Author Archives: Quinn Pochekailo

Celebrating the Retirement of Rod Taylor, Vice President of Operations

Guest Services, Inc. is proud to celebrate the retirement of Rod Taylor, Vice President of Operations, whose remarkable leadership has shaped our company’s success within the National Park Service portfolio. Rod has been an integral part of Guest Services, overseeing many of our National Park Service contracts, most notably those within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Throughout his tenure, he has been a mentor to many, built an outstanding team, and played a key role in securing two major long-term contract renewals at Cottonwood Cove and Black Canyon/Willow Beach. After decades of leadership with Forever Resorts, Rod brought his expertise and steady hand to Guest Services, guiding our transition into Lake Mead with professionalism and dedication.

While Rod officially retires at the end of September, we are delighted that he will continue to lend his experience to Guest Services through special project management support at our Lake Mead sites next year.

Please join us in congratulating Rod on an exceptional career and wishing him the very best in his next chapter with his wife, Julie. We know he will enjoy more time on his favorite hobbies, including restoring hot rods, boating, and cheering on his favorite teams.

Reflections from Leadership and Colleagues

Nico Foris, CEO

“It was truly a pleasure working with Rod over the past seven years. Rod consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and professionalism. His strong work ethic, thoughtful mentorship, and deep understanding of operations set the highest standard across our hospitality division. His commitment to excellence and care for both people and performance earned the respect of clients, employees, and guests. Rod has made such a positive impact on the organization, and I am so happy to have had the privilege of working with him.”

Brandy Frederich, Vice President of Hospitality

“Rod has been a humble and thoughtful leader, someone who truly understands both the mechanics and the dynamics of the workplace. I’ve appreciated the stories, humor, and steady perspective shared along the way. It’s been a pleasure working with you. It’s an honor to follow in your footsteps and help carry forward the region you’ve led with such steady guidance and integrity. I hope to honor your accomplishments and continue the momentum you’ve built, keeping the team strong, relevant, and proud of the work we do every day. Wishing you and Julie every happiness in this next chapter. May your days ahead be filled with the hum of engines, the sparkle of the water, and the joy of doing what you love most. Happy trails and anchors away.”

Lisa Duncan, Senior Director of Operations

“Working with Rod Taylor has been one of the highlights of my time with Guest Services. From the day I joined the company as General Manager at Temple Bar, Rod has been an incredible mentor. He’s always been willing to share his guidance, insight, and a good story or two from his many years in the marina world. From teaching me how to put a budget together to explaining how marinas move, Rod’s patience, leadership, and sense of humor have left a lasting mark on all of us who’ve had the privilege to work with him. I wish him all the best in retirement and hope he enjoys finally getting back to work on his hot rod.”

Thank you, Rod, for your many years of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to Guest Services, Inc. Your legacy will continue to guide and inspire our teams for years to come. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement.

2025 Food Show Brings Record Engagement and Vendor Excitement

Guest Services, Inc.’s annual Food Show returned this year with record engagement and exceptionally positive feedback from vendors and employees alike. The event highlighted our company’s continued commitment to collaboration, innovation, and team development within our food and hospitality operations.

Reflecting on the event’s success, CEO Nico Foris shared his appreciation for the collaboration and partnership that make the annual Food Show possible.

“We are truly grateful for our great vendor partners who play such an important role in supporting all that we do to deliver quality products and the highest level of hospitality excellence to our clients. The Food Show serves as a wonderful opportunity to connect and engage with our culinarians, managers, and team members, fostering collaboration and innovation across all areas of our business. Together, we continue to grow as a team and strengthen our ability to uphold and advance Guest Services’ mission every day.”

This year’s Food Show welcomed ten new vendors and introduced exciting new features, including exclusive event-only pricing on smallwares and kitchen equipment, and raffle prizes for corporate employees and district managers. Prior to the event, a focused training session was held at the corporate office, setting the stage for stronger connections and more productive conversations between vendors and teams.

