Lots of people dream of living and working on the beach in Florida. This is a guest blog post by Sara Linthicum who is doing exactly that, and loving it. She works at the TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach and writes:
I live on Sunset Beach and the TradeWinds is only about 2.5 miles from my home. I love the beach and having the chance to work at a local resort was incredibly appealing to me. I thought “It’s going to be like working on vacation!” and I was right.
My Career on Vacation – by Sarah Linthicum
My first day at the TradeWinds included a tour of the resort’s two properties, the Island Grand and the Sandpiper. I’d driven by the TradeWinds so many times in the past, but I’d never actually had the chance to tour the property, and my first impression was, “Wow!” The Island Grand’s landscaping alone is breathtaking. I had no idea the properties were so large, or that the TradeWinds was so gorgeous! Island Grand facilities include five pools, tennis courts, the beautiful waterway, and the gi-normous inflatable waterslide on the beach. How could I have missed that before I worked here?
The Slide - Tradewinds Resort beach.
The waterway is what really endeared itself to me. It winds its way throughout the resort and we have our own resident swans that really add to the relaxing ambiance and “lazy summer day” feel. We even have paddleboats for our guests to use (for free!) to explore the lush scenery along the waterway.
I’ve now been at the TradeWinds for over a year, and I still love my job. I coordinate our Paradise Club guest program, which is our in-house loyalty program. Signing up for the club is free for our guests and allows them to earn incentives for choosing to stay with us. Guests really enjoy the program because it’s personalized and, well, who doesn’t like getting free stuff from time to time?
Working at the TradeWinds has really opened my eyes to what guest service and amenities are like at a 4-star resort. I’ve stayed at many hotels and resorts over the years, but the TradeWinds is – and sorry to use such a cliché phrase – the crème de la crème of resorts on St. Pete Beach.
We actually have an official employee rule that we are constantly reminded of and practice everyday – if a guest approaches you asking for directions or seems to be lost, it is your duty as an employee (regardless of your position in the company) to drop what you’re doing and take them where they need to go.
Over the last year I’ve had the chance to explore the 25 acres (and get lost) on several occasions. The crown jewel in the TradeWinds equation is, and always will be, the Gulf of Mexico. I was able to stay here as an employee for the first time earlier this year in one of our Gulf Front Parlor Rooms over looking the beach. The view was absolutely marvelous! If you’re considering staying at either of the TradeWinds resorts, I would be shirking my duty as a TradeWinds ambassador if I didn’t recommend that you reserve a Gulf front unit and bring a good camera – you won’t be disappointed.
In the last year I’ve made lasting friendships with many employees, and the work environment is so supportive. You need help? There are 10 people lined up who are looking out for you, ready to lend a hand. I was pleasantly surprised at the close knit, family atmosphere considering there are over 700 employees here. From the potlucks to the birthday parties, it’s just a really great place to work, and the employee discounts are fabulous.
I’d have to say that I consider myself lucky to “work on vacation” with such a great group of people at such a fantastic, 4-diamond resort, and I genuinely look forward to another great year with the TradeWinds!
Sarah Linthicum – originally a Baltimore native – moved to Florida in 2005 and now works in the TradeWinds Island Resorts Internet Department as the eCRM Strategist. She creates content for several social media outlets including Twitter, Blogger, LiveJournal, WordPress, TravelScream, and Digg.com. She also oversees the Paradise Club guest loyalty program. Her hobbies include going to the beach, cycling, playing with her two cats, and refusing to grow up. Contact: Sarah Linthicum at TradeWinds Island Resorts, 727-367-6465, or slinthicum@twresorts.com
Photos of the TradeWinds by Sarah Linthicum using her cell phone.
