WInTeR 2015 California Hotel & Lodging Association 13 Stephen Wancha college/university graduated from and date: University of nevada, Las Vegas (UnLV), BS Hotel Administration, Graduated in 2005 current company employed by: Four Seasons Hotels & resorts Worldwide Director of Food & Beverage, Four Seasons resort Orlando at Walt Disney World resort How did receiving your CH&LA scholarship help you in your education? Receiving the CH&LA scholarship was a huge aid in my education and set the foundation for the achievements I have had in the industry since graduating. The scholarship allowed me to focus on my education at UNLV, and allowed me to take an unpaid internship at the Four Seasons property in Las Vegas. I started that internship and 11 years later, and four properties later, have not left the company. It was a huge assist. What influenced your decision to study and enter the hospitality industry? My father was an executive in the luxury hospitality industry from my birth through my college years. Moving around North America, traveling and living in hotels and resorts, there was never anything else I wanted to do. I went to UNLV specifically for their hospitality program and never looked back. What positions have you held since graduating from college? Pool Manager at Four Seasons Las Vegas, Cielo Bar & Restaurant General Manager at Four Seasons St. Louis, Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons San Francisco, Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons St. Louis . What position/department do you aspire to reach? Long term, I would like to become a GM and then get into a corporate F&B role. Favorite part of your job or industry? Training and developing managers. I love working with managers and helping them reach their professional goals. Seeing people promoted and transferred is a great feeling. Any advice for students? It takes a commitment. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort it takes to succeed; this isn’t an occupation where you will receive recognition and promotions quickly. It means working holidays, weekends, overtime, being there to exceed the needs of guests and being there to help your colleagues. However, the opportunity you have to travel, to meet exciting people and build relationships is unlike any other occupation I know of. It’s a lot of work, and a great commitment, but one heck of a journey!
CH & LA Winter 2015
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