The General Manager Takes Us Through What Makes the Spot So Special
Written By: Nicole Hakim
Photographed By: Chad Mellon
Expert: Joanna Bear
Credentials: General Manager of Surf & Sand Resort
Q: How did you start working with the Surf & Sand Resort?
Joanna Bear: Another general manager I worked for gave me the opportunity to work for the Surf & Sand Resort. I came out from Arizona and interviewed and it went great. It’s been almost 14 years since then.
Q: What makes Surf & Sand Resort different from other resorts?
JB: It’s family owned. The location alone is amazing. The people are very special. We have tenured employees that help create a family-like environment.
Q: How do you push through any difficulties you have faced?
JB: I actually take a deep breath and hit one issue at a time. I have to prioritize, then reprioritize again and again until each challenge is eventually solved.
Q: What do you do to ensure the resort runs smoothly?
JB: I would say one of the areas I always have to focus on is making sure there are open lines of communication between the departments and ensuring that teamwork is utilized. If you have a passion for communication and teamwork, you find your success.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
JB: The people. It’s all about the people. Whether it’s the guests I meet and create connections with or the team members I am able to mentor and work with.
Q: If you weren’t in the resort industry, where would you be working and why?
JB: I think it would have to be a cruise line. That way, I could have the opportunity to travel the world while doing what I could to help my fellow team members and the guests on the ship. So, it’s a somewhat similar job.
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Get on Board: As well as being the General Manager, Joanna Bear is also Chairman of the Board for Visit Laguna Beach.
Soak In the Sun: Surf & Sand Resort offers a variety of amenities, including an oceanfront pool, aquaterraspa, Splashes Restaurant and much more.
Surf & Sand Resort
1555 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
855.690.7114
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