Hear from our Regional Directors of Sales, Bernadette
To say working at JE has been life-changing for me is an understatement. I’ll tell you why.
I’ve been very fortunate to have a great career in hospitality for over 25 years. I’ve had countless roles, worked for several prominent management companies, and some of the largest hotel brands in the world. I’ve shaken the hands of a few very influential people during my rewarding career. But I didn’t realize there was something missing until I joined JE.
Here are three ways working for JE changed my life:
1. Life’s Important Moments are Now a Priority
Many years ago, before I worked for JE, I learned my husband was terminally ill and had weeks to live. I found myself struggling with being a good sales leader to my team of 3 hotels, and being a good wife to my husband, and mother to our four children. I made poor choices when met with an ultimatum of pouring into my job or pouring into my husband when he needed me most. I often would go to the hospital and be with him 4 to 6 hours, before clocking an 8+ hour shift at my hotel. I’m stubborn and I was taught to have a diligent work ethic, so I tried to satisfy the needs of both my work life and personal life. The more I tried, the more I failed. I was used to going above and beyond in all aspects of my life, but I didn’t take the time I needed to be there for him. I missed some of our final moments together because I didn’t prioritize life’s important moments. I walked away after he passed with a very guilty conscious and regret.
Taking care of our customers, guests and clients is paramount, but you can’t do that if you don’t take care of yourself. Sometimes, there are moments in life that need to be a priority. At JE, when life hits you hard, you have a team of individuals ready to rally and support you. The culture that is engrained in us here is based on empowerment. You shouldn’t have to choose between being successful at work and being successful in your personal life. I’m encouraged to reset, take time off, and focus on my family if I need to in times of crisis. I know that my colleagues, supervisors, and leadership will support me and pick up any slack without hesitation. I now have more time to enjoy my family, including my 100-year-old mom and my other family members. I am no longer pressured to miss important moments, no matter how big or how small.
2. I Can Make My Own Schedule and Be Free of Micromanagement
I am responsible for the sales efforts for a portfolio of 13 hotels across various time zones. I am empowered to take care of my clients however I see fit as long as they’re happy. My day to day typically consists of prospecting to find new business, championing a sales culture for the on-property teams at my hotels, being a good listener, sending out contracts, and booking business. Don’t get me wrong, the job is hard – but I’ve been taught that I can manage my day based on what’s best for me and my lifestyle. I never had that before JE.
I can work from home, or from anywhere. I don’t have anyone breathing down my neck. I can arrange a day, for example, so that I stack my hotel calls in the morning and then spend time visiting with my 100-year-old mother in the afternoon. I can respond to RFPs and customer needs in a cabana on the beach in Hawaii. If I want to work from 7am-3pm some days, I can. I don’t have to sacrifice soccer games, dance recitals, or family vacations to accommodate the demands of clients. I can take care of my clients’ needs and my own.
3. I’m Encouraged to Live My Best Life, My #JELife
We have this lifestyle at JE called JE Life. It’s essentially your own personal journey in how you choose to ‘do what you love, with people you love, and help others.’ For me, I’m healthier, happier, and excited to get up in the morning to do my job. I feel younger, more balanced, and fulfilled, both personally and professionally. I realize now what I was missing all these years.
Joining JE was the best decision I made in my life, and I love telling people all about it! You can message me on LinkedIn if you want to learn more. We are constantly hiring the best salespeople in the industry, and if you’re ready to start living your best life, now is the time.
To learn more about our Regional Director of Sales openings, visit https://bit.ly/3HxxySm
Bernadette Jenkins is a Regional Director of Sales for Jacaruso Enterprises. In her role, Bernadette oversees the sales efforts for a portfolio of hotels. Bernadette has worked for JE since 2018.