Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Krueger.
Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I found my love for people and customer service early on in life when I began helping at my grandparents’ hometown bakery in Los Osos. Working alongside my mother and grandparents, I recognized that remarkable products paired with sincere service create customer demand and loyalty. From there, my passion for hospitality excellence only grew.
While obtaining my undergraduate degree in Business Administration, I traveled extensively and stayed in many hotels. Throughout my journeys, I couldn’t help but think about minor changes that each hotel could make to provide an even better experience for their guests. Upon returning to the Central Coast, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: work for the best hotel in our little slice of paradise which was Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa.
I started at the front desk 18 years ago and worked my way up to General Manager after approximately 9 years. I absolutely love my job and honestly don’t even think of it as a job. It’s just a way of life… and a good one at that! I live in a beautiful area and get to work at at beautiful property that promotes the paradise we live in.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started with no prior hotel experience and while it was challenging to learn it all, it kept me motivated to continue learning even after I graduated college. After 18 years, I still learn new things every day. That’s the best part of my position!
The biggest challenge by far was being a young female in a male dominated role. On more than one occasion, an upset guest wanted to talk to my boss when I came out to the lobby to assist and I had to explain that my boss was the owner and he hired me to run the resort (in the kindest way possible, of course). I don’t struggle with that as much since I am 41 but I try to help young females gain confidence like I had to.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is such a unique property in so many aspects.
Location: we are perched atop a 40 foot bluff on arguably the most beautiful coastline in the world. We are also centrally located between LA and SF with a community that is kind and approachable. There is so much to do in the area as well such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding on the beach, ATV rentals on the sand dunes, wine tasting, and so much more.
Product: we are an all condo resort. Our accommodations range from 1,000-2,100 square feet with full kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, and private balconies. You can find anything like this amongst the 30+ hotels sprinkled on our coastline.
Service: we hone in on a laidback luxury feel. You can get the amazing service that you do at a top notch resort but you can still walk in wearing shorts, a T-shirt and flip flops without feeling uncomfortable. The staff genuinely cares about the guest experience and you can see in our online reviews that the guests recognize this. That’s what keeps them coming back again and again.
Ownership: we are privately owned and have no other sister properties. The owner is a developer and purchased the land in 1986 when it was just an empty pea field. He was originally approved for a 270 unit box hotel that he planned to sell off to a large chain but he fell in love with the property and decided to keep it. He wanted to create a resort that felt like home for people while they were traveling. It took 16 years to get all the permits and he finally broke ground in 2003 and opened in 2006. He and his wife live down the road and are at the property 5-6 days a week. They put money back into the property because they truly love this place and understand how special it really is.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Working alongside my mother and grandparents in our family bakery. It was a really special experience and one that helped build me into who I am today. I didn’t appreciate it when I was younger but I do now and that’s what matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheDolphinBay.com
- Instagram: @dolphinbay.resort
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DolphinBayResort
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dolphin-bay-resort-and-spa-pismo-beach
