Our Team
Good Morning Beautiful People!
Good morning beautiful people, good morning everyone!" These were the sweet words I heard each morning as I entered the Oceanview Café aboard @CelebrityCruises during my recent travels. Felice is the extraordinary Team Member who shares these glorious words of positivity as guests arrive for their daily coffee and breakfast. She canvasses the buffet area smiling and repeating these words with conviction——for hours! Felice is there bright and early when it is slow, and she's there amid the mid-morning chaos when half the ship decides to have a quick bite before departing for their excursions. I watched her maintain her...
Lost & Found Magic
When I worked for the Walt Disney Company, we had a process for lost & found in the Magic Kingdom Park whereby at specific times each day Cast Members would bring any lost items to City Hall. This seemingly simple process required hundreds of Cast Members to remember this task several times every day. The impact of this process had profound implications on the magical experience. I know, because as a 10-year-old child I left the Disney Golden Books I purchased on an attraction, only to be delighted when a City Hall Cast Member produced the small bag, one I thought I would never...
First Day Jitters
Preparing for the first day of work with a new company conjures an array of emotions: anxiety, excitement, nervousness, and fear. The elation of being extended an offer is replaced with this new set of feelings. As that new employee is setting out his or her clothes the night before and wondering what the day ahead holds, how are employers preparing for this new employee’s arrival? While both parties are thrilled the role is filled, the first day sets the tone for the relationship. Recently, my daughter expressed interest in volunteering for a cat adoption agency based out of a...
Valeria “Val” Johnson Ronchetta
Val Johnson Ronchetta is the consummate luxury professional, leading teams for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Ritz Carlton, and Biltmore Hotel. Val’s luxury experience is varied, spanning pool and beach operations to the prestigious AAA 5-diamond Palme d’Or and Salt restaurants. Val’s versatility allows her to flex from casual operations to fine dining service. Val also transitioned from the corporate hotel world to independent restaurants, opening the Wicked Bao in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Val has a unique ability to connect with team members and explain complex concepts simply. She has a passion for service and takes great pride in her...
Roberto “Tito” Ronchetta
Roberto “Tito” Ronchetta’s diverse hospitality background ranges from luxury hotels to start-up companies. Beginning his career at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Tito improved the pool & beach operation and increased guest service scores to above 92%. At the Turnberry Isle, Tito managed multiple high-volume casual dining and bar operations for resort guests and club members. Tito fully transitioned to the club environment at the Amelia National Country Club where he eliminated cost to the food and beverage operation and significantly reduced employee turnover. Tito’s luxury and club experience are balanced with start-up work at the Biscayne Bay Brewing Company....
Billy Hazelton
Billy Hazelton is a passionate mixologist with a flair for team engagement and development. Billy honed his skills in the casual dining segment as a corporate trainer before transitioning to Patrick Henry as a bar specialist. Billy joined Hilton Hotels & Resorts and traveled North American opening hotels and training teams. Behind the bar, Billy comes to life as he showcases the available real estate by effectively placing spirits. Billy teaches bartenders the importance of organization to execute with speed and precision. Picture perfect cocktails are his specialty, which he believes leads to an exceptional guest experience. Billy is a...