One of the standout moments came from a note shared by the Vice President of Acme Paper & Supply Co., who commended the event’s success:

“We felt it was the strongest show we have participated in with GSI in a long time, and your team’s presence and engagement with our manufacturer partners was a big part of that success. The energy and interest you shared with your group helped create meaningful conversations with our partners. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work together and are excited about the opportunities that can grow from yesterday’s efforts.”

For those unable to attend, the Procurement Press Issue #270 offers a full recap of the show, including a complete list of participating vendors, contact information, and product highlights featured at the event.

Special thanks to all who helped make this year’s Food Show such a success, especially to the Procurement team, participating vendors, and everyone who contributed to this dynamic and collaborative event.

Guest Services Welcomes The Whitehall of Naples and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to Its Luxury Portfolio

Guest Services, Inc.’s Condominium and Property Management Division continues its strategic growth under the leadership of Vice President of Condominium and Property Management Joana Vasilescu. Following an outstanding year of expansion in 2024, the division has added two prestigious properties that reflect luxury and legacy: The Whitehall of Naples and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. These new additions mark a step forward in strengthening Guest Services’ presence across Florida’s high-end residential and cultural sectors.

“Together, The Whitehall and the Rauschenberg Foundation represent both luxury and cultural significance within our Condo Division, expanding our portfolio into properties that blend exclusivity, creativity, and community impact,” says Joana.

Introducing the New Additions

The Whitehall of Naples

Located in the highly sought-after Coquina Sands neighborhood, The Whitehall Condominiums is an intimate beachfront community consisting of only 16 exclusive residences. Each spacious home, averaging around 3,000 square feet, offers direct Gulf of Mexico views, private beach access, and luxurious amenities such as under-building parking, a heated pool and cabana area, and a beautifully renovated lobby. With highly valued units, The Whitehall represents the pinnacle of boutique coastal living in Naples. Its premier location and discerning ownership make it a natural fit within Guest Services’ growing portfolio of luxury properties.

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation brings an entirely new dimension to the division’s portfolio. Established to preserve and advance the legacy of world-renowned artist Robert Rauschenberg, the Foundation is headquartered in New York City but rooted in Captiva Island, where Rauschenberg lived and worked for nearly 40 years. His expansive 22-acre compound, featuring 12 historic and contemporary structures, now hosts the internationally recognized Rauschenberg Residency, a program that welcomes artists from around the world to live, create, and collaborate in an environment shaped by art and nature.

The Captiva property embodies creativity and community, a unique operational challenge, and a statement of Guest Services’ versatility. “The Rauschenberg Foundation allows us to support a space where creativity, collaboration, and purpose come together, showcasing the adaptability and excellence that define Guest Services,” says Joana.

Aligning with Our Vision for Growth

“These new contracts align perfectly with our strategic goal of expanding and strengthening Guest Services’ presence in Florida’s luxury market,” Joana explains. “The addition of The Whitehall of Naples reinforces our expertise in managing boutique, service-driven communities that prioritize exclusivity and exceptional resident experiences. Meanwhile, our partnership with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation broadens our reach into the arts and nonprofit arena, reflecting our versatility and ability to support diverse operational environments.”

What Sets Our Team Apart

Behind each new partnership is a team whose approach is defined by precision, care, and collaboration. “These partnerships highlight what truly sets our team apart: our personalized, hands-on approach, strong service culture, and ability to adapt to each client’s unique needs,” Joana notes. “Our reputation for operational excellence, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset made Guest Services the natural choice for both The Whitehall of Naples and the Rauschenberg Foundation.”

Looking Ahead

As the division continues to grow, Joana remains focused on strengthening relationships with both new and long-standing clients. “I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with both ownership groups and discovering the unique character each property brings to our portfolio,” she says. “At The Whitehall of Naples, we’ll have the opportunity to elevate the resident experience within a highly exclusive, service-driven community, while the Rauschenberg Foundation allows us to help preserve an inspiring legacy through exceptional property management.”

In addition to these two new partnerships, the division also successfully renewed seven existing contracts this year, an achievement that speaks to the continued trust and satisfaction of their clients.

Congratulations to Joana and the entire Condominium and Property Management Team for another year of remarkable growth and innovation.