03 Nov From No Hotel Experience to His Dream Job: Oliver’s Career as a Concierge Butler
Sometimes getting your dream job takes more than submitting an application and hoping for the best.
For Oliver, it took persistence, determination, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when the answer was no.
Today, Oliver works as a Concierge Butler at Mt. Ada on Catalina Island, California, where he helps create memorable experiences for hotel guests.
But just a year and a half ago, he was trying to convince someone to give him his first opportunity in the hotel industry.
His story shows how a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn can open doors, even when you don’t have experience in the field.
Persistence Opens the Door
Oliver knew he wanted to live and work on Catalina Island.
There was just one problem. He didn’t have professional hotel experience.
That didn’t stop him.
About every two weeks, Oliver visited hotels on the island, dropped off his resume, and asked whether they had any openings.
He also made phone calls to follow up.
Again and again, he heard the same responses. There were no openings, or he didn’t have the experience needed to work at the front desk or as a concierge.
Oliver believed the customer service experience he had gained in other jobs could help him succeed in hospitality.
He just needed someone to give him a chance.
Looking back, he laughs that the hotel may have finally gotten tired of seeing him and hearing from him.
Eventually, a manager recognized his persistence and told him there might be an opening.
She was concerned about his lack of hotel experience, but Oliver was confident he could learn the job.
He explained that he was extremely detail oriented and willing to put in the work.
The manager decided to take a chance on him.
From Seasonal Employee to Concierge Butler
Oliver wanted a full time position on Catalina Island, but the hotel wasn’t ready to make that commitment.
Instead, he was offered seasonal employment.
He accepted.
For Oliver, it was an opportunity to get his foot in the door.
He worked hard to prove himself, learning the responsibilities of the job and showing his employer that he could be trusted.
After approximately six months, he was promoted to a supervisory role at Hotel Atwater.
Then another opportunity came along.
A position opened for a Concierge Butler at Mt. Ada, a historic property overlooking Avalon on Catalina Island.
Oliver didn’t hesitate.
He applied for the opportunity and moved into the role he had been working toward.
After about a year and a half in the hotel industry, including approximately eight months at Mt. Ada, Oliver says he has found the career he wants.
Creating Memorable Experiences for Guests
One of Oliver’s favorite parts of being a Concierge Butler is the personal interaction with guests.
While working at a hotel front desk involves helping visitors with reservations, questions, and other needs, his current role allows him to develop more personal connections.
He enjoys getting to know guests and helping make their stays special.
For Oliver, hospitality is about paying attention to details and understanding what people need.
He believes that working in a hotel is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in becoming a concierge or butler.
It provides opportunities to learn how to communicate with guests, respond to requests, and handle unexpected situations.
Sometimes providing excellent service means finding a solution that isn’t part of the usual routine.
Oliver encourages employees to communicate with their supervisors when a guest’s situation may call for a special exception.
His goal is always to find the best way to take care of the guest.
Work for the Job You Want
Oliver’s advice for anyone interested in hospitality applies to many different careers.
“Don’t just work for the job you have or the pay you get. Work for the job that you want and the pay that you want.”
He understands that career growth doesn’t always happen immediately.
Sometimes it takes patience, and sometimes it takes much longer than expected.
But he believes that dedication, attention to detail, and a willingness to do more than what is required can make a difference.
Eventually, someone may notice.
Oliver also recommends starting at a hotel to gain experience and learn how the hospitality industry operates.
By working directly with guests, aspiring hospitality professionals can develop communication skills, learn how to solve problems, and discover which positions interest them most.
Finding a Career You Love
When asked whether he enjoys his job, Oliver’s answer was immediate.
“I love my job. I love my job.”
And when asked whether he had found his dream job, he didn’t hesitate.
“I really am there. This is what I want.”
Not long ago, Oliver was walking into hotels every couple of weeks, hoping someone would give him an opportunity.
Today, he works at a beautiful destination property, builds relationships with guests, and enjoys a career he worked hard to achieve.
His journey is a reminder that you don’t always need experience in a particular industry to get started.
Sometimes the most important qualities are persistence, humility, a willingness to learn, and the determination to make the most of every opportunity.
Oliver’s story proves that a seasonal position can become the first step toward a career you truly love.
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