Today we’d like to introduce you to Mychal Milian. Them and their team share their story with us below:
With over a decade of hotel experience, Mychal Milian is a native of South Florida, where he was born and raised. In 2011, he graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism, and recently went back in 2020 during the pandemic and completed his Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management. Mychal’s hospitality career began in 2010, when he joined Economos Properties as Food and Beverage Supervisor at the 263 room Courtyard by Marriott Miami Beach Oceanfront, the historic Cadillac Hotel. He has held multiple Front Office Manager positions for brands such as Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Hotels, SLS Hotels, and the historic Raleigh Hotel Miami Beach. Mychal has also task forced in iconic properties such as Doubletree Times Square, the Park Lane Hotel New York, and The Redbury Hollywood.
In 2017, Mychal became the Director of Rooms for the popular 100-room Standard Spa Miami Beach. He later transitioned to other Director of Rooms positions at reputable hotels like the Conrad Miami and the COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach. In 2020, he was honored by Florida International University with the 2020 Hospitality Rooms Division Rising Star by the Chaplin School of Hospitality.
In 2021, Mychal re-joined Economos Properties as the Opening General Manager of the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport, and Director of Operations for the entire hotel complex (Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport).
As well as his day job, Mychal sits on the Board of Directors for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Broward Chapter, he is the Chair for the Marriott South Florida Business Council – Serve 360 Broward Chapter.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Growing up working in hospitality, like any 20 something year old, my friends always went out on weekends and would go out until late where as I was working as early as 5am some days, or as late as 2-3 in the morning.
I learned I had to make sacrifices if I wanted to be successful in my career.
When my bosses would ask for volunteers for extra projects, I was always first to raise my hand. If someone needed help at a different hotel, I was always first in line to get my name out there.
I worked full time and went to school full time. At one point, I would work 2-3 jobs and go to school full time, not because I had to, but because I had the drive and the passion to do better and propel my career forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the General Manager and Complex Director of Operations for the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport and AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport, two new hotels located at the Dania Pointe Mall in Dania Beach, FL. We are the largest building in the city, and the only dual-branded hotel near the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. As a General Manager, I am the “Generalist” for the entire hotel. My meetings involve all disciplines such as Financial, Operational, and setting the hotel up for the future. While my team ensures the hotel is running smoothly in the day to day, I ensure the hotel will be running smoothly 3-6 months down the road.
My specialty is the Front Office, as I was a Front Office Manager for the majority of my career coming up in this industry, and my passion is recommending and tailoring the experience for our guests.
My colleagues like to joke that I am the Mayor because there is usually someone I know around the town at a restaurant or hotel, or I am a degree or two away from it.
I would say what I am most proud of professionally is opening two hotels in the middle of a pandemic. There were already challenges with the Supply Chain, and the industry was facing unprecedented staffing challenges. My team and I were able to push through and open these two successful hotels without a hiccup and they’ve been a success in the market ever since.
What sets me apart from the rest is that I am homegrown in South Florida. This industry is a melting pot, and it is very rare that you meet another General Manager who was born in South Florida. My local knowledge of the market gives me advantages when it comes to forecasting, trends, and solving problems for our travelers.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I would love to be in a Regional Role where I am overseeing other General Managers, inspiring and teaching them. I would also love to work directly for a brand where I am giving direct input in setting standards of operations and setting an identity for a hospitality brand. I am looking forward to development of Dania Beach, where my two hotels are located. For years this was a pass-through city, but when this complex came to fruition, people started talking about the area. Once a Marriott moves into your town, I dont think you can be considered a small city anymore.
Contact Info:
- Website: marriott.com/fllmp
- Instagram: 1ina_milian
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1inaMILIAN
- Other: marriott.com/fllac
Image Credits
Blissful Haze Photography
