Dakota Smith
When you first meet and spend time with Dakota you are immediately impressed by his presence. He not only stands 6 foot six inches tall, but he also seems more mature than his mere 23 years would lead you to expect. Dakota was born and raised in Lake City, Florida, and attended Florida State University where he majored in Professional Golf Management and minored in Entrepreneurship.
Before he graduated from college Dakota had to put some time in as an intern with various golf clubs. He was most interested in interning in a place that could possibly offer him a position after a 3-month internship was over. He also was interested in Hawaii. Where in Hawaii? He didn’t care, anywhere in Hawaii. He started calling all the golf clubs in the state, leaving messages saying he was interested in an internship. Only one of the people he called actually answered the phone, and that person was Brendan Moynihan, right here at Hualalai.
That call lasted an hour and a half and when it ended Brendan told him to send him his resume. He did and Dakota began his new career shortly thereafter. “I graduated from college and 6 days later I’m on my way to start my career in Hawaii…at Hualalai, the number one hotel in the world!”
Dakota didn’t just want to become a golf pro, he wanted to eventually be the General Manager of a Golf Club. He immediately saw the potential of working for the Four Seasons. He knew he could gain experience in the hospitality industry and move on up the ladder to eventually meet his goals.
After three months of being a Golf Intern at Ke ‘Olu he moved into the job of Assistant Golf Pro. He held that for 9 months. Then an opening to become the Assistant Guest Services Manager opened at the Hotel. Dakota was asked to take the position, which included supervising the bellmen, valets, doormen, limos, greeters at the airport and Managers in Training. He held that position for 9 months.
He then was promoted to Assistant Director of Recreation. His duties were and are to manage all the pools of the Four Seasons Hotel: not only staff, but coordination between the pools and two kitchens as well–Ulu and the Beach Tree.
Dakota was clear that the pools are considered the largest meal service on property. “Ulu serves about 45-150 people a night, the Grill serves about 55-75 people a night. The Beach House averages about 45 a night and the Beach Tree averages 160 meals a night. The pools serve 390 – 420 plates a day between 11AM and 3PM. We’re hustling,” Dakota shared. He has now been directing pool services for 9 months. There’s a trend here—9 months of gestation.
When asked what’s the most difficult time he has had as Director of Recreation he said it was the past Spring Break. Dakota had 2 managers, but was short 2 employees. He said he worked 15 ½ hours a day for 3 weeks straight; no days off. He wanted to be at work by 7 every morning to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible. He felt that he was responsible for making his team do well and look good.
As for the most fun he had, well that one was easy: it was when he arrived as Santa, Christmas morning on 2015. He arrived via helicopter and landed on the 18th fairway. (Click here to see his landing.). Another highlight for him was announcing for the Mistubishi Electric tournament. It was a thrill to see some of the people he had met at other clubs.
He feels that learning the fast pace pressure at a premiere first-class operation like Four Seasons Hualalai will help as he moves toward his goal of becoming a General Manager.
“I’ve been chest bumped by guests wanting to fight me and I’ve had luggage thrown at me. But I’ve also met some fabulous people, guests, residents and fellow employees. And it is a joy to be able to make people happy, comfortable and satisfied. But one thing I want everyone to know: The statement that the hospitality industry is NOT a 9 – 5 job is definitely true! ”
Where does Dakota go next? Well, he’s not sure. He may move up the ladder here or he may want to try management at an urban Four Seasons. Dakota truly wants to move up that ladder that Four Seasons offers its employees and it looks like he’s doing it quickly. We wish him well and hope to see him in the future as a General Manager!
Leave a Reply