The passion for cultivating and ensuring a positive work space while guaranteeing that every guest receives the best possible service is what motivates Julie Gardener to be at her best each day as front desk manager at the Sandals Ochi beach resort. As someone who considers herself a career hospitality team member and takes pride in representing the industry in whichever area she is called to serve, Gardener believes she is fully empowered to build the next cadre of front office professionals at Sandals.

Starting her career with Sandals as a HEART/NSTA Trust trainee, Gardener was first introduced to the role of a front desk concierge, then served with distinction in reservations and accounts prior to entering the ranks of leadership within the organisation.

“When I started my career at Sandals in 1993, my mission was to add my creativity and fervour to this world-class brand and to learn as much as I can from the trendsetters who have created this five-star luxury brand,” says Gardener. “Little did I know that this journey would be the most rewarding feat that I would have embarked on for my career in this industry.

“Being employed to Sandals Resorts International gives each team member the opportunity to grow and become better each day. This I learnt early, and to this day, I take the opportunity to share this with those I lead.”

Sandals prides itself on employing people with the right attitude, then training the relevant skill set. Gardener, who is no exception, notes: “The journey of a thousand miles began with my first step as a trainee. I was empowered to become the best version of myself.

“Having Francine Pinnock, corporate group manager/director, Rooms Division, as my mentor, the opportunity for growth was inevitable. My superiors saw my leadership qualities and promoted me to supervisor, which gave me the exposure to lead at the then Sandals Dunn’s River, before moving on to Sandals South Coast and now at Sandals Ochi.”

While being groomed for further leadership, Gardener acquired certifications from the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) where she completed courses in administrative office procedure; organisational skills; performance management happiness; creative problem solving; and health and wellness at work.

Prior to being tasked with leading as front office and butler services manager, Gardener also studied and earned certifications for courses in leadership and influence, supervising others, performance management, and middle manager.

As she matured in the industry, Gardener never missed the opportunity to gain new knowledge while sharing with those she is tasked to lead. With guidance from her Sandals leaders, Gardener reflected on her growth sprout with the help of wedding guru Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown and Chief Operations Officer Shawn DaCosta, trailblazers who have moulded her career and allowed her to lead in different operational areas at the resorts.

“One unique way to learn something new is by immersing oneself in the area. This was, for me, the best way to acquire the skills of providing the best butler service available in the Caribbean. This led me to being the team leader for the butler’s department here at Sandals Ochi,” Gardener says with enthusiasm.

“I had to learn from ground level up while knowing the rudiments of the field and leading an exceptional team, which I would easily consider to be one of my most rewarding experiences,” she continues.

Her General Manager Charles Blacher notes: “As a leader, having a manager like Gardener on your team demands that meticulous guidance needed to create that great first impression. She remains one of the most committed and meticulous leaders who have been entrusted with training the young minds entering the industry to develop the right mindset.”

In her quest to share her passion with team members, Gardener draws on her valuable experience as a team leader under Anna-Kay Wholas, hotel manager at Sandals Montego Bay. She says growing in the Sandals culture has made career development an essential goal for individuals who have their minds set on achieving the best within the industry.