J.J. Jaeger: Looking forward to the future
Jamie Sedlmayer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 10 months AGO
J.J. Jaeger grew up in the Lake City, where he still lives, works and plays.
After graduating with a hotel and restaurant administration degree from Washington State University in 1993, he went through the management training program with Hilton Hotels.
Jaeger stayed with the company and worked the next four years at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in sunny California. He then moved to Arizona where he attended the University of Arizona and received an MBA. With adventure under his belt and much knowledge gained, J.J. decided it was time to come home to Coeur d'Alene. Over the next 14 years he worked in the sales department at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, as a sales manager and then as director of sales and marketing.
Jaeger also served for two terms as chairman of the Idaho Travel Council board. Last September, he began a new journey as general manager of the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn.
Jaeger, who is also chair of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce's executive board, sits on the boards of the Coeur d'Alene Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the North Idaho College Athletics Booster Club. He still manages to balance his time between work, community and home life.
How does your current position at The Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn differ from your former positions within Hagadone Hospitality?
My previous 14 years with Hagadone Hospitality Company were all in group (meetings and conventions) sales. So my main focus was on uncovering and booking groups at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. Now, as general manager, I am much more involved in every aspect of the business including sales, operations, accounting, food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, etc.
What is your favorite thing about being general manager of The Coeur d'Alene Inn?
Working with a wonderful team of people who are very committed to taking great care of our guests. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing from guests who have had a great experience here at The Inn.
What is a job you may do during day-to-day operations as a general manager that may surprise people?
I think people are surprised when I am pulling weeds or plucking geraniums. I get to garden at work, how can you top that?
If you could do anything else for a career, outside of hospitality, what would it be, maybe your childhood dream?
Maybe a gardener? We have a small garden at home, but my wife and daughter oversee that, so I have to do my gardening here at The Inn.
What is something about you that may surprise people to know?
I was born and lived in Los Angeles for 1 year. My dad (Jerry) worked for Westin Hotels at the Century Plaza at the time.
What impact on Coeur d'Alene do you believe tourism has had and continues to have?
I believe tourism has had a very positive impact on Coeur d'Alene. It has helped to provide jobs, keep our taxes lower, and provide economic stimulus to our area.
If you could make any change to Coeur d'Alene, what would it be?
I would move the Seahawks and the Mariners 15 minutes from Coeur d'Alene and increase summer by two months.
What are three physical activities or sports that you enjoy taking part in?
Golf, skiing and fly fishing.
Where do you see the city of Coeur d'Alene being in 10 years - what do you think the future holds?
I think the future of Coeur d'Alene is very bright. I think our community will continue to grow at a healthy pace and we will still be able to maintain the quality of life that we all cherish so much. Our community has extremely generous and caring citizens and to me, that is the most important factor for the future of Coeur d'Alene.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I am very proud and excited to be a part of the Hagadone team. Mr. (Duane) Hagadone is a man of tremendous vision and has built an incredible company. Brad Hagadone is carrying on and expanding upon this vision and I know exciting times are ahead. I hope to continue to be a part of this great company in 10 years and look forward to what the future holds.
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