Timeless empowerment examples from The Vinoy
For the dynamic leadership team at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, Women’s History Month is as much about looking forward as it is about building on a storied past. Since 1925, the pink beacon on the waterfront has offered elegance and culinary delights, but for Hotel Manager Lindsey Barton and Director of Sales and Marketing Alice Land, the resilient story of the building’s abandonment and resurrection into the sophisticated venue groups appreciate today is a reminder to look forward and adapt to modern expectations.
Hospitality Roots
Barton’s first job was in a pizzeria. She has always had a hand in “breaking bread” and creating experiences for people. She went to culinary school and then navigated to the front of the house at Marriott International. From her time as a server at JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes to leadership at Orlando World Center Marriott, where she played a role in renovating four of the seven outlets as director of restaurants to her time at Marriott corporate as senior director of restaurant and bar, she learned to “sell the dream” working with teams and ownership groups to create unique experiences that fit the brand story.
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“Growth was big on my radar and I had to constantly step outside of my comfort zone,” she said. Returning to the property level at The Vinoy in a management role brought all of that experience full circle.
“I have been tremendously supported throughout my career,” Land said, citing the influence of mentors who have stepped up when she needed them most, an experience she tries to pass on to her team. “I have also learned how to walk into spaces that may be a little troubled and find a way to fix it by building a culture and creating an environment that is comfortable and cohesive.”
Land also started working in restaurants in high school and college. “I realized how much I value creating memorable experiences for people. Delivering great service and positively impacting someone’s day gives me an energy that’s truly priceless,” she said.
After graduating from University of South Alabama with a degree in hospitality and business management, she was offered an internship with Marriott International. From front desk—the beating hub of any hotel—to catering, event management and, ultimately sales, she never looked back. Eight brands and three or four different states and many mentors later, she has found a home that blends a brilliant team with an iconic property.
The pair see themselves as caretakers of a place that has been brought back to celebrate its original glory by catering to a modern clientele looking for fresh ways to gather. “When you have a historic hotel, it’s not old, it’s timeless. There’s a difference. We want to usher in the fact that we’re very much in the present,” said Land.
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While some of the architectural grandeur dates back 100 years, a new Elliott Aster restaurant from award-winning Chef Lee Wolen replaces the original dining hall with a refined space for wood-fired steaks and decadent pastas and antipastis. A savory example of old being made new again.
From Grind to Balance
Even in a 24/7/365 operation like a hotel, the people moving the gears behind the scenes need to be able to have some relief to sustain the passion. “We were used to the grind, used to working a million hours a week, but we also have to put ourselves in their shoes and understand they need some balance,” said Barton.
When Land was coming up the ranks, she didn’t have female general managers, hotel managers or directors of sales. Now there are more female executives than male executives on property. “I am always looking for ways to encourage their confidence,” she said.
Land believes in the power of transparency to move teams forward. “If I share the why behind the decisions, not just the what, it helps them to understand the purpose, engage differently, and see where they fit in and how that matters,” she said. Twenty years ago, employees were told, “Do this,” and that was the end of the conversation, but she sees better results when she encourages emerging managers to take the lead, make decisions and step up so they can grow. “It is beautiful to see,” she said.
Barton encourages executives to run the business like it is theirs. “I want to empower them so they can empower their teams,” she said.
