Getting to know our Hyatt colleagues

PENELOPE JONES
Personnel Officer

When did you join Hyatt? August 13, 2007

Why do you like working with Hyatt? Hyatt is a great company. It has great benefits and loving and caring people. I also stay because I enjoy and take pride in what I do, and, most importantly, the new and great challenges ahead, the responsibilities that come with it, and the support I get from my colleagues. And the best part of the day is knowing that I’ve made a difference today and look forward to tomorrow. No matter how hectic the day may seem, always maintain a positive outlook, be patient and continue smiling.

Where do you see yourself in five years (with Hyatt)? Besides slight wrinkles and grey hair, definitely with more responsibilities in a higher capacity. And I look forward to our continuous journey.

Please describe your experience with Hyatt. Hyatt has given me many opportunities. I’ve learned so much not only with our daily operations but the mentorship of superiors. Without their (family, colleagues, and company) love and support, I wouldn’t have made it this far. The people I work with are not just associates; I consider them family.

How would you describe to someone your experience with Hyatt? There may be times when I feel overwhelmed, times where I feel that it’s not enough, times where I can do more, and the best part of it all is when I feel accomplished. Working for Hyatt not just because it’s a “brand.” Hyatt has standards that give you passion to do the things you can achieve, the challenges you encounter and challenges overcome. It’s a company that cares for its employees and the company. Hyatt stands by its purpose: “We care for people so they can be their best.” So if anyone asks me where I work, I’ll proudly say, I work at Hyatt. With that, I am very thankful for the wonderful blessings, Hyatt, and it’s wonderful associates.

PATRICIA MATAGOLAI
Assistant Manager, Kili Cafe

When did you join Hyatt? I joined Hyatt in September 2010, as a Club at the Hyatt clerk/restaurant reservation admin.

What made you stay with Hyatt? Some join to build résumé or for the international brand. For me, I stay because I love the challenge, the energy, and most of all, I love my team who has a similar goal to exceed guest satisfaction and showcase our island’s hafa adai hospitality.

Where do you see yourself in five years (with Hyatt)? I want to see myself working on getting a bachelor’s and being an outlet manager at Kili Cafe & Terrace.

Please describe your experiences at Hyatt. “If everybody wants happiness and no one wants pain, you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.” Being part of Hyatt isn’t easy; it’s a whole lot of hard work and commitment. But at the end of it all, Hyatt gave me the training and the opportunity to be the Hyatt management member that I am today.

How would you describe to someone your experience with Hyatt? It’s rewarding. Being part of Hyatt family for seven-plus years now, I don’t see myself going anywhere else.

JESSE AUGON
Sous Chef

When did you join Hyatt? I joined Hyatt Regency Saipan on March 10, 2009.

What made you stay with Hyatt? I grew up during my eight years at Hyatt Regency Saipan. I have learned so much. I have encountered challenges that keep me focused on my career and development. There is no other hotel that makes you feel like a family. It is family-oriented and cares for you.

Where do you see yourself in five years (with Hyatt)? I see myself improving and become a better chef. I still a lot to learn and still have a lot to accomplish. Hyatt has great leadership and my goal is become one day become a leader in the hotel.

Describe your experiences at Hyatt. My experience are both challenging and inspiring. The challenge is because I have been in situations where I had to lead and I had to be creative and be sure on my actions and decisions. I got a chance to work with chefs with different backgrounds and cultures, chefs who show passion in every aspect, who create great food for our customers.

How would you describe to someone your experience with Hyatt? I have mentioned that Hyatt is like a family, with everyone helping you to achieve your goals. It is a great training establishment and you will get the best experience to become a better leader and person in the future.

GINO LIBUW
Club Elan Supervisor

When did you join Hyatt? Aug. 28, 2008

What made you stay with Hyatt? When I first joined the company, it was just a working place for me. It didn’t feel encouraging. Years went by and things have changed. I now feel like the company is my second home. My colleagues are like brothers and sisters to me. I started to notice that I would learn new things everyday and meet different people. Also, the trainings that we had made me want to stay and learn more.

Where do you see yourself in five years (with Hyatt)? I still see myself with the company as a manager at a recreation side. I am already in management but I still want to learn more.

Describe your experience with Hyatt. When I first came in to the company, I didn’t understand most of the operation at my working area or anything about guest satisfaction. Now I can say I am comfortable and able to assist with guest needs and also master my workplace operation.

How would you describe to someone your experience with Hyatt? I will tell people that Hyatt treats its employees as family and you can also learn a lot of things from their training. They can train you to not just become a good employee but also learn their standards.

BRENDA VILLAGOMEZ
Purchasing Manager

When did you join Hyatt? April 24, 1994.

What made you stay with Hyatt? Hyatt is one of the big companies on island that I’ve tried working for, and I felt connected instantly because the employees are professional toward guests and other staff. The company also offers great benefits. I enjoy working for the Hyatt because every day is an opportunity to learn new things and learn to accept challenges.

Where do you see yourself in five years (with Hyatt)? I hope to still be working for Hyatt in the next five years.

Describe your experiences at Hyatt. When I first joined the company I had few experiences in the hospitality industry. Today, Hyatt has filled me with a lot of knowledge that we pass to other employees, trainings to be more professional in our work, provides opportunities to grow and, being a multicultural industry, Hyatt has also taught me to love, respect and care for not just the people around at my workplace but also in the community. Overall, I feel that Hyatt is my second home.

How would you describe to someone your experience with Hyatt? There is no other place to appreciate more of what the company could offer and an opportunity of a lifetime.

ALMONDO C. SANTOS
Engineering Manager

When did you join Hyatt? Oct. 15, 2012.

What made you stay with Hyatt? The people or associates that I work with (upper management and rank and file); employees care about what they do; and challenges to accomplish our tasks.

Where do you see yourself in five years (with Hyatt)? I have been working for Hyatt for the past five years already and look forward to continuing that.

Describe your experiences at Hyatt. Sometime multiple things happen and I work to address those issues in which priority has to be set in making sure that our needs are met. …My family has been very grateful for the good benefits I get as a Hyatt employee, especially when traveling is required.

How would you describe to someone your experience with Hyatt? Good, challenging, hectic at times, flexibility is the key to our issues.