The hospitality industry has been devastated by the pandemic, with unprecedented layoffs and hotel closures. While the industry will eventually recover, the timing is uncertain and some markets may take years to regain prior business levels. In light of these challenges, the author decided to obtain a real estate license to gain a new skill during the downturn. The author believes their experience in hospitality provides a strong foundation for real estate sales. They were drawn to joining Keller Williams due to its strong culture and commitment to clients, and encourages others in hospitality to consider real estate as an alternative career path during this difficult time.

1. Hospitality
Career
Pivot?
Go to your strength!

2. Our beloved hotel industry has never experienced anything like the current environment with
the pandemic taking a devastating toll. Our hotels are either closed or running at historically low
occupancies. The layoffs we have experienced are unprecedented and I personally know of
literally hundreds of talented leaders who for the first time in their careers find themselves
without a job and a very uncertain future.
I fully believe the hospitality sector will recover however the timing of that recovery is
uncertain and some markets hardest hit may take years to regain their prior business levels. It
appears certain that the larger brands such as Marriott and Hilton with announced layoffs are
looking to restructure their organizations for the long term.
So, where does that leave thousands of dedicated, hospitality professional leaders now out of
a job and an industry that they love?
I too have been affected by the changes in our industry and decided during this period of the
slow down I wanted to educate myself and come out of this season with a new skill and learning.
In May I decided I would obtain a real estate license. Over the last 20 years, hospitality and real
estate have become more integrated and necessary for hotel developments. Almost every new
development hotel I was associated with at SH Group and Auberge Resorts had for sale real
estate as an essential component for a successful development.
The real estate industry, for the great companies is not a transaction focused business but
one of service to their clients. I met with many brokerage companies and was drawn instantly to
Keller Williams. They have a strong culture with values. Keller Williams invests in their agents
and staff with outstanding training resources and classes. They focus on their clients and know
that their financial success is a by product of creating exceptional customer experiences. It is
easy to understand why Keller Williams is regarded as the best in residential real estate.

3. What defines kw?
Forbes List - Best Employers
The Close - Best Real Estate Company
Indeed - #1 Top rated work place for Veterans
Newsweek - 2020 Top rated service in real estate
Inc Magazine – Best Workplace
The Keller Williams Definition Culture:
Is the result of organizing the goals of
a business around solid, positive, core
values and then proceeding to cultivate them on a daily basis.
Year after year, Keller Williams is recognized and awarded as
the best organization in real estate.

4. Your strength is SERVICE! Keller Williams
values the highest commitment to their
customers. If you are looking for an
alternative career path, then Keller Williams
may be your next great career move. Your
experience in hospitality is an excellent
foundation for real estate sales.
I believe the process of becoming a real
estate licensee will provide you with
knowledge and experience that will benefit
your career.
Your new education may launch an exciting
path in real estate or will serve you well
back in hospitality providing you with an
advantage of having a professional license
in real estate.
Please reach out to me as a resource and I
will assist you in your pursuit and as your
sponsor if you choose Keller Williams.
WI4C2TS
OUR BELIEF SYSTEM
WIN-WIN or no deal
INTEGRITY do the right thing
CUSTOMERS always come first
COMMITMENT in all things
COMMUNICATION seek first to understand
CREATIVITY ideas before results
TEAMWORK together everyone achieves more
TRUST starts with honesty
SUCCESS results through people

5. Culture
OUR VISION
To be the real estate
COMPANY OF CHOICE
for agents and their customers
OUR VALUE
GOD, FAMILY, then business.

6. Our Mission
To build CAREERS worth having,
BUSINESSES worth owning,
LIVES worth living,
EXPERIENCES worth giving, and
LEGACIES worth leaving.

7. Now let's start building something great.
Take advantage of this time and come out of this season
stronger, more knowledgeable and energized with new skills.
Please contact me at srohm@kw.com for assistance to join
Keller Williams
Take control and go with your
strength!