December 2007 – On My Mind

Jay Karen — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:04:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, the PAII Board of Directors met at The Montford Inn (www.montfordinn.com) in Norman, Oklahoma, for our fall meeting. Besides having a great meeting, I had the good fortune of observing the Murray family in action as they took care of all their guests. There certainly was a good deal of hustle and bustle to accommodate the needs of our group, especially considering we had our meeting onsite as well. The experience reminded me that the warmth and service provided by the innkeepers themselves are as important as the comfort and lure of the building and rooms. The Murray family provided an example of fine innkeeping indeed.

The experience also spurred a thought. Could I hack it as an innkeeper? Well, let’s see. I spent years in the kitchen and waiting tables at family restaurants. My wife and I have a revolving door in our house, always welcoming friends and family. And when we do, we break out all the amenities and cook full breakfasts. I’ve been working in—and for—hospitality industries for over a decade. I like to think I’m a “people person.” I’ve owned rental properties for many years, doing almost all the maintenance work myself. I understand budgeting, marketing, P&L sheets, etc. I think that’s a fairly good résumé. BUT…nothing prepares you for innkeeping like innkeeping. I want to put myself to the test, albeit a short one.

Therefore, I am making myself available as an employee for a short duration to one lucky (or unlucky, depending on how things turn out) innkeeper this winter. If you would like to have me come and work for you for a few days at your inn, doing whatever it is you need done to help make the time a successful one for your inn and your guests—hire me! My salary requirements? Only my own bedroom and bathroom. I will come prepared to do whatever you need me to do, such as plunge toilets, scramble eggs, pour coffee, pull weeds, make beds, etc. As much as I can, I want to observe and live the life of an innkeeper.

In order to make this as fulfilling as possible, I’m looking to visit an inn that expects to be relatively busy at some point in February or March. My dates are flexible, including some weekends, save a few blackout times that come into effect, such as Valentine’s Day. I think the right environment would be one in which you’re not sold out completely and too busy to “show me the ropes,” yet busy enough so I can be part of some action. The duration of my stay is a bit flexible as well, but a “few days” is what I’m aiming at.

Interested in having me come work for you? Are you a risk taker? Can you handle mentoring this rookie for a few days? If so, CLICK HERE to enter your request by December 14. We hope to announce the lucky innkeeper before New Year’s Day.

As always, feel free to drop me a line at jay@paii.org and let me know what’s on your mind these days.

July 2007 – On My Mind

Jay Karen — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:47:00 +0000

Let me tell you a little bit about why I love association management, and how I just know I’m going to love the innkeeping industry. First, association management: Few professions allow an individual to make such a positive impact on an entire industry like my profession. From an office in a small corner of the country, a dedicated group of people can deliver programs, education, and research to a critical mass of people that allow them to be more successful. We can meet with those who are part of and who influence the industry, and we can encourage them to move in line with our industry’s objectives. My work at PAII goes way beyond collecting dues, offering sponsorship opportunities, and organizing an annual meeting—it is about impacting your businesses and lives in a good way. That is satisfying work.

While PAII is here to help you operate a successful business, the people behind the inns are what motivate me. Thousands of you put your hard-earned money, heart, soul, sweat and tears into providing a unique and wonderful experience for your guests. I think of you when I think about the direction in which this organization must go. For most of you, the inn is everything to you—a place to raise your family, a full-time job, and/or your life savings. For others, it might be a second career. Regardless of what brought you to this place, the success of your inns impacts your lives and personal happiness in a significant way, and that means a great deal to me.

Each and every experience at a country inn or bed and breakfast, and every innkeeper, is unique. By no means do I represent a commodity business, and that is why I love innkeeping. When your board of directors interviewed me for this position, they asked why I wanted the job at PAII, because, as an association executive, I could work in just about any industry imaginable. I said I wanted to work with people who are in hospitality and who love what they do. I want to be around people who get the most out of life (and from the innkeepers I’ve met so far, that is true), and who help others do the same through their livelihoods.

Proprietors of small businesses typically need their national associations more than large businesses. It’s a matter of economy of scale—big businesses usually already have the benefits of large scale. Innkeeping is no different. PAII bears a solemn responsibility to do things for you that you could not do alone. How can we spread the word about the bed and breakfast experience? What kind of cost savings on vital business services and products can we negotiate on your behalf to give your bottom line a boost? How vast, meaningful, and accessible can we make networking and friendship-building opportunities for innkeepers all over the country and beyond? Which tools can PAII deliver that will help you compete most effectively? On which topics should PAII advocate at the national level for you? These are questions that keep me up at night in my profession and as your CEO.

As we move through the summer season, the PAII staff, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council are preparing for a vision and strategic planning session to take place in September. It is our responsibility to make sure we are working on the most important issues our resources will allow. Be on the lookout soon for the all-important needs assessment, which will help guide our discussion. Thank you in advance for filling it out—your input matters.
When it comes to innkeeping, what keeps you up at night? Please let me know. Drop me a line sometime.

Jay Karen

Jay is the new President and CEO of PAII, after having been with the National Golf Course Owners Association for ten years. He can be reached at jay@paii.org or 856.310.1102.

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December 2007 – On My Mind

July 2007 – On My Mind