Behind the Scenes

Karenzo Audace--The Brown Hotel

With his famous infectious smile and his ever-present willingness to do whatever it took to please the customer Karenzo Audace was a spectacular employee and a favorite of guests and staff alike. Karenzo’s job as a Dining Room Support staff employee wasn’t glamorous and wasn’t the most lucrative position in the Hotel but through his grace and dignity he made the most of each day and each interaction. Karenzo quickly became the standard for his position, so much so that whenever we interviewed other Dining Room Support staff for J. Graham’s Cafe our manager would often say “just send me another Karenzo.” His coworkers described Karenzo as a “low key hero,” and praised his “daily work ethic, customer service and loyalty that day after day and year after year sets the standard of professionalism.”

Karenzo was also a man of many interests. A deeply religious man Karenzo was a Deacon in his Church he took college classes at JCTC and even worked a second job to support his young and growing family. Karenzo was not the kind of person that ever brought his troubles to work. When Karenzo asked to be off from work on August 1st we had no idea that the reason was because he was moving his family out of a public housing development because his wife was being harassed by a neighbor. In a senseless and tragic act of violence Karenzo was murdered by this neighbor in broad daylight as he was loading his moving truck.

It is with a heavy heart and warm feeling of remembrance that we at the Brown Hotel posthumously submit Karenzo Audace for this distinguished award.

Bobby Dewitt--21c Museum Hotel

Mr. Bobby Dewitt, he ALWAYS goes above and beyond his calls of duties. He always double checks with Guests to make sure that they feel this is their 'home away from home' he will bring little toys or trinkets to children if there are any.

Also behind the scenes he recycles everything in the shop and also throws away bad matresses, delivers roll away beds to other hotels if we borrow, anything big we need thrown away he does it without hesitation. He says his truck is the 21c company truck. He picks up ANY shift if he is asked.

Gary Dewitt--21c Museum Hotel

Gary has showed through his performance at work to always positively influence a guest’s experience at 21c. A lot of what he does goes unnoticed. He always takes guest calls and responds to them with the upmost importance.

Bennie Dunning--The Galt House Hotel

Galt House Hotel’s Bennie Dunning is a very customer-centric banquet set-up associate. Bennie’s fan base is far and wide and his reputation for exceeding the guests’ expectation is unmatched.

Bennie meets a guest once and remembers their name and the next time he see’s them he addresses them by their first name. Many of our long time clients have known Bennie for years and are glad to see him when they arrive for their event or convention. He is highly detailed in his work and can anticipate a guest’s needs before they have to ask for anything. Our guests never have to sweat the small details when Bennie is assigned to assist in their event set up.

Well known and respected by his peers, Bennie brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to every event hosted in the Galt House. Bennie is always willing to put in the time needed to ensure guest satisfaction and successful job completion and this with a bright smile and a “HOW CAN I HELP YOU” attitude.

It is not unusual to hear Bennie say, “You know I love this job” or “I love being part of the Galt House Family” and we are glad he is on our team!
 

Anthony Ford--Muhammad Ali Center

Anthony Ford works tirelessly to make sure the Ali Center facility is functioning properly---whether it be at 4:00 in the morning for sprinkler pump inspections or at 10:00 at night to make sure that the HVAC system is performing at 100% for our private use clients. Anthony has proven year after year that he will do whatever it takes, around the clock, to assure that the building systems work properly. Although his temperament is NOT“hot and cold”—he certainly lives in that world: During winter snowfalls, Anthony comes in, in the dark, hours before the Center opens to staff, the general public, and private use clients. Anthony understands and takes pride in the fact that it his job to salt and shovel the paths, walkways, and steps, so that anyone entering our building that day feels safe and welcome. In the middle of July in 100+ degree weather,

Anthony Ford can be spotted in our un-airconditioned loading dock with a pressure washer, cleaning the walls and floors in order to present a clean loading dock for multiple vendors, VIPS, contractors—and anyone else who might enter our facility. Anthony is an exemplary employee who is always willing to serve, to do whatever is asked of him--even when he has multiple other tasks to be completed. Anthony is also customer-service focused; he views that as part of his job. While his behind-the-scenes function means that he is not often seen by our guests, his work is front and center.

For example, the Center recently re-installed carpet tiles in our auditorium that had been taken up and stored years before. None of the tiles in this 1300 sq. ft. room were marked in terms of where they should go or how they might fit together as a whole. Anthony spent many hours piecing them together like a puzzle. Ultimately, the carpet has added a warm and comfortable addition for our private use guests.

