by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - The Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort's new incoming manager hopes to set an example not only as the first Chamorro general manager of a major hotel in Guam, but to inspire others that they don't have to go off-island to be successful. He doesn't officially start his position until later this month, but Vincent "Ben" Cruz is already taking the time to understand the over 300-room Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort in Tamuning.

He is most looking forward to working with the current team in place with the common goal of remaining a successful hotel. "I'm excited and look forward to working with the team and Brian Pak; as I've said, has done a great job in the handover for me and the family here has made me feel very welcome," he said.

Cruz has almost three decades worth of experience in the food service and hotel industry. For the past 20 months, Cruz has served as the procurement and project manager for PHR Ken Micronesia, which is part of Ken Corporation, which own more than a few hotels on Guam and in Saipan. However, he's already setting his goal of ensuring that every guests has an enjoyable stay they will always remember.

"If we can satisfy a guest and give them a memorable experience, then we've succeeded," said Cruz.

And being a local boy, he hopes to inspire others to not only strive for success but that you can make it on Guam. Immediately after graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1983, he worked as a prep cook at King's Restaurant where he worked his way up to general manager. He soon served as a purchasing manager for Kwek Enterprises and found himself working in the hotel industry by not only help open the Outrigger Palasia in Palau, but overseeing renovations at the Outrigger Guam Resort and Ohana Oceanview Guam, where he served as hotel manager.

"I owe a lot to the teams I've worked with throughout the years and they've been my support, they've made me look good," he shared.

He ultimately believes that education is important to succeeding on Guam and is most excited that students are showing interest in his industry especially in tourism, hospitality and the culinary arts at such a young age. Cruz is the president of the Skal Club of Guam, which promotes global tourism and friendship with many in the industry and hopes with both positions - if he can inspire one person to excel and cease the opportunities on island, he's done his job.

"I hope that my appointment gives them hope that you don't have to go off-island to work and be successful on Guam," he said.