Daring To Be Great: Leadership Insights With Devon Campbell

Leadership Insights with Devon Campbell Front Officer Manager at Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables

Describe your professional journey/path in the hospitality industry (and at Davidson). What was your first position and why did it appeal to you?
I first began my journey in the Hospitality Industry as a Valet Supervisor, 13 years ago. I later transitioned into hotels because I wanted to learn something different and wanted my foot in the door. With no experience, I decided to apply for a Laundry Attendant position at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. It was there where my career took a change for the positive. I later progressed into Housekeeping, as a supervisor, and gained knowledge on how to manage the associates and handle guest request/ issues. I made my way into different hotels as Housekeeping Supervisor, such as Trump Hotel Doral, The Hall by Highgate, and Yve by Highgate. I was promoted to Front Office Manager at the Yve Hotel and transition into a new path which allowed me to gain more knowledge from a sales, revenue, and accounting departments. On May 2021, I was offered the opportunity to join the Davidson Hotel family as an Executive Housekeeper. This was not an easy task, as I had previously thought due to the level of experience I had under my belt. Little did I know, that COVID would change not only the Hospitality Industry, but the entire world and the way we live our lives today. This hardship comes triumph, and in my short period of time in the housekeeping department at Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, I met and created relationships with team members that will last a life time. I transitioned my way over to the front of the house and because Front Office Manager a couple of month later. I am truly thankful for the opportunities given to me with Davidson, and I am excited to see what new paths awaits.

How did you end up in your current role?
I ended up in my current role as Front Office Manager at Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, due to the fact that the previous Front Office Manager wanted to change gears and try different opportunities outside of the operations, and dive into Human Resources. I was able to bring support to the front of the house team, and create memories for our guests. With my previous housekeeping knowledges, I was able to get a hold of department rather quickly as I felt comfortable and confident selling our product and help build that bridge between Housekeeping and the front office.

What do you love about this industry?
What I love most about this industry is the opportunities are endless on all different types of levels. As a career, the opportunities are endless with infinite career choice paths that best suits you and your family. Having the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, and having the opportunity to travel, see the world, and get paid for it!

What do you love about your role/what inspires you to be great?
What I enjoy most about my current role is the fact that I come in contact with many young men and women that are still unsure about what careers or roads they will follow next. My current role gives me the opportunity to be a mentor to these young men and women. It allows me to share and pass on my knowledge and my experiences to others that can benefit from my mistakes, or experiences. They inspire me to be the greatest version of myself in the work place, and to set the expectations/ standards by leading by example.

What are your professional aspirations; where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In the next 5 years I aspire to be a Director of Operations with in the hospitality industry. In the next 10 years I see myself in a General Manager role, where I can inspire, mentor, and guide those individuals.

What advice/tips resonated with you most from mentors throughout your career?
The advice that resonates with my up to this day is “There are no secrets to success. Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from all your failure.”

What advice would you give someone who is coming up?
Find yourself first before choosing what path course you will take in the Hospitality Industry. Recognize your strengths and use that to your advantage for your career growth. Hard work and dedication do pay off. The only one stopping you, is yourself, NEVER give up.