Profiles

Emergent MR business in perfect location

Broadbeach’s Aruba Beach Resort is superbly located in the very heart of an always effervescent Gold Coast.

The current managers are Brett and Olga Switzer who bought the management rights in July 2014. Brett told us: “The location of Aruba Beach Resort is perfect, only 100m from the beach in the café precinct of Broadbeach, just a short walk from the Gold Coast Convention Centre, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Jupiter’s Casino.

RN237 Profile Aruba Beach Welcome 1“It provides guests with an impeccable setting in our delightfully relaxing threestorey resort with tropical gardens as a backdrop where guests can enjoy both tranquillity and all the exuberance of the Gold Coast at the same time. It delivers an unforgettable holiday!”

With minimal industry experience, Brett and Olga Switzer bought the management rights for Aruba Beach Resort in July 2014. Brett’s background was in account building, where regular travel throughout Queensland was essential to “maintain ongoing business relationships and to bring new businesses into the fold”. Olga’s previous working background was all facets of admin where she had a reputation for “running a tight ship”. Brett said: “Luckily both our business backgrounds gelled well and met the needs of our resort management.”

So what was it about the industry that enticed them away from their careers? “Initially, we had heard about management rights through a real estate friend who told us we were built for the role. We had both decided it was time for a career change and so we delved deeper into the process,” Brett explained.

“With minimum industry knowledge, we viewed many properties, assisted by experienced agents. One day, we wound up having some lunch in Broadbeach, discussing some of 

RN237 Profile Aruba Beach Brett Olga Switzer 2the properties we had looked at when we spotted the Aruba Beach Resort. We found out that it was on the market and the rest, as they say, is history. Was it meant to be? I would say, on the whole, yes. Sometimes we have a wobble but mostly we understand that this resort has not only offered us a massive opportunity but also a challenge.”

How did they cope initially being new to the industry? He clarified: “A lot of the process has been new to us, so we felt it was safer to use industry experts, including legal, financial and accounting.

According to Brett, the selfcontained apartments within the resort are comfortable and spacious with fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. Each apartment has been carefully designed for the perfect family getaway. There is a stunning swimming pool for guests to enjoy and a spa to unwind in. We would genuinely recommend anybody new to the industry to do the same.”

RN237 Profile Aruba Beach Brett Olga Switzer 3The locale is so convenient, with a bus stop outside the entrance to the property, it provides easy access to all the funfilled theme parks. The Gold Coast light rail system is only a short walk to connect you right through to the heart of the Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise and to northern parts of the Gold Coast.

RN237 Profile Aruba Beach 5Brett added: “Location, location, location. It doesn’t get much better than our resort. It is extremely popular with holidaymakers and corporate guests alike as we are only minutes from the beach, Broadbeach’s huge choice of international culinary delights, and for corporate travellers we are one of the closest accommodations to the Gold Coast Convention Centre.”

Brett and Olga started to make changes to the resort after their first year of management. “We noticed that the guest’s comments and reviews coming through were very positive towards the changes. Olga is the driving force behind the majority of the room upgrades. She has refreshed furniture, bedding, curtains and showers. These are the main changes that we have instigated in the property,” Brett revealed.

RN237 Profile Aruba Beach 7They feel fortunate to have such understanding owners, who are motivated to keep things up to date as well as improve and replace items as needed. Brett also pointed out: “As all managers know, the owner’s pockets are not an endless pit and so it becomes a juggling act between making the necessary changes and balancing the financial burden for those involved. In the end, it is a winwin situation with the owner’s investment growing as well as improving the guest experience.”

The management rights business at Aruba Beach resort has grown since Brett and Olga took over. “We are at the point where we could employ staff but at the moment there’s just the two of us sharing the caretaking and letting duties with our fantastic housekeepers, taking care of the rooms. We get plenty of great feedback about the resort from the state of the tropical gardens to the family feel that seems to resonate throughout the property. It has been massively challenging and rather satisfying all at the same time,” disclosed Olga.

RN237 Profile Aruba Beach 6I asked what they find most rewarding about resort management. Olga replied: “While this industry offers so many challenges, I find the transformation of a stressed guest one of the most satisfying things. Generally, these guests have had a very early start or the flight has been delayed or cancelled and most times they are still unwinding from their jobs. Some have children in tow, others have many suitcases and there are many other factors that can lead to a guest feeling stressed.”

It is obvious from online reviews that guests appreciate the service provided by the very helpful and welcoming, Brett and Olga. Brett concluded: “We offer incentives at checkin and the simplest of these are free meal offers along with a warm smile and understanding and this can be the making of somebody’s annual holiday. We do enjoy a lot of repeat business and this is one of the things that plays a part in their return, knowing that something as simple as a warm welcome is given at arrival.”

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