The University of Findlay - Johonna Snyder ’04

Class of 2004, Hospitality Management Major

Johonna Snyder considers herself one of the lucky ones. On her graduation day in May 2004, she was not worried about what she would do after college or where she would start her career. As a hospitality management graduate, a promising future with Westin Resorts and a new home in Texas was awaiting her.

Johonna Snyder

Johonna interned at a Westin Resort in Hilton Head, S.C., for one summer and participated in sales blitz spring break trips with the program. During these trips, student groups travel to various locations to promote their skills and learn onsite about hospitality management jobs. She first traveled to The Westin Stonebriar Resort in Frisco, Texas, during her junior year and then again her senior year. After her second trip, she left with a job contract in hand. “I almost didn’t go back the second time,” Snyder reflected, “If I hadn’t gone, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Her career began as meeting concierge at The Westin Stonebriar Resort. Snyder often worked very long days and was the point of contact for company meeting planners who had their meetings or events at the hotel. Guest satisfaction is the number one priority at The Westin, and Snyder found herself on unusual tasks, such as scouring the city for bolts of yellow, teal and orange fabric for a corporate dinner, or preparing a suite with rose petals, champagne and a hot bubble bath for incoming guests. “People don’t realize how much work is involved in running a hotel,” Snyder mused. “You can’t think you are too good to do any job.”

Fortunately, her hard work and willingness to meet all the demands of her job did not go unnoticed. In October 2004, she was offered a promotion and became the new catering coordinator. In her new position, she assists managers, helps prepare the operations team for upcoming events and works with outside vendors, such as bakers, DJ’s, linen providers and florists.

Snyder is thankful to have completed her hospitality management education under the expertise of John and Paula Wolper, who head the University’s hospitality management program.

Embracing the challenge of a new career, Snyder said she feels very fortunate and anticipates a successful future in hospitality management.