Are you a people person? Consider a career in the hotel industry, says Jeffrey Reich-Hale.
As the director of sales at the Fairfield Inn by Marriot Long Island City/ Manhattan View in Long Island City, Reich-Hale said that the best part of his job is meeting and talking to new people. “Every day is unique in the business,” said Reich-Hale, who has worked at hotels in New York City, Long Island and Connecticut, such as the Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel, the New York Palace Hotel and the Wingate by Wyndham. Although initially a meteorology major in college, Reich-Hale, 34, decided to pursue a career in the hospitality industry instead. “I wanted to do something customer-service oriented because I am a very social person,” he said.
Having graduated with a B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of New Haven, Reich-Hale began working in the industry as a front desk agent. Throughout his 14 years in the business, he has held numerous positions, from the director of food and beverages to sales.
For those starting out in the hotel industry, having patience and being ready to put on a smile are the keys to success, said Reich-Hale. “You are selling an experience, not just a room,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction.
Reich-Hale and Anna Gassney, the director of sales at the Holiday Inn Manhattan View in Long Island City, are in the preliminary stages of establishing a Long Island City tourism committee through the Long Island City Business Improvement District (BID). The committee will aim to draw visitors to area attractions, including Socrates Sculpture Park, the Chocolate Factory Theater and P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center. “Our goal is to make Long Island City a ‘hot’ place to stay,” said Reich-Hale. “We are trying to promote exciting things and new growth in Long Island City.” With many businesses suffering from the economic downturn, Reich-Hale said that he hopes the tourism committee will generate more revenue for the area. “We want to sell this [Long Island City] as an affordable place to stay in New York,” said Reich-Hale, who refers to a stay at the Fairfield Inn as an opportunity to get “Manhattan views without Manhattan prices.” In addition to encouraging visitors from outside the area, Reich-Hale works with the Fairfield Inn by Marriot Long Island City/ Manhattan View to reach out to the local community through monthly community service fundraisers. “We are very strong on community service and giving back to the community,” said Reich-Hale.
For example, the hotel recently held a cell phone fundraiser for abused senior citizens and is in the process of planning a car wash to be held on the blacktop in front of the hotel. The proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to an organization in Long Island City. Reich-Hale is also personally involved in his neighborhood of Jackson Heights, where he belongs to “Out Jackson Heights,” an organization for gay community members who promote and patronize local restaurants.
