Sentimental Old Fool
Written by Jay Karen on November 30, 2009 – 3:30 pm
Maybe it's because I have a couple of kids now that I've become quite a softy. Well, that's not true. I think I've always been a softy, to tell you the truth. In the spirit of this past week's Thanksgiving holiday, I've decided to dedicate this column to those things related to my role in the B&B industry for which I am thankful. And I invite you to leave your own comment about those things for which you are thankful.
I am thankful for…
My support team at the PAII headquarters – Michele, Ingrid, Marlene, Isabel and Laura. We have TOO much fun doing what we're doing. They work long and late to make the association run. Thanks for all your hard work!
My volunteers – the PAII Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Committee of 100 and other various task forces. There is nothing to be gained on one's resume for participating in any of these groups; everyone does it to help PAII be a better organization, and by extension to help everyone in our industry be more successful. You all are rock stars in my book!
My "Kitchen Cabinet" – those folks who freely offer me great advice and support; they make me look better than I am. You know who you are! Hint: if we're likely emailing at crazy hours of the night, you're on the list!
The trailblazers and envelope-pushers - the vendors in our industry who are constantly moving the ball forward, pushing and pulling innkeepers to new levels of success. You all keep us on our toes and always looking forward – not backwards.
The givers – there are vendors in our industry who don't get rich off the innkeeping industry, yet they give and participate as though we were the lifeblood for their businesses. There are also those who get more satisfaction from educating innkeepers and seeing them succeed than inking the next deal. Everyone appreciates you!
The dues-paying members – without your support, there would be no PAII. You help keep the lights on, so we can work hard for this great industry. I often say we're a small staff trying to accomplish big things, and you are the reason for it all.
The unsung heroes – my family. It seems sometimes that I'm away from home more than I am at home, usually visiting one of the many state, provincial or regional B&B association meetings. Between moving away from family to a new state a few years ago…to the late nights I'm on the computer…to the many nights I'm away on trips…I am grateful for the sacrifices you make, so I can do my job in this industry.
Now, what are YOU thankful for? Take a moment to think about it and share with me. Comment on my blog.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Austin in 3 months! If you haven't already, be sure to register TODAY. The registration price bumps up a bit tomorrow!
Happy Holidays,
Jay
Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments »
Jay Karen, President & CEO of the 
November 30, 2009 at 7:35 pm...
Thanks, Jay, for making PAII so human! We’re the ones who should be thankful for having you and the rest of the PAII staff working for our benefit each and every day. When we first met in Anaheim I told you that you were the best thing to happen to PAII and nothing has made me change my mind. See you in Austin!
November 30, 2009 at 7:40 pm...
I am thankful for you, Jay! I appreciate all you do and have always enjoyed and gotten alot out of all your talks!
Keep up your infectious enthusiasm!
Carol Baker
The Huffman House
Newport, VA
November 30, 2009 at 7:51 pm...
Well done, Mr. K. And we are very thankful for you. This industry, and especially PAII, are better “places” because of your focus, energy, great smile, quick wit, ongoing foresight, unwavering passion, openness to both consent and dissent, desire for information and feedback, ability to see the big picture, combined with your strong yet flexible style of leadership, and your willingness and desire to learn and understand. Besides, you know how to use a plunger, wield a paintbrush, cook breakfast for 20, and turn over rooms in less than three hours.
November 30, 2009 at 8:33 pm...
I am thankful to have someone that cares enough to answer the late night emails. You are my hero, Jay. Not to many people listen as well as you do to the rantings and ravings of a bunch like us.
December 1, 2009 at 8:31 am...
Jay,
Great job! And I echo JoAnn’s comments completely. Personally, I’m grateful for many of the same things you are. Family and friends are at the top. But I’ve always said that to get up every day and love what you do is something to be very thankful for. And it’s the innkeepers, who are such a wonderful group of people to work with, and folks like you, Jay, and the PAII staff, that bring it all together. Many thanks to all!
December 3, 2009 at 4:02 pm...
Jay, Thanks for the invitation to blog about “thankfulness”! Like the others here, my first thought relative to PAII was you! Your leadership has inspired a dynamic and effective organization that is a credit to the B&B industry. The webinars, newsletters and blogs help to keep us “in the know”. The industry survey helps us to monitor our success and plan for the future. So “thank you, Jay” and also your staff. Ingrid and Michelle have both assisted us at different times. We are amazed that you get so much done with so few staff – we had imagined that there were many more employed by PAII. We are thankful, as well, for guests who keep on coming even in these challenging economic times. A relaxing getaway at a wonderful B&B seems to still be appealing and worthy of their hard-earned dollars. Our local tourism boards,our neighboring B&Bs, our state association of innkeepers and our State Tourism Department have all contributed to helping us to keep on keeping on. For that we are very grateful. Thanks for the invitation to share with others, Jay, and, again, for your contributions to PAII!
December 16, 2009 at 10:23 pm...
I am thankful to have made it through year 3 as an Innkeeper in this difficult economy. I am thankful that there is an organization like PAII to help us navigate the waters of Innkeeping. In the short time we have been members, we have learned so much. We ventured into Innkeeping without a hotel/lodging background and this Assn.has definintely helped us. We need more Innkeepers that own Inns with restaurants to join and get involved. We also need to have two shows per year: one for the west coast, one for the east coast or one per year and at at time when those of us involved deeply in the ski industry can make it. This will be the first year we won’t be at a PAII show since becoming Innkeepers. Sorry. Catch you maybe the next year.