Many of our students have the opportunity to join the family business upon graduation. This was exactly the case for Saharat (Sears) Jivavisitnont, a class of 2020 Crans-Montana alumnus who returned home to Phuket to become Executive Director of Jee Teng Hospitality Group, his family’s business. In his own words, Sears shares some insights into their new hotel and what it is like to be a young leader in the industry.
A new hotel in the family
Having a family business gives us the freedom to develop our company in the direction we choose. We, as a family, are able to synergize our knowledge, and push our business far beyond expectations. Our trick? A strong bond between each of the family members.
Our family has been involved in Phuket’s hotel industry for several decades, but previously as more of a syndicate player. In 2015, we stepped up and established a company of our own that could showcase our identity, passion, and culture. We chose Marriott International as our affiliation in managing our flagship Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.
They are the perfect fit for us. This shows in the similarity in our culture, and their great support during this pandemic. For instance, placing high importance on “putting people first” and “embracing change” are crucial components in this challenging time. Global brands are not just temporary allies but lifelong partners!
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is a perfect destination for both business and leisure travelers, especially for modern travelers who are seeking a work-life balance. The hotel features 600 spacious guest rooms, along with five stylish dining venues and over 1,200 square meters of flexible function space, plus three outdoor swimming pools.
Our guests can immerse themselves in a comfortable hotel design which welcomes them into the world of authentic local art, with its interior reflecting on Phuket’s classical culture. The resort is like a living gallery, with a collection of almost 70 original paintings and sculptures from renowned Thai artists. We therefore define the hotel as “classic in a modern way”.
The journey of a young leader
On October 1st, 2020, the opening date of our first resort, I was appointed Executive Director of Jee Teng Phuket Co., Ltd. The hotel pre-opening period was a significant life-learning lesson for not only myself but the entire team, and I was also able to implement everything I had learned at Les Roches, as well as from my mentors and incredible colleagues.
Our new generation of leaders is not here to
obstruct existing norms, but rather to
compromise and find the mutuality between both worlds.
Besides this property, I am also responsible for managing the entire brand portfolio and any upcoming projects in our pipeline. I therefore seek to unleash my full potential and put my very best into this hotel and the company; showing that my family’s trust and confidence in me will not be taken for granted.
In the conventional world, it is believed that a true leader shall have more than 30 years of experience in the industry. However, times have changed, together with business norms. Our new generation of leaders is not here to obstruct existing norms, but rather to compromise and find the mutuality between both worlds. As young leaders, it is vital to be open-minded and to do the best we can to earn respect and trust.
As we set a path to develop our portfolio in the years to come, it is essential to establish a set of standards in culture, values, and goals for our company. Being a young leader, I took the opportunity to establish a holding company that unites all of the separate companies through which our properties are listed. The holding company aims to not only highlight our company goals and culture, but also to enhance the reputation and recognition of the Jee Teng Hospitality Group name. Here, we live by the two highly recognized core values of “Enrich Our People” by placing high importance on the wellbeing and growth of our employees; and “Go above and Beyond” through pushing ourselves above the boundaries and always creating the difference.
In summary, Jee Teng Hospitality Group aims “to be an innovation-led hospitality group by stepping out of the norm, while establishing our hotels and resorts as our guests’ favorite destinations”. I am committed to bringing a new and unique look to Phuket’s hospitality industry by disrupting the norms.
Source: https://lesroches.edu/blog/hospitality-job-after-graduation-family-business-thailand/
