www.calodging.com November + December 2024 11 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Salinas explained that working in hospitality requires a specific personality and unique drive. “Matthew had the personality, the smile, and the experience, having previously worked as a bellman in Massachusetts.” “I remember telling my boss, if you like him as much as I did during the interview process, ‘I’m willing to do whatever I can to make sure he succeeds,’” Salinas recalls. Since Matt started, the entire team has grown. “Matt is so positive and eager to start work,” she said. The team has stepped up and created an environment where he feels comfortable and supported. Salinas maintained contact with his family to ensure she was working with Matt in a way that suited him. In response to the positive environment, Deysa’s supervisors received an email from Matt’s mother commending her work as a manager. Part of the email read, “Deysa is the most amazing manager Matt has ever had. She is professional, kind, articulate, and patient. She set boundaries that helped him excel in his role as a bellman. Additionally, management at the hotel has put together an incredible team of employees who have created a positive, family-oriented culture. That would not be possible without strong leadership.” Having been in her employees’ shoes in the past, Salinas emphasizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. “The reality is that these days, we are a mix of many personalities and cultures. You have people working from every part of the world with you, especially in San Francisco. It’s so diverse. I remember every single one of our team members came from a different country. Embracing their culture, understanding their beliefs, and connecting with them to create a unique culture within the property is what makes us very unique.” Salinas believes that the teams are the ones who truly make the hotel thrive. “The people behind the desk, behind the bar, in the restaurant—those are the ones who make the company great. Leading a group of people to achieve success, to achieve their goals, and to feel like they’re working in a family environment—that’s what makes my job amazing. It just makes me feel wonderful about it,” Salinas said. Salinas will be honored for her dedication and leadership at CHLA’s Hotel All Stars awards event in December. HER JOURNEY BEGAN IN MEXICO CITY, where she was born and raised. She pursued a degree in tourism and worked at various resorts in Mexico, climbing the ranks to leadership, before moving to San Francisco. Since joining the Argonaut in 2016, Salinas has exemplified true leadership. She is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best work, as such delivering an exceptional experience to guests. This commitment starts at the hiring level. Salinas prides herself on selecting the best candidates for any role at the Argonaut. “The hiring process I follow at the Argonaut is often considered lengthy, sometimes taking over three to four months to hire one candidate,” she said. “It’s tough because the person has to be a good fit with the other team members. The main goal is hiring the right person for that specific position and moment. You have to have that personality, that unique drive.” Just over a year ago, Salinas hired Matthew (Matt) Hicks as a bellman for the Argonaut. Matt is on the autism spectrum, but he has thrived at the hotel under her leadership. Since joining the Argonaut in 2016, Salinas has exemplified true leadership. She is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best work, as such delivering an exceptional experience to guests.
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