Meet David, one of our Cluster Operations Managers, who recently celebrated a fab milestone of 20 years with Atlas. Find out what he loves about Atlas below!
What year did you join Atlas, and what was your role?
I started in 2004 as a Trainee Guest Service Assistant (equivalent to Team Member). I’d just finished my A-levels and didn’t want to wait, I wanted to start my career in hotels as quickly as possible. I saw the job advert in the local paper (I’m that old) and just applied and hoped for the best!
What’s your greatest professional achievement within Atlas?
I could say my promotions over the years, but genuinely I love how I’ve been able to watch employees of mine grow and progress in their own careers whether that’s inside Atlas or Outside Atlas, and the fact that even though a lot of them are now holding management positions for other hotel companies, I am still in constant contact with them and consider them now as friends more then former colleagues.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If an opportunity comes along, don’t overthink it. Just say yes and worry about the consequences later.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
The people – I’ve known my boss since I was 17, and a lot of my colleagues for well over 15 years. And then there’s my Hotel Managers and the Hotel Teams – you have to get on with the people you work with!
Which team member has made an impact on your journey with Atlas?
I’d have to say Derek Ramsay, the Head of Operations. He employed me when I was 17 and he was my General Manager at the time. He was flexible with me when I wanted to go to uni to study for my BA and MBA whilst continuing to work, and has always supported me over the years. Unlucky for him, despite the changes to both our jobs over the years, he seems to constantly keep getting me back – he seems to be stuck with me!
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I always wanted to work in hotels after finding out you could get Irn Bru on tap and watching Dustin Checks In. I’m yet to have a hotel which has Irn Bru on tap and I’m yet to have a monkey stay in one of my hotels, but there’s still time!
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