In addition, Anthony has an excellent attitude, regardless of what is asked of him and whatever task he is faced with, big or small. He is a tireless, dependable, and humble employee, and the Ali Center Leadership Team considers him among the most valuable employees that the Ali Center has. For all of these reasons—and dozens more that there is not ample room to mention--the Muhammad Ali Center respectfully nominates Anthony Ford for a 2011 Rose Award in the “Behind the Scenes” category.

Kayla Hinrichs--Proof on Main

I would like to nominate Kayla Hinrichs for Behind the Scenes. As an event captain, Kayla plays a key role in executing events, large and small, with precision. Kayla’s positive attitude and willingness to get the job done is refreshing - she consistently gives 110% every shift. Her hands-on leadership style motivates the event team to excel and exceed the client’s expectations.

Kayla’s attention to detail paired with a passion for perfection make her an amazing asset to the event team.

Elizabeth Overcast--Louisville Marriott Downtown

Being an event planner in the Louisville area, I have had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth on several events held at the Marriott Downtown. Elizabeth is such a joy to work with. She is not only knowledgeable and professional, she is always visible, smiling and a great probkem solver!

Recently we were very behind on the set up for a major project and Elizabeth jumped in found the members to contribute, produced additional items that were needed for last minute problems and served up a great latte! Her commitment to the client’s needs is exemplary and deserving of a Rose Award.

Garret Patton--C & H Audio Services, Inc.

Garret came to C & H in 2007 as a lead technician. Through hard work and diligence he was promoted to work at our Horseshoe Casino Hotel account. He did an excellent job in providing first class technical support and customer service. We brought him back to the main warehouse to work with certain key accounts. Since filling that slot he has excelled in Production Design and Event Management.

Garret has also risen above his normal tasks to create new business as well as taking on a greater role in customer retention. As dynamic as our industry is, he rolls with the punches, creating greater customer satisfaction and has become an intergal part of the C & H team. He is an excellent employee and partner for C & H and our diverse clients. He is well deserving of this nomination.

Dorrie Pirtle--Scott County Visitor Comission

Dorrie and her husband ran a local hoteland restaurant for years in our small town. But as they approached retirement age, they decided to slow down, and sell their businesses. But Dorrie is a doer, and soon found herself still helping the local tourisim as the administrative assitant at The Scott County Visitors Commission.

Dorrie does all the behind the scenes work, from sending out packages and letters to prospective visitors to purchasing office supplies or arranging the refreshments for an open house. Recently Dorrie's husband has been battling cancer, but Dorrie still manages to keep up with her duties here at the SCVC. Dorrie's husband's cnacer has now spread, and she has decided to leave us, to spend more time with her husband. I salute the tireless efforts of this couragous woman, her dedication to the tourisim filed, her friends, and her family. She DESERVES a ROSE award!

Dawn Richardson--Volare Ristorante

Dawn has been dedicated to this restaurant for years. Has moved from bar tending to event coordinator. She attends all meetings and is completely involved in everything Volare

Arash Taarifi--Springhill Suites Louisville Downtown

Arash always has a BIG SMILE on his face and shares a heartfelt pleasant greeting with everyone he encounters. I stood with him in the lobby of our hotel the other morning and he greeted two guests by name and engaged in personal conversation with both of them. As one guest departed they shared a nice manly hug. Arash takes the time to get to know our guests.

I often receive praise from our guests on the service Arash has provided. We received a comment card from a guest applauding Arash for his assistance changing a flat tire. Arash refused the offered tip, stating “it’s my job and my pleasure to help you”. Arash’s service frame of mind is greatly admired by his co-workers and appreciated by our guests. He instinctively anticipates the guest’s or co-worker’s need then jumps into action. I have observed him clearing snow from a guest’s car and offering a bottle of water to a guest while exercising in the fitness center.

Arash’s file is full of positive comments from his fellow team mates. Housekeeping often recognizes the additional assistance Arash provides and his nature to always go above and beyond. Arash sends the loveliest emails. Even if he is just informing of a maintenance issue his email will always be full of thanks, compliments and blessings.

Alba Tejeda--Hyatt Regency Hotel

Alba Tejeda deserves an LCVB ROSE award for her amazing ability to make guests and her fellow associates feel at home here at Hyatt Regency Louisville! Guests often request that Alba clean their room because of her beautiful smile and the personal connection she makes with them.

Despite the fact that Alba works behind the scenes, she consistently receives praise from guests about her work. Alba has a passionate and genuine concern for guests and the quality of work she delivers every day. She is a leader and mentor in her department. For these reasons and many more, Alba Tejeda would be an excellent choice to receive a ROSE Award.