and get healthy which I have finally achieved!). I decided to add a concept I have been discussing with my husband on a daily basis.....to be cognizant of the power of words in our daily communication. I will stop to think about what I say and work to stay positive in all communications to guests and family.
From Byron Cain, Brewster by the Sea Inn and Spa, Brewster (Cape Cod), MA: “This year's resolution had its genesis in the photography I had been doing the last several years. My goal is to start learning how to see the world through an artists. I want to explore and blog on the art galleries on Cape Cod, do black and white photographs that have an expressionistic and /or surreal aspect to them and tell a different story about Cape Cod. As with last year's resolution, this is meant to be a "forever" project.”
David and Cynthia Lynn, The Inn at Peralynna, Columbia, MD: “Our New Year's Resolution for the Inn at Peralynna is to be part of the peace and joy in this world; to provide a space for our guests to rest in the nicest and most comfortable surroundings possible and to help renew their energy and spirits!”
From Terry Anderson, Chimney Hill Inn & Ol’ Barn Estate, Lambertville, NJ: “My resolution is to keep the joy of living in our everyday activities. Also, we resolve not to get lost in the news or problems of the world without finding hope for the outcomes to be better than expected. Also, I hope to never lose touch with the kindness of the human spirit and love each day as though it were my last day on earth; be responsible for my own happiness and give hope and joy to all I connect with. To keep peace, happiness and health in my life and share it with others. To be grateful.”
From Judy Heuber, Chesterfield Inn, Chesterfield, NH: “Talk less, listen more. Attend yoga class every week. Walk 3 miles every day. Find a few minutes each afternoon to sit quietly and re-focus. Multi-task less. Turn off my cell phone. Start and end each day by thinking of one thing to be thankful for. Take the time to drink a cup of coffee and read the paper every day before I go to the inn. ”
From Sylvia Muller, Mill House Inn, East Hampton, NY: “New Years Resolution? Do even better for our guests than last year - find more ways to WOW them! ”
From Lynnette Scofield, The William Henry Miller Inn, Ithaca, NY: “Recipes are my resolution—to keep trying new ones; improve the ones that we are using already and be the best "broad" I can be (referring to the Eight Broads in the Kitchen website - www.bedandbreakfastfoodie.com).
From John Byrne, Fuquay Mineral Spring Inn & Garden, Fuquay-Varina, NC: "Let us continue to educate ourselves about the growing and changing needs of all our guests in 2010 so we can be all we can be."
Carolyn and Frank Troxell, Inn at Westwynd Farm, Hummelstown , PA: “Our resolution is to go greener in every way. We expanded our organic vegetable and herb garden last year and hope to more in 2010. We’re looking for ways to more in housekeeping and maintenance practices.”
From Carol Davis, Blisswood Inn B&B at Lehmann Legacy Ranch, Cat Springs, TX:“Take time for myself, and get back to my passion of ballroom dancing. Having competed for eight years in the past, I gave it up to move to the country. It’s time to get back to it!”