Indianapolis Associates Represent 70 Combined Years of Service
While it’s usual for hotel employees to relocate, change careers or return to school full-time, others who are able may opt to continue in their jobs, especially when they enjoy the work. Those who stay can fine-tune their skills and frequently regard their coworkers as family.
Three associates at the Fairfield by Marriott Indianapolis South clearly belong to the latter category. Together, they account for a remarkable 70 years of service.
Rosie Hutzel joined 28 years ago, soon after the hotel opened. Hired as a housekeeper, she was promoted to housekeeping manager. Two years ago, she served for awhile as front office manager.
Rhonda Jasgarszewski came on board 22 years ago as regional director of sales, a position she still holds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing was reduced, she stepped up to work as a front desk agent, laundry attendant and housekeeper.
Faye Richhart joined the hotel as a breakfast attendant, a position she still holds 20 years later.
Asked what they liked most about their job, the three responded “connecting with other people,” including guests from throughout the country and the world. Their biggest challenge? It is “not having enough time in the day.”
For Faye, that means keeping the breakfast buffet fully stocked, especially when groups, including school teams, come down to breakfast at the same time. “Like any team, we’re here to support one another,” she said.
“I think of every associate as a sales person,” Rhonda said. “By helping to ensure that guests have a successful stay, guests are more likely to return. We in sales really appreciate the job the staff does every day.”
Rosie concurred, saying: “I try to help new staff members get oriented and feel at home. Much has changed in the business, but not our commitment to good service. Over the years, repeat guests stop by just to say hello when they’re in the area.”