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.
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
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.”
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.
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.
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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