Phil Patterson has been a doorman at the Omni for 10 years.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I meet and greet guests with a smiling face. Prior to that I was a school teacher, teaching handicapped students with an IQ under 50 at Palm [Avenue Exceptional Child Center] then Alden Road [Exceptional Student Center].”
WHY GIVE UP TEACHING?
“I got burnt out. After I quit, I went back to school in Connecticut to study hotel/motel management through a correspondence school.”
WHY GO INTO HOSPITALITY?
“I wanted to go into management because I found out people are going to be working less hours and traveling more. I have seen an increase in people on the road.”
WHY DECIDE
TO BE A DOORMAN?
“I love people. I see so many interesting people. What I find so rewarding is seeing so many smiling faces.”
WHAT’S CHALLENGING ABOUT IT?
“When we get a rush and I don’t have time to spend with my guests.”
THE RIGHT STUFF
“To be a good doorman takes personality, a good wit, patience, looking above and beyond, understanding guests’ needs and following through. You also need to have a keen knowledge of the city.”
ARE DOORMEN
A THING OF THE PAST?
“No, they’re coming in because there will always be big buildings and clubs. It sets the standard for the hotel. We make the first impression.”
EVER MET A CELEBRITY?
“In 1997, I met Carol Burnett in the driveway. She was even more beautiful in person and had a nice personality.”
OTHER CELEBS
James Earl Jones, John Walsh from “America’s Most Wanted” and a host of professional football players have received Patterson’s red carpet treatment.
MILITARY TRADITION
Following in his father’s footsteps, Patterson enlisted in the Navy before passing the torch to his son Philander. His daughter Asia is in the Air Force. Patterson’s brother, a civilian, resides in Saudi Arabia.
WHY LEAVE THE SERVICE?
“When I joined, I realized I needed a college degree. I decided I need to pursue a job to take care of my family. I heard the Omni was a great place to work.”
KUDOS
Patterson was selected as one of the top 10 service champs of the year and recently won the 2002 Hospitality Hero award from the Jacksonville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
WHY DID THE
CVB CHOOSE YOU?
“Because of the way I greet people and my smile. Everybody remembers ‘Phil from Jacksonville’.”
HOMETOWN
Norfolk, Va.
COLLEGE
Patterson attended FCCJ and UNF and holds a bachelor’s degree in education.
AVOCATIONS AND HOBBIES
“I’m a jack-of-all-trades. I love painting and landscaping. I made money painting people’s houses and landscaping for 20 years. I still do it.” For fun, Patterson enjoys bowling — his average is 135 — saltwater fishing and frequenting family reunions in South Carolina.
PHIL’S FAVORITES
Entertainment-wise, Patterson enjoys the game show “Wheel of Fortune” and the film “Jaws.” To put his assertive foot forward, Patterson thumbs through the self-help book “When I Say No, I Feel Guilty.” His pick of restaurants is the Chart House.
— by Monica Chamness