Gary Jupiter, 36
General manager, DoubleTree Baton Rouge
Ten years is a long time in any industry. But for Gary Jupiter, working as a general manager in the hotel industry this past decade still hasn’t gotten old. For Jupiter, the best moments are big and small, whether it’s celebrating a financial goal that has been achieved or receiving a positive travel response from a guest. If you can’t find him at the DoubleTree on a Sunday, it’s probably because he’s too busy cheering on the Saints in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Next year will be my 10th year serving as a general manager in the hotel industry. In 2014 the DoubleTree Baton Rouge finished in the top 10% for the brand in guest satisfaction. Hotel currently has the No. 2 TripAdvisor ranking in Baton Rouge. Served as the president of the Baton Rouge Lodging Association from 2012 to 2014, currently serving on board as past president.
VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS AND INVOLVEMENT
Baton Rouge Lodging Association, Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, Rotary of Baton Rouge, Interstate Hotels and Resorts General Manager Advisory Council member.
WHAT ACTOR/ACTRESS WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE?
People always say I favor the actor Djimon Hounsou. I don’t see it, but I guess he’d have to play the role.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?
McKenzie’s Bakery, Uptown New Orleans. I worked mornings during the summer after my junior year in high school. I learned that smelling doughnuts for long periods of time is not fun and that I don’t want to be in a profession that starts at 3 a.m.
NAME ONE BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU PROFESSIONALLY.
The 10 Essential Hugs of Life by Roy Spence. The author was a keynote speaker at a Hilton conference I attended earlier this year, and five minutes into the speech I was inspired. I purchased the book soon afterward. I found The 10 Essential Hugs of Life motivational and that it truly challenges the reader to strive to be a better person. I work daily to include messages in this book into both my personal and professional interactions.
WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
6-foot-5 point guard in the NBA.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH IN BATON ROUGE?
Little Village
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
I’d like to think that I’m still working toward that achievement.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FULFILLING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Any time I can celebrate a win with my team at the DoubleTree is a fulfilling moment. Whether it’s a financial goal we’ve surpassed or a positive travel response turned in by a guest, I enjoy celebrating those moments with our team.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST PRODUCTIVITY HACK?
I’d love to say early morning exercise because it has worked the few occasions I’ve done it. But since the occasions are few and far between I’d have to say typing “reminder” notes in my iPhone.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN THE HARD WAY?
Never be afraid to ask questions.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB WOULD SHOCK CUSTOMERS OR CLIENTS IF THEY KNEW ABOUT IT?
The amount of time people in the hospitality industry now focus and at time obsess over guest surveys and online comments. Sites such as TripAdvisor have forever changed our profession.
MAC OR PC?
Mac—self-proclaimed Apple junkie.
DO YOU TEXT OR DO YOU CALL?
TEXT, TEXT, TEXT—bad habit.
HOW LOW WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR REMAINING BATTERY LIFE GET (IN %) BEFORE YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK?
At 40% I’m looking for a charger.
HOW MANY UNREAD MESSAGES ARE IN YOUR INBOX RIGHT NOW?
Zero
WHAT APP GETS YOU THROUGH THE DAY?
This time of year it’s my Yahoo Fantasy Football app.
HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON?
Zero—I don’t believe in prolonging the inevitable.
BREAKFAST AT HOME? BREAKFAST ON THE GO? BREAKFAST AT YOUR DESK? NO BREAKFAST AT ALL?
No breakfast
IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? WHAT’S IN THE GLASS?
Half full—Glenlivet is the beverage of choice.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU HAD GROWN UP?
When my name changed from Gary to Makenzye’s dad.
WHAT TRAIT DO YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?
Being ungrateful
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Probably the amount of income I put into my golf game. Rounds, lessons, clubs, balls, clothing—it’s become an expensive habit.
WHAT TREND DO YOU REALLY WISH WOULD MAKE A COMEBACK?
Hassle-free air travel
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE JOURNEY?
Parenthood without a doubt. Kim and I are parents to a very special 6-year-old named Makenzye. Every day is a journey with that one!
ON WHAT OCCASION DO YOU LIE?
Never lie … OK, I may stretch the truth when I think it may unnecessarily hurt someone’s feelings.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET?
Lost time stressing about things that I have no control over.
WHERE ARE YOU HAPPIEST?
Walking out of the Superdome after a huge Saints victory while Rebirth Brass Band’s rendition of Casanova blasts through the speakers.
IF YOU WORKED FOR THE CIA AND NEEDED A TOP-SECRET ALIAS, WHAT WOULD YOURS BE?
Nike
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Eliminate my tendency to procrastinate.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My family. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.
WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
The camaraderie and laughter. Having those people in your life that without a shadow of doubt won’t pass judgment.
WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT THE ’90s?
High school—didn’t realize how much fun it was until it was over.
WHAT IS YOUR THEME SONG?
Those that know me closely have at times labeled me as corny or “square,” and if I revealed a theme song I may deem those assessments as credible.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 20 YEARS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF?
Take nothing for granted. Don’t settle. Go for what you want.
WHAT USELESS PIECE OF INFORMATION WILL YOU NEVER FORGET?
“Go” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH EVERY TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT?
It’s a tie. Chris Farley’s “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” from the movie Tommy Boy, and Dave Chappelle’s Rick James skit.
WHO’S THE MOST FAMOUS CELEBRITY YOU’VE EVER MET?
Spike Lee. In passing.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR FUTURE FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREES?
Embrace the experience and utilize it as an opportunity to meet people that share a similar affinity for the Capital Region. Employ those relationships to make our area stronger.
DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE CAPITAL REGION FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Absolutely. The Red Stick is my adopted home.
NAME THREE THINGS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST.
1) Visit Augusta National—Whether I’m there to play or see the Masters, I want to set foot on that golf course.
2) Take a European vacation.
3) Attend another Saints Super Bowl.
