Give Em The Pickle Stories

Cheryl Waale of Westmark Hotels

When we began planning for the 2004 season, we decided to build on the positive energy. We knew we wanted to continue to improve service delivery and felt we could make a big impact if we improved teamwork. We created a “Pickle” employee recognition program where employees could recognize each other for going the extra mile for a guest, as well as co-workers going the extra mile for each other.

Prize Picklers receive a coveted golden pickle pin for Premium Pickle Performance. Examples include:

• Oma Gilmore, for loaning a guest her baby stroller.
• Josa Felicino, for doing a guest’s laundry when the vendor missed a pick-up.
• Nicholas Townsend, for driving guest around and helping housekeepers make beds.
• Mike Awmack, for driving a sick staff member to the doctor (300 miles each way) on his day off.
• Kim Nohr, for escorting an elderly guest to a local casino
• Chef James, for pitching in where needed — the dish pit, clearing tables, and even carrying luggage.
• Chris Summar, for driving to Anchorage (360 miles each way) to pick up Polish student exchange workers.