Many people have got their start, so to speak, with Pat Ryan.
Last month, at Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrado’s annual conference, the former airline cargo manager turned golf starter and marshal received the Tourism Excellence Employee Award.
It recognizes a front-line employee who goes above and beyond in service excellence. The room was at capacity, filled with industry members who gave “Mr. Pat,” as he is known to golfers at The Wilds, a standing ovation.
“It was so nice to be recognized in the industry,” admitted the 81-year-old. “It’s even nicer to still love my job.”
Ryan retired from a 30-year career in the airline industry as a 54-year-old whipper snapper.
He’d had a wonderful career, and many fond memories to look back on as he enjoyed his well-earned golden years.
But then golf happened.
Just days after hanging up his pilot’s wings, Ryan played a round of golf at The Wilds Resort with his son, Mike. After the round, he ended up having a chat with one of the co-owners of The Wilds. Shortly after, he began his “retirement” hobble, working at the golf course on the Salmonier Line.
Twenty-six years later, Mr. Pat is still a fixture on the 18-hole championship course. He has pretty much worked on every aspect of the course, but when asked, his favorite role has always been starter.
“If there’s one position that provides an opportunity to meet and greet everyone, it’s the starter’s position,” said Ryan. “I love having the opportunity to say hello and get to know our golfers. I’ve made a lot of friendships over the years, most of which were on the golf course.”
The owners and managers of The Wilds are pretty happy to have him too, and credits Ryan with having a hand in the course’s success.
“Everyone knows Mr. Pat,” said the resort’s general manager, Kelly Finlay. “His commitment and dedication to guest service over the years has been second to none; he goes above and beyond every day. We have appreciated all of his many years of service; he has been a true ambassador for The Wilds Resort and the tourism industry and is certainly deserving of the award. We are so proud of him.”
A man well known for his sense of hospitality received a special recognition award from Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador last month, during the group’s annual general meeting and awards gala. Pat Ryan, second from left, was accorded HNL’s Tourism Excellence Employee Award. With, Mr. Pat, as he is known, were, from left, Kelly Finlay, who manages The Wilds where Ryan works, federal cabinet representative Gudie Hutchings, and the resort’s co-owner, Glen Roebothan.
