A Look into Leadership: Creating Positive Moments at our Destinations
With Maggie Garcia-Nook, Vice President of Operations
Margarita (Maggie) Garcia-Nook strives to create a positive atmosphere for Aramark employees and guests at Aramark properties. As Vice President of Operations for the West District of Aramark Destinations, she oversees operations throughout California, Nevada, and Wyoming, including Zephyr Cove in Lake Tahoe, Hearst Castle, Signal Mountain Lodge, Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Scenic Safaris, Mad River, and Asilomar Conference Grounds.
Maggie began her career with Aramark at Lake Powell as a Retail Supervisor. While she took some time to explore paths elsewhere, she eventually returned to Aramark as a Director of Retail once again, but this time at Zephyr Cove Resort on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Soon after, she became Operations Manager at the property.
One of Maggie’s favorite aspects about working at Aramark is the flexibility to manage differently based on each property’s needs. When working for a company as complex and large as Aramark, some might think that all operations must be managed in the same way, following the same roles. For Maggie, she’s found it to be a bit different with Aramark.
Although there are policies and procedures in place, Maggie enjoys working with staff and management at each property to find unique solutions that improve each location. She enjoys that at Aramark, leaders have a seat at the table and room to be heard.
While the properties she oversees may be different, one thing in common at all of them is that Maggie works towards creating a positive workplace culture every day.
“We can have tough days and busy days, but I think we can always find a reason to smile or laugh – whether it’s at ourselves or some situations. I think our teams are happy; we have a really positive culture here.”
Maggie has especially made it a point to lead with empathy in her role. She takes pride in looking after her employees – personally and professionally – and making work more fun where she can. In particular, at Zephyr Cove, Maggie has helped oversee the implementation of Fun Shirt Fridays and employee yoga sessions on the shore of the lake. These may seem like small parts of the day-to-day operations, but Maggie has seen a truly positive impact on her teammates and the workplace culture.
Her teammates describe her as a “cheerleader” – always filled with pride and joy, rooting for other employees and watching them move forward in their career journey. Maggie values the knowledge and experiences each employee, no matter seasonal or salaried, brings to the operations.
Throughout her time with Aramark, Maggie has learned that showing up each and every day for your team is one of the most important things to do while in a leadership role – and it is advice she hopes to impart on future leaders.
“Be present. If you are having a conversation with a team member, make sure to truly listen. When you’re walking around, really pay attention – whether it’s to someone’s behavior or part of the facility. My number one piece of advice is to be present, be genuine, and lead with integrity and transparency.”
A Look into Leadership: Creating Positive Moments at our Destinations
With Maggie Garcia-Nook, Vice President of Operations
Margarita (Maggie) Garcia-Nook strives to create a positive atmosphere for Aramark employees and guests at Aramark properties. As Vice President of Operations for the West District of Aramark Destinations, she oversees operations throughout California, Nevada, and Wyoming, including Zephyr Cove in Lake Tahoe, Hearst Castle, Signal Mountain Lodge, Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Scenic Safaris, Mad River, and Asilomar Conference Grounds.
Maggie began her career with Aramark at Lake Powell as a Retail Supervisor. While she took some time to explore paths elsewhere, she eventually returned to Aramark as a Director of Retail once again, but this time at Zephyr Cove Resort on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Soon after, she became Operations Manager at the property.
One of Maggie’s favorite aspects about working at Aramark is the flexibility to manage differently based on each property’s needs. When working for a company as complex and large as Aramark, some might think that all operations must be managed in the same way, following the same roles. For Maggie, she’s found it to be a bit different with Aramark.
Although there are policies and procedures in place, Maggie enjoys working with staff and management at each property to find unique solutions that improve each location. She enjoys that at Aramark, leaders have a seat at the table and room to be heard.
While the properties she oversees may be different, one thing in common at all of them is that Maggie works towards creating a positive workplace culture every day.
“We can have tough days and busy days, but I think we can always find a reason to smile or laugh – whether it’s at ourselves or some situations. I think our teams are happy; we have a really positive culture here.”
Maggie has especially made it a point to lead with empathy in her role. She takes pride in looking after her employees – personally and professionally – and making work more fun where she can. In particular, at Zephyr Cove, Maggie has helped oversee the implementation of Fun Shirt Fridays and employee yoga sessions on the shore of the lake. These may seem like small parts of the day-to-day operations, but Maggie has seen a truly positive impact on her teammates and the workplace culture.
Her teammates describe her as a “cheerleader” – always filled with pride and joy, rooting for other employees and watching them move forward in their career journey. Maggie values the knowledge and experiences each employee, no matter seasonal or salaried, brings to the operations.
Throughout her time with Aramark, Maggie has learned that showing up each and every day for your team is one of the most important things to do while in a leadership role – and it is advice she hopes to impart on future leaders.
“Be present. If you are having a conversation with a team member, make sure to truly listen. When you’re walking around, really pay attention – whether it’s to someone’s behavior or part of the facility. My number one piece of advice is to be present, be genuine, and lead with integrity and transparency.”
Garrett's eco-conscious interests and aspirations started as a young age. Now as a Sustainability Specialist with Aramark at Pikes Peak, he's helping educate others on the importance of reducing their environmental impact.
