.........................................................................................................................
David Chesnosky - Member of the Communications Committee
of the CHPA conducting this interview.
Q - Kian - Please describe your corporate housing building, the Gaylord Suites, a division of CitiSuites in San Francisco.
A - The Gaylord Suites is San Francisco Landmark Apartment building located in the Theatre Row / Union Square Area of San Francisco. The building is a beautiful blend of Spanish Moorish architecture and modern living spaces.
The Gaylord Suites is 1 of the 14 San Francisco properties owned and operated by the CitiSuites Group. CitiSuites offers everything from the well-valued Gaylord Suites location to exclusive penthouses with 360 degree views of the City.
Q - Kian - What is your background, how did you get where you are today?
A - I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and received a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Upon graduation, I went to work for Morgan Stanley's Individual Investor Group in Silicon Valley. Although I learned a great deal about the market and finance, and had a wonderful time living in the south bay, I could not deny my yearning to return the City.
After returning to the City, I went to work for a boutique property management firm assisting the owner in all the day-to-day operations of the business. It was at this time that I cut my teeth on all aspects of the property management business and familiarized myself with the subtle nuances of the highly competitive San Francisco market. Armed with more experience and the blessing of my mentors, I took an Operations Manager position with the Lembi Group which ultimately led me to CitiSuites.
Q - Kian - Describe a typical day as General Manager of the Gaylord Suites. What are your responsibilities?
A - When running a very exciting building, such as the Gaylord Suites, there never is a typical day. The only routine I have is the time I arrive at the building. After that the day is focused on accomplishing tasks and goals.
Q. - What positions report directly to you?
A - I have a staff of ten, from morning audit managers to concierges that report to me, a well as the housekeeping group.
Q. What planning techniques do you use?
A - I like to organize my goals and tasks in weekly blocks.
Q - How do you measure yourself for success?
A - Enjoyment. Of course I am very aware of the balance sheet targets, etc. But all of these things fall in-line when I am successful at enjoying myself and my work.
Q - What about your Employees success?
A - I measure employee success through growth. Our employees receive framework, flexibility, support and of course constructive criticism. I don't believe in "throwing people under the bus," to keep them on their toes. If they aren't growing and enjoying themselves, then ultimately it is they that throw themselves off "the bus."
Q - What do you consider to be your toughest business decision(s) and how do you deal with them?
A - Tough question. Let me first say that I am fortunate in that Taylor Lembi, the President of CitiSuites, trusts me to make a myriad of decisions concerning this building. That being said, I face many difficult decisions and every one has the potential of being difficult at the moment.
Q - What do you like best about your job?
A - Being part of a young and dynamic brand, that is setting new industry standards.
Q - What do you like least about your job?
A - Not being able to please everyone.
Q - Most important lessons have you learned while managing a corporate housing building?
A - Remember the saying "you were born with two ears and only one mouth for a reason"? That saying is so relevant in life, and especially so in this business. Many times the people who stay with us are away from home for a long time, or in a new home trying to find their way. Which ever the case, they can be in the plushest of surroundings and still feel blue or scared. I have learned to listen for the deeper message when dealing with our guests.
Q - Away from the Gaylord Suites what is your favorite way to spend free time?
A - I enjoy exploring - books, music, the mountains and oceans - and of course doing that with family and friends.
(Please note: Kian Alavi has since been promoted to the Vice President of Operations for CitiSuites. The current Gaylord Suites General Manager is James Decker, and can be contacted at gm@citisuites.com)
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