Engineering's Loss is Hospitality's Gain: Dominic Donatoni, '05 Hospitality Management, Successfully Changes Gears and Careers

Although Dominic Donatoni entered higher education in pursuit of a mechanical and electrical engineering degree, he soon began to investigate possibilities in the hospitality field. After searching the Internet for hospitality schools in California, he found Cal Poly Pomona's Collins School for Hospitality Management listed as the top hospitality program in the state. Donatoni decided to make the move, graduating in 2004. He is currently the director of room operations at Aliso Creek Inn, the jewel of Laguna Beach. Engineering's loss is definitely hospitality's