From Elevator Operator to World-Class Concierge: My Story - Richard Lee, InterContinental Mark Hopkins [San Francisco Sundays]

In this episode, Richard "Ric" Lee, the concierge at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco, shares his career journey in hospitality and what he's learned about providing hospitality with excellence.

• Early Career and Introduction to Hospitality (01:18) - Learn about Ric's start in the hospitality industry, influenced by his mother, and his early roles at the Fairmont Hotel.
• Transition to Concierge and Mentorship (03:06) - Discover how Ric transitioned to the role of concierge and the mentorship he received from Thomas Wolfe.
• The Role and Skills of a Concierge (10:27) - Understand the key skills and attributes that make an effective concierge, including the importance of listening, knowledge, and passion.
• The Importance of Local Knowledge and Adaptability (16:24) - Hear about the significance of local knowledge and how Richard adapts to new locations and hotels.
• Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals (17:51) - Get valuable advice for those new to the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of kindness, research, and staying current.
• Why Visit San Francisco and the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins (19:39) - Learn about the unique charm of San Francisco's neighborhoods and why the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins is a great place to stay.
• Personal Connection to the Hotel and Future Plans (22:32) - Ric shares his personal connection to the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins and his plans for the future, including writing a book about his life in hospitality.

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands