What inspired you to work in hospitality?
I think you're born with hospitality. My background is Greek so we have a tendency to be very hospitable to anybody that comes over to the house and we treat our guests really well. When I saw my parents constantly looking after our guests, whether they be relatives or anybody else, and seeing them leave the house feeling that genuine warmth and authenticity, it's embedded in you. It's in your blood.

How did you get into the business?
I started working in restaurants at a very young age. I had other aspirations to do other things such as going to medical school. But when I was working through college at different restaurants and different capacities, I just loved it. Whether it was washing dishes, waiting or being a front-of-house bartender, each position told me that it was my passion. So, I ended up leaving medical school, signed up for a hospitality programme in Ryerson University in Toronto and celebrated my 32nd year with Four Seasons at the start of May.

You’ve worked in food and beverage, done pre-openings and are now a General Manager; do you have a favourite area of hospitality?
I reminisce back to the positions I've had that have sparked something in me. I can’t say I have a particular favourite, as each has brought some incredible experiences. Pre-opening a hotel has its different aspects because when you're opening a hotel as opposed to operating, you build a team. You're building it all on your own, you're building their concepts; that level of familiarity that you build with the team; the camaraderie that exists…it never goes away.

Would you agree one of the great benefits of the hospitality sector is its pathways for employees?
Absolutely. I am a great example. We have a great culture at Four Seasons that we develop and we continue to develop individuals to their potential and see where they want to go. What is amazing about our industry, and especially with our company, is that you can start out like I did in the kitchen and then move up to the front-of-house, or you can start in the kitchen and obtain a finance position. You don’t have to have a defined path. You just need to be really good from a culture perspective of connecting with people, being a great team player, supporting everybody around you and that’s what we look for in our leaders.  

Moving to guest experience, what are the most important aspects of any Four Seasons stay?
It's experiential. When you walk into a hotel, from the way that you're made to feel by the doorman and the check-in process, to your experience with housekeepers and other team members; it's an entire ensemble that needs to happen. It's a bit of a musical. There’s an element that every person must work well. The hotel’s facilities are important, but it's the people who make the hotel. I'm really blessed to have that in my current property in Montreal.

Sustainability has become a buzzword for the hospitality industry with many properties introducing new directives. Do you believe sustainability and luxury service are compatible?
Sustainability is key. There's a huge expectation today that everybody is sustainable and supporting greener efforts, no matter the sector. For us, the recycling process, water consumption, electrical consumption, supporting our vendors and teaming up with vendors that also have the same goals is very important. Hotels need to be open when they talk about recycling, the turndown service, the changing of towels, those things that are very commonplace and expected now. But we give the guests the option and that's key with sustainability.

What is your definition of luxury?
I think luxury is time. We work so hard, we're in a fast-paced world and when you give yourself the ability to have time or give your guests time by offering intuitive service, that's luxury.

And if someone is to visit Montreal, do you have any recommendations?
Montreal is a fascinating destination. When you walk through Montreal, it's a 365-day destination. In the winter, I feel like I live in a snow globe; it is so beautiful because the snowflakes are falling, you have skiing and all the other sports. There are beautiful parks, you have a beautiful Downtown area and the old port. When you walk through the city, people are speaking French so you almost forget you’re in Canada; it feels like Europe. There’s art galleries and little cafes where you can grab a little glass of wine on the side and enjoy the world going by. We’re close to the mountains and to the water so you can go sailing, snorkelling, swimming or skiing. There's just so much to offer.

And finally, if you could travel to one place tomorrow, what destination would that be and why?
I'm taking a trip to Greece very soon as I have a home there. It's my second home and I certainly appreciate the opportunity to get back to see my friends and family, my aunt’s cooking and swimming in the Aegean.