If a trainer ever needed motivation to do their best at motivating others, this was the engagement, as I returned for at least my 7^th or 8^th visit to Split Rock Resort to conduct resort-wide training for their entire team, as well as every employee of their sister properties such as the Mountain Laurel and Coach House resorts.

Of course my job requires me to be highly motivated for each engagement, and this was easy enough given the loyality fostered by such as long-term relationship such as this.  Split Rock was a HSA client for at least 10 years, and I truly wanted to see this resort actualize its full potential.  But I have to admit there was at least a little extra motivation since this training was only 10 days before my wedding to Cathy Cook was scheduled to be held there. 

Each of the 4 sessions I presented over the course of my two-day visit was well attended, with audiences ranging from 70 to 150 for each workshop.  It was incredibly rewarding to see eager, enthusiastic smiles from faces I’d seen in my classes for over a decade, and I was extremely touched by their enthusiasm. 

I can only say that when I returned to this resort to be married on May 20, the entire staff came through and delivered the most authentic, genuine, and caring hospitality I’d ever experienced before.  Whether it was Patricia and Carole taking care of my 81 year old dad and 6 and 8 year old kids at the breakfast buffet, or the front desk staff’s incredible patience when I lost my room key twice within 30 minutes of check-in, or Abul the restaurant manager doing a double-duty to supervise the cutting of our wedding cake, everyone involved went well beyond what was expected or required.  
                               
 

Perhaps the defining moment was when Sam Arnett the VP/General Manager voluntarily arranged to open the pool two hours early when he saw me on Monday morning standing in the lobby in my swim suite with two disappointed kids who didn’t understand that daddy messed-up and didn’t notice the weekday opening Noon not 10am.. (Photo above:  Doug and Sam Arnett.)