Dear friends,
I am sincerely humbled to be named the winner of the 2018 Les Clefs d’Or Young Leader Award in honor of Andre Damonte. Mr. Damonte’s kindness and integrity was known to all and I strive to live up to his legacy each and every day with my guests, friends, family and strangers that are not yet friends. This highly revered award is a true statement to the dedication and passion that I share for Les Clefs d’Or and our Concierge profession.
I am honored to be among this talented group of unique, smart and dedicated young concierge nominees and thankful that I returned home from the congress in Seoul with 15 new friendships from around the world. This is what the award and ultimately Les Clefs d’Or is all about: In Service Through Friendship. I look forward to representing Les Clefs d’Or USA and all of our International members in the years to come and being an ambassador for our respected association.
Long Live Les Clefs d’Or
Jenny
Biography
Jennifer boasts 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 8 glorious years and counting as her true calling as Concierge. Originally from South Florida, Jennifer moved to Chicago in late 2014. Jennifer loves meeting guests from all over the world and helping them feel at home while creating life-long memories when visiting Chicago. Jennifer achieved one of her most ambitious career goals in March 2017 by earning her Les Clefs d’Or golden keys. Playing a crucial role in her local Concierge association as co-chair for their charitable endeavors committee, Jennifer hopes to expand and broaden these philanthropic efforts to the national and international level, uniting her fellow Concierges and their communities all over the world.
As a 13-year hospitality veteran, formerly at The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead and now at the St. Regis Bal Harbour, Jessica is as passionate as ever about her career as a Concierge. She served in five different capacities including sales, special events and the executive office before finding her “dream job” as Concierge. She strives for excellence every day, both in and outside of work. Earning her Les Clefs d’Or keys was a highlight of her concierge career. She enjoys networking with other Les Clefs d’Or members and potential new members, exploring Miami to provide unique experiences and thinking of outside-the-box ways to create WOW moments for travellers. When she is not at the hotel, she can be found competing in a Flywheel spin class, spending time with her incredible friends and family as well as traveling to expand her knowledge of the world.
As the USA candidate and ultimately the winner of the 2017 Les Clefs d’Or Award in memory of Marjorie Silverman, my experience was most definitely one of friendly competition. When I heard my name announced, it was the penultimate joy and I was only so glad to share it with the other 12 candidates on stage who had become family throughout the competition and Congress in Berlin. Winning the Les Clefs d’Or Award in the year that honoured Marjorie Silverman carries with it an additional amount of pride and joy; as Marjorie was a trailblazer in Les Clefs d’Or and one of our beloved past presidents. I am honoured to carry on her incredible legacy representing Les Clefs d’Or USA and all members around the world.
Vive Les Clefs d’Or!
Jess
Before winning the 2016 Andy Pongco Award, Harold won the “Trophée Pierre Quentin” Les Clefs d’Or France in 2015. The Trophée Pierre Quentin is a four hour event. It focuses on the innate qualities that make a good Concierge, from general knowledge, organisational skills, logic and creativity, reflection and to knowledge of the ” Clefs d’Or.
The winner of the “Trophée Pierre Quentin” Les Clefs d’Or France is invited to attend the next UICH international congress and represent France for the Andy Pongco Award.
Harold is a true professional. Guests, fellow concierge and partners of the association appreciate him very much. Becoming a Concierge was his calling. Harold studied at the Hotel School of Grenoble and took classes at the Concierge School in Toulouse. Harold is an asset for the future of the association.
Harold is extremely proud of becoming the winner of the Les Clefs d’Or”® Award – Andy Pongco 2016.
Sarah moved to Los Angeles in 2005. At the suggestion of a wise General Manager, she was offered her first concierge position at the L’ermitage Beverly Hills (then a Raffles property).
A few years later, Sarah moved to the prestigious Peninsula Beverly Hills to continue honing her craft under the guidance and mentorship of several Les Clefs d’Or colleagues. Now she calls the The London West Hollywood Hotel her home. Sarah manages the desk as the Head Concierge. She also serves as the Secretary on the Board of the Los Angeles Concierge Association.
In 2012, combining her passion for the concierge community and her interests in the entertainment industry, Sarah created her own video blog called “Ask A Concierge”. Her goal was to broaden her audience and share travel advice. Since then she has become a true ambassador of Los Angeles and has created a following on various social media platforms. Sarah contributes regularly to travels magazines and continues her video productions showcasing all that Los Angeles has to offer.
James Elliott was born and raised in London, England. He has been in the hospitality industry for over ten years. James began as a private butler. After he was introduced to the concierge profession, he never looked back. James has a degree in geography and has a passion for maps and cartography. His personal mission is to encourage concierges around the world to get more involved in the creation and design of the maps that we use to guide our guests. Maps unites us all. Every year James also runs a full marathon to collect funds for his favourite charity. His future goals are to create relationships with organisations that can help us to introduce the concierge profession to graduates and young people.
James is greatly honoured to receive this prestigious award. He he looks forward to continue to contribute to our great organisation.
Anna started her concierge carrier in the Marriott Aurora where she was led by Past President of Les Clefs d’Or Russia Ekaterina Zhuravleva. Anna was born in Moscow but spent part of her childhood in Berlin and Athens.
Anna has an outgoing personality and is handles the public relations for Les Clefs d’Or Russia. She is honored and inspired by this award, especially to be the first concierge from Eastern Europe to have won. In 2012, Anna started a local hospitality school program. Students are introduced to the concierge profession. Anna will continue to share her passion with the “Flame of the Future” in her heart.
Matthew was born in Singapore and grew up in Vancouver. Having also worked as a resort Concierge in the Canadian Rockies, his favourite pastimes are hiking, board games and travelling. Matthew is honoured to be the first North American and specifically, Canadian, to receive this award. He hopes to leave a legacy as a result.
Anabella Peling, concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, is the fourth Andy Pongco Award winner. Anabella is proud to be the first female concierge to win this recognition.
