Castlegar » Kerry Hobbs
Quotable:
“I love the balance between business and lifestyle. The scenery on the drive to and from work is like being on a holiday every day.”— Kerry Hobbs
Recognized for her caring approach in business, Kerry Hobbs said her recent awards serve as inspiration to keep moving forward.
Born and raised in England, Kerry Hobbs first worked as a nurse and midwife for a number of years before her interests drifted toward roles in sales, marketing and management. In 2007 she made a move to Canada—straight to Castlegar—where she got involved in the hotel industry.
Hobbs, 37, is now the manager of the Fireside Inn and Conference Centre in Castlegar and was voted Business Person of the Year for 2011 by the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce. The Fireside Inn also received the award for Business of the Year.
“I love the balance between business and lifestyle,” Hobbs said of life in the Kootenays. “The scenery on the drive to and from work is like being on a holiday every day. The relatively unsaturated market here (compared to England) means there is tremendous opportunity in the Kootenays.”
Hobbs said she enjoys the hotel industry because of the new challenges each day brings, as well as the opportunities it allows to support the community. When asked about her recent awards, Hobbs said she was pleased with the honour.
“I was delighted to receive the awards. It’s always nice when your efforts are acknowledged,” Hobbs said. “It’s my aim to always go the extra mile and I am proud to have a team that is willing to go there with me. These awards are a testament to the results we are achieving and serve as inspiration to keep moving forward.”
Snapshot ::
Fireside Inn and Conference Centre
Grew up in :: England
Family :: I moved to Canada four and a half years ago with my husband and two rescue greyhound dogs.
Downtime activities :: Outside of the hotel, I also assist my husband with the marketing of his art business (www.guyhobbs.com), so there is limited downtime. But what I do have I enjoy spending out on the lake.
Community involvement :: President of the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce, supporter of Castlegar Sculpture Walk, volunteer with the Castlegar Hospice Society
Must-reads :: Karin Slaughter
The year ahead :: If I have learned anything from my experience in management, it is that you can never guess what is around the next corner. This is what makes life fun!