Daniels’ Corporate Partners are indispensable, playing a critical role in helping to develop tomorrow’s leaders and connecting the College with the marketplace. We recently sat down with Bill Thomas, senior director of Human Resources at Four Seasons Hotel Denver and Four Seasons Resort Vail, to learn more about the organization, including the scholarship fund it created to support Daniels hospitality management students, making Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the past 20 years, and the importance of the Golden Rule.
Q: What is your mission as an organization?
A: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which opened its first hotel in 1961, focuses on continual innovation, remarkable expansion and a single-minded dedication to the highest of standards. We specialize in the hospitality industry by offering exceptional experiences in world class destinations. Our objective is to be recognized as the company that manages the finest hotels, resorts and residence clubs.
Several decades ago, Four Seasons introduced a mission statement based on the Golden Rule. In the words of Isadore Sharp, founder and chairman of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, “The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. It’s the Golden Rule—the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.”
Q: Why did you decide to become a Corporate Partner with Daniels and what value do you find in this collaboration?
A: Four Seasons Hotel Denver opened in October 2010 and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail opened in December 2010. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts partnering with Daniels’ highly regarded hospitality management program proved to be a success with recruiting recent graduates for our Manager in Training (MIT) program.
The future growth and success of Four Seasons depends on our ability to attract and retain the brightest and best college and university graduates. Our MIT program is designed to give participants the tools they need to accelerate their careers and succeed as future leaders. MITs learn about Four Seasons’ brand and culture, along with operational experience and training.
Q: Four Seasons has helped support Daniels students via scholarships for several years. Why do you choose to fund scholarships at Daniels?
A: In 2012, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts pledged $50,000 to create an endowed fund at the University of Denver. The fund provided scholarship support to undergraduate students at the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at Daniels. I’m happy to announce that we pledged another $50,000 in 2017.
We were excited to partner with DU and create a fund that benefitted many students. DU graduates and current DU students work at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Q: What are some of the most exciting Daniels events or opportunities for engagement Four Seasons has participated in to date?
A: Four Seasons Hotel Denver supported Fritz Knoebel’s fifth annual Public Good Gala in 2018. The evening’s menu was under the direction of featured guest chef Simon Purvis, executive chef at Four Seasons Hotel Denver. As a company, we purchased a table and invited a number of our employees who are DU alumni. It was an enjoyable evening that was well executed by students and helped a great cause.
I always enjoy participating in DU’s Career Fair each January. The Career Fair is well attended, and gives us the opportunity to interact with first year students through seniors. Each October, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts hosts an open house and reception for seniors.
A: Why should Daniels students pursue careers with Four Seasons?
Q: The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified by its employees, people who share a single focus and are inspired to provide exceptional service. Be part of a cohesive team with opportunities to build a successful career with global potential.
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts is FORTUNE Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” a recognition earned since the survey’s inception in 1998. As part of our commitment to our people, we are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefit plans to all qualified employees. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime.