by: Mary Cline, PCMA SE Membership Volunteer & Chris Colbert, Director of Membership
The PCMA Southeast Chapter is proud to spotlight one of our 500+ members from across the continent and Puerto Rico in each newsletter.
You could be next…
This month, the Spotlight is on Jordan D. Clark, VP of Sales, Caesars Entertainment.
How many years have you been in the events/hospitality industry?
I have been in the hospitality business for nearly 30 rewarding years.
How long have you been a PCMA member?
Since 2014.
What is your current job title, name of your organization and how long have you been in this position?
I am currently Vice President of Sales with Caesars Entertainment, and have been with the organization for 13 years.
What aspect(s) of your PCMA membership benefit you the most?
The most beneficial aspects of the PCMA membership are both the commitment to continuing education, of both standard and industry trends, as well as the networking opportunities. I have learned what is important to my customer’s so that I can help better meet their needs and have had the opportunity to network with the best in the industry..
What is your most memorable moment, reflecting on your career, relating to doing what you “do?”
In 1995, I was training a new employee at the hotel I was working at in Philadelphia. This gentleman made such a lasting impression on me. He was smart, driven, had a thirst for knowledge which was unquenchable. He wanted to be the best of the best. I told all of my colleagues that one day, we would all be working for him. That person was Michael Massari. Thankfully, I have been working with Michael for over 22 years now. Meeting him and working hard have dramatically shaped my career.
What is your passion outside of the “industry?”
My passion outside of this industry is checking off the 30 items from my bucket list! Some of my goals include traveling with my wife and two teenage kids to New Zealand, Russia and the Amalfi coast. I also want to go dog sledding, train across Canada and drive fast on the Autobahn in Germany!
What was a technology game-changer for you related to your field, in terms of changing “how” you work, and in what way?
Face-to-face meetings are one of the most important aspects of our industry. Personal mobile devices and the internet were a complete game changer. Programs such as ZOOM, FaceTime and Skype allow us to be more effective. More importantly, these devices make it possible to work virtually and we can be with our customers all of the time versus just seeing our clients once a year. We have the ability to work from absolutely anywhere while still building those essential relationships. Business gets done when those relationships are formed.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from a past or current mentor?
One of my mentors taught me that it is important to surround yourselves with teachers throughout the entirety of life. People should always have a host of people to learn from, as well as someone to give advice and the occasional reality check!
If you retired from events/hospitality today, what would be your next career and why?
There is not a single day that I wish I could do something else. I truly love what we do. If I was forced to choose, my next career would have to do with helping other people grow and mentoring. Possibly teaching at the university level.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
It ALL happened… Face2Face
