Name: Jose Bautista Jr.
Job: Sales Specialist, Portola Hotel and Spa, Monterey
Hometown: Monterey, CA
Education: High School Graduate
Education: High School Graduate
Q: Describe your path working in the tourism field.
My first taste of tourism was spraying cooking oil on pans for Lasagna at eight years old on a Saturday morning at Cibo’s Italian restaurant where my father worked. My brother and I did it for 10-15 minutes. We would use our hard-earned money to have fun at the Monterey Sports Center. At 15 years old, I worked at a prime rib house in Carmel as a busser followed by Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley.
I felt that Bernardus Lodge was desperate to hire because I showed up in jeans, sneakers and a back pack for my interview. I applied for the assistant server and got the job! I am grateful for Bernardus. They polished me to become a professional and broadened my knowledge in the industry. During high school, I joined the Academy of Travel and Tourism where they brought in guest speakers and arranged visits to properties. I was ahead of the game based on my work experience with the industry.
Q: What made you want to enter the travel and tourism industry?
Hospitality is all I knew. It made perfect sense to make this my career. My mother was a housekeeper at the Highlands Inn for years, and my dad worked in many kitchens as a cook on the Monterey Peninsula. When I received an opportunity to be part of a non-paid internship at Doubletree Hotel (which is now Portola Hotel), I worked six weeks, learned various departments and at the end of the internship, I knew in a heartbeat, this is where I belong.
Q: What do you like most about working in travel and tourism?
My co-workers that have also become my friends over the years. I also feel very spoiled being a part of the travel and tourism industry -- a small party ordering a $900 bottle of wine and offers you a taste? With a new menu, we get to be involved in the first tasting! I have also been given the opportunity to travel to see new places and meet new people.
Q: What were the most valuable parts of your education?
The managers and experiences have educated me to grow and learn. The Academy of Travel and Tourism in High School helped me see the industry as a whole. These programs were extremely beneficial and played an important part in my career.
Q: What are your goals in the industry?
One day I would like to open up a family restaurant. My family and I talk about it often and dream it will happen one day. Until then, I look forward to the continuous opportunities and challenges that will cross my path. There is never a dull moment being in this industry. I am always learning and growing.Q: Who have been the biggest supporters of your career?
First, it would be my mother, she came to America with my other siblings to give us a better life and endless opportunities. Secondly, my father, who went from being a janitor to a sous chef. He showed me with hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything. Furthermore, the management team at Portola Hotel & Spa. I have spent 12 years, mostly all of my adult life at Portola. Thank you for the ongoing training, encouragement, confidence, tremendous support and most of all, for showing me the value and difference I make in being part of the Portola family. I am very grateful for it all.
