We are beyond excited to share that both Sara and Oliver were nominated for Excellence in Hospitality for the 2024 Visit COS Tourism Awards! Our incredible front desk and bartender team member, Oliver, won the Excellence in Hospitality award at the 2024 Visit COS Tourism Awards on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Hillside Gardens. This recognition is so well-deserved, and we couldn't be prouder of his journey with us here at the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort.
Oliver joined us back in the summer of 2018, starting what was originally just a summer job. At the time, he was a quiet and shy teen, but over the years, he has grown into an outgoing, essential part of our team. Now, as he balances his work with us and his college studies in mechanical engineering, Oliver has become someone who can almost run the resort single-handedly! Sadly for us, Oliver will be graduating next year, and while we're thrilled for his bright future, we know our chances of holding onto him are slim.
If you've ever stayed with us, you've probably met Oliver. Guests often mention him in their reviews, praising his exceptional service, positive attitude, and work ethic. And let's not forget—he’s easy to spot, not just for his bodybuilder physique and good looks but for his humility and servant's heart. It's not unusual for people to call ahead and specifically ask if Oliver will be bartending at their event. His local knowledge of the Pikes Peak region, paired with his expertise in recommending craft beer, wine, and spirits, makes him a favorite among our guests.
Oliver’s true magic is in how he handles the unexpected. Whether it's a faulty A/C, a TV that won't work, or a plumbing issue in the evening, he steps in with a smile—often doing maintenance tasks when our team has already left for the night. He’ll even help with laundry when we're short-staffed, ensuring guests have fresh linens. No matter what, Oliver makes it his mission to save the day, often turning potential issues into opportunities to exceed guest expectations. His calm demeanor and resourcefulness are nothing short of amazing, especially as we've tackled ongoing renovations and repairs at the lodge.
One memory that sticks out was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oliver took the initiative to create a curbside lemonade bar—both for adults and kids—which ended up being a huge hit and helped keep us going during those challenging times. Then, there's the time he gave temporary shelter to an unauthorized cat left behind by guests in a room.
Oliver’s sense of fun is just as impressive as his professionalism. He’s sung karaoke at our events, run in the Manitou Coffin Races, donned a bunny costume for a themed party, and even driven a hay wagon full of holiday carolers around the neighborhood. He’s always willing to step out of his comfort zone to bring joy to others.
Not only does Oliver represent our lodge with pride, but he also invests his own money to buy and wear our branded t-shirts. He never calls off work, even during holidays, and instead, invites his family to celebrate with us at the lodge. His commitment goes beyond words—just recently, while off-duty, he spotted a guest arriving late at night and stopped to make sure they were taken care of. That’s who Oliver is—he sees what needs to be done and does it, without any need for recognition.
This award is our chance to celebrate Oliver, not only to honor him but also to help set him up for his future career. He exemplifies everything that makes hospitality great, and we are so grateful to have had him as part of our team. Oliver, we hope this award shines as brightly on your resume as you have during your time with us! Congratulations!
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