John Elmas
Retired Member
John retired September 2009
Hospitality & I married each other in early 1974; from that moment on it has been an awe inspiring union. I started out in London, whilst on a holiday, that initial need to earn some dollars led to a love affair that still blossoms to this day.
1975 saw my return to Melbourne and a start at the Southern Cross hotel as a porter under the tutelage of Bill Seaman, my first professional contact with a Les Clefs d'Or concierge. In 1981 I ventured to the Wentworth Melbourne in a senior porter position prior to itstake over by Regent International Hotels in 1982.
1983 saw my induction into the Les Clefs d'Or under the mentor-ship of Tony Facciolo OAM, the recognised father of Australian Chapter Les Clefs d'Or.
After my induction I held the position of Chief Concierge within the a fore mentioned property seeing it become Australia's first Sofitel branded hotel when it was purchased by the Accor Group in 1998. In 2000 I marched down Collins Street to undertake the pre opening of the Westin Melbourne hotel and here I stand in 2008, still passionate about my duties and honoured to be in the industry and working for the most awarded hotel within Starwood Hotels and Resorts, truly inspiring.
My work quote: "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel" (Carl Buechner, South African Artist)
After 34 years this job still creates inspiration in many forms, one of which is seeing new concierge come into the role and learn. My nurturing nature allows them to grow, my guidance allows them to flourish and my camaraderie helps them to develop into worthy ambassadors for the industry and the wonderful city of Melbourne.
Vive Les Clefs dÓr