PO‘IPU — Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa celebrated four of its employees — Tony Brun from the Bell Department, Juan Ramirez from Tidepools restaurant, Director of Group Sales Vanessa Yatsuoka,, and Luke Steimach of the Tidepools team — as the “creme de la creme,” or Outstanding Colleagues and Leaders of the Year during the Po‘ipu resort’s Holiday Party.
The Holiday Party is a gathering of Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i colleagues that was brought back following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic shutdowns. The announcement of this year’s recipients are named for their exceptional work ethic, business contribution, and customer service.
Ramirez, sharing Outstanding Colleague honors with Brun, and Stelmach represent the Tidepools restaurant that fielded two of the four exceptional employee recipients.
Stelmach joined the Hyatt team in 2015 and learned the ropes, quickly, coming into his own as the leader of the Tidepools team, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said in a release.
“Stelmach creates a fun workplace and enjoys working with people who truly care about the work they do, something the Tidepools team epitomizes,” the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said.
Stelmach added, “Being a positive inspiration to those around me drives me to be the best version of myself.”
Ramirez also drew high praise.
“Ramirez has been a part of the Hyatt team for 28 years, transferring from Dondero’s to Tidepools when the resort reopened in 2021,” the Grand Hyatt said. “His charismatic, caring and fun-loving personality makes all of his guests feel like they are dining with a friend. Ramirez approaches work as he does life, with gratitude and excitement.”
The Outstanding Colleague recipient said, “It’s a wonderful place to work. My co-workers aren’t just co-workers, they’re friends. I look forward to coming to work and enjoy meeting guests from all over the world.”
Sharing the Outstanding Colleague award was Brun from the Bell Department.
“Brun gives guests a thorough run-down of the hotel, great things to do and see, and makes guests feel welcome at their home away from home,” the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said. “Brun takes pride in his work.”
Brun added, “It’s important to be someone my team can count on to do the job better than expected. Be a true asset to the team, lead by example, and you’ll gain respect.”
Yatsuoka rounds out the list of Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i exceptional employees for 2022.
“Yatsuoka has worked behind the scenes for 26 years, bringing meetings and conventions to the resort,” the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said. “Having grown up in Koloa, she remembers camping out at Shipwreck before the resort was built. She drives her team to achieve their goals, both personal and professional, and loves that every day is different.”
For their outstanding achievement, the honorees receive an additional week of paid vacation, six additional complimentary nights at any Hyatt in Canada, the United States, or the Caribbean, airfare for two, a $350 dining credit, and $500 spending money.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
