Adventure Travel with Sharyn Means - Doves Rest Cabins | Texas

Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

Sharyn Means
CEO
Doves Rest Cabins

“I’m Sharyn Means, CEO of Doves Rest Cabins. I am the creator of the Kia Oro customer service brand that develops a culture of excellence, powered by staff that can anticipate customer needs, exceed expectations, create goodwill and make it all feel seamless.”

“Born and raised on the remote Island of New Zealand, I learned at a young age to stand on my own two feet, how to do things myself, or find an alternative solution to the issue. My entire career has been in project management, overlapping into hospitality and customer service.”

“My passion for natural beauty led me to Palo Duro Canyon and Doves Rest Cabins where I excel at instilling a devotion to great service while providing tools, skills, freedom and rendering assistance to my staff to make our customers feel special. I am proud to represent my New Zealand heritage here in America by showing my true Kia Oro spirit that is grounded in respect, generosity, and kindness.”

“When I’m not crafting marketing plans, instilling shared values, celebrating great performances, leading by example, you can find me in the arms of my Texan husband, or eating a protein bar”.

summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Sharyn Means, CEO of Doves Rest Cabins, located on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. Sharyn shares her unique journey from New Zealand to the U.S. and how her background in construction and project management has shaped her approach to hospitality. The conversation explores the various activities available at Doves Rest, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for guests, and the challenges of scaling a hospitality business. Sharyn emphasizes the significance of listening to guests and staff, the natural beauty of the area, and the philosophy of disconnecting to reconnect with nature and oneself.

takeaways

• Doves Rest Cabins offers a unique blend of luxury and nature.
• Sharyn's journey from New Zealand to the U.S. shaped her hospitality approach.
• The importance of logistics in running a hospitality business.
• Creating a welcoming environment is key to guest satisfaction.
• Listening to guests and staff is crucial for success.
• Nature and wildlife play a significant role in the guest experience.
• Training staff involves hands-on experience and personal interaction.
• Scaling a hospitality business requires strong processes and systems.
• Guests often have common concerns about amenities and services.
• Disconnecting from daily life allows for reconnection with nature and oneself.

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