Meet David Barnett | Director of Sales and Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Barnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
We care about your guest experience more than you might think and sincerely feel terrible when things go wrong. We are in hospitality not because it is lucrative per se, but because we have a passion for it. The goal is always want to be our best, so our guests can be their best. All we ask for in return is a little compassion and understanding, especially in these tough times where we are understaffed. If something goes askew, We will move mountains and roll out the red carpet for those that are calm and polite while we make things right for them.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The straightest route to success in the business world is to align yourself with companies that share your core values and are reflective of who you are as a person, both professionally and as a whole. I’ve been fortunate over my career to work for some incredible brands that were very easy for me to understand and communicate to our guests and shareholders because they were reflective of my values, aesthetics and sensibilities. That said, being offered a hefty salary can often minimize the importance of these principals and I certainly fell victim to this more than once early in my career and it’s never worth the money if you are miserable and not working for a brand you believe in at your core. At Hyatt, we want to be our best so our guests can be their best, which is elegant in its simplicity and easy to measure in its execution. Whether its delivering financials above and beyond expectations to our owners or going that extra mile to make someone’s stay exceptional, you have to be your best to make a meaningful impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, first and foremost, they would stay at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Westlake for their stay! We would definitely hit the Old Place for a great breakfast and some “Manmosas”. It’s right down the street from us and my wife and I love it. You need to get their early though, as it’s a popular spot for weekend bikers and car enthusiasts. Then it would be off to Westward beach to relax for a few hours and hang with some friends and grab lunch at the Sunset Restaurant. I always enjoy checking out the newest exhibits at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. They have a World War II exhibit their now that is a must see. We love to taking visitors to Saddle Peak Lodge for dinner to experience the hunting cabin vibe and maybe try out some unique wild game on the menu. Other great restaurants include Alley on the Grill, Tuscany, and Finney’s Crafthouse.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Dad was a hotel executive, so growing-up hotel jargon was all my brother and I heard and we both followed in the family business. Hospitality runs through our blood and I am grateful for both of them.. And Stephen Covey for the “7 Habits of Highly Successful People” – it’s an oldie but a goodie that I read as a young adult and it set me on the path towards success.

Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-regency-westlake/westl?src=vanity_hyattregencywestlake.com

Instagram: @hyattregencywestlake

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hyatt-regency-westlake-village

Twitter: @HyattWestlake

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HyattRegencyWestlake/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hyatt-regency-westlake-westlake-village