The 26-year-old Sandals Grand Riviera employee's pleasant demeanour and concern for both guests and colleagues has seen her being admirably referred to by many as "a sister from another mother".
Verona Johnson (right) and her supervisor Susan Hyatt.
Verona Johnson (right) and her supervisor Susan Hyatt. #slideshowtoggler, #slideshowtoggler a, #slideshowtoggler img {filter:none !important;zoom:normal !important} [b class="status" style="margin: 0px 50px; font-weight: bold;"]1/1[/b] |
But Johnson's dream job was not always in the hotel industry, as the vibrant young woman started working in the insurance industry shortly after completing college.
However, when that insurance company closed she was forced to look elsewhere for a job and this signalled her entry into the hotel sector.
"Being in the hotel industry has been amazing," she told the Jamaica Observer North East during a recent interview.
"I did not know a thing about it when I started, but I have come to love it,"
she added.
Johnson has been working in the dining room for two years, but was recently promoted to the club concierge department.
The Moneague, St Ann, resident, who is originally from Bamboo in the parish, said she intends to climb the ladder in the hotel industry and will not stop until she gets to a managerial position.
It is that constant dream for improvement which drives her to pursue several courses at the newly established Sandals Corporate University.
"I have grown a lot here," she revealed.
She explained that, for her, the hotel sector is not just a job but providing service at its best .
Johnson said she often relates to guests as if she has known them for a long time.
The motto of the hotel's restaurant where she works has become her personal mantra and motivation on the job.
"We make happy guests happier, and the ones who are not happy we work on them," she said.
Johnson said she has always tried to exceed the expectation of those she serves.
Susan Hyatt, manager of Soy Sushi Bar and Johnson's immediate supervisor, describes her as one who is always smiling.
"She works with flair; she works with enthusiasm," she said.
Hyatt said Johnson is also one who goes the extra mile for guests and who works well with her team members.
"She is always interested in upgrading herself," she further added.
Described as a model employee, Hyatt said Johnson has done extremely well in her short stint at the hotel.
"Her appearance, her smile and her personality are the complete package of what is being looked for in the hotel industry," Hyatt said.
But it is not only Hyatt and other staff members who have praises for Johnson. Several visitors to the hotel have provided positive feedback about the fun-loving and adventurous Johnson on the tripadvisor website.