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Questions I Wish You Would Ask Me^TM |Karl Ruether CHA, CFBE, International Hotelier

  "Questions I Wish You Would Ask Me^TM" includes interviews such as those found in our HOSPITALITY CONVERSATIONS,  and and it also allows industry professional the opportunity to share their perspectives, values and opinions on additional areas and subjects that may not have been part of the planned discussion.  This segment includes a wide range of hospitality professionals from all portions of the industry. We ask participants to answer at least five of the listed nine questions.  Their responses will interest, sometimes amuse and definitely inspire you to consider how YOU might answer.

In this article, we contacted Karl Ruether CHA, CFBE , General Manager at Icicle Village Resort, located in the charming Bavarian themed village of Leavenworth, Washington State with accommodations at the Best Western Plus Icicle Inn or the Aspen Suites Condominiums and Icicle Village Resort Vacation Rentals. Karl opened the property as a single inn in the early 1990s. He has served as a Best Western Governor for more than 15 years.

Karl is an international hotelier with service in multiple countries. He shares his counsel and professionalism with many and has continued to evolve his hotel team's and personal skills. He has always been committed to collaborating with others and during our years of interaction, he has consistently aimed at reaching excellence.

Karl Ruether, CHA CFBE

"Karl Ruether" <karl@icicleinn.com> http://www.iciclevillage.com/                                   Icicle Village Resort 800-961-0162

1. Name your favorite hotel and why it is special to you

Sun Mountain Lodge in Washington State, the location is amazing with 360 degree views, relaxing (no TV) and the restaurant has great food and service.

3. Where do you vacation the most often?

I don't have a regular spot but have been in Ixtapa Mexico now twice and really enjoy that area.

4. What is your favorite charity or cause?

I am a member of Rotary International and I belief in what they do worldwide, as well as their 4 way test which works really well in any situation.

Here it is

1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it Fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Often times when faced with a difficult situation, I refer to this test and it has helped me make better decisions personally and professionally.

5.Name your pet service peeve, why and any ideas you may have to address it

That is pretty easy - I do not like when employees and their personal affairs are more important than serving the customer right in front of them. The only way this can be addressed is by constant training and close supervision.

6. Who was the most important mentor in your life and why?

This is very difficult to answer because I was lucky enough to have more then one, but the one thing that stood out was "Leading by example"

7. In the last five years, what has been your most memorable meeting or convention experience and why?

For several years I was working with others to affect a change by making training a very important aspect of the companies' business plan for success and now I can this coming to fruition.

8.  What is the one piece of advice you would offer to a graduating student with a hospitality degree?

I actually have two:

1.  Seek out a respected Mentor and learn as much as possible from this person.
2.   Always practice what you preach.

9.  What is the one question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview today?

How are you and your family? Show a genuine interest in the prospective employee.

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 Feel free to share an idea for a column at info@hoganhospitality.com anytime or contact me regarding consulting, customized workshops, speaking engagements ... And remember - we all need a regular dose of common sense.

Dr. John Hogan, MeetingsQuest November 2010 Working with clients - Crowne Plaza O'Hare, Chicago

John Hogan is a successful hospitality executive, educator, author and consultant and is a frequent keynote speaker and seminar leader at many hospitality industry events.  He is Co-Founder of a consortium (www.HospitalityEducators.com) of successful corporate and academic professionals delivering focused and affordable counsel in solving specific challenges facing hospitality today. www.HospitalityEducators.com is a membership site offering a wide range of information, forms, best practices and ideas designed to help individual hoteliers and hospitality businesses improve their market penetration, deliver service excellence and increase their profitability. Individuals wishing to contribute materials may send them Kathleen@HospitalityEducators.com. Special pricing is in effect for a limited time that also includes a complimentary copy of LESSONS FROM THE FIELD- A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO EFFECTIVE HOTEL SALES.

Dr. John Hogan, CHE CHA CMHS          United States - Phoenix, Phone: 602-799-5375
www.hoganhospitality.com/ Email: info@hoganhospitality.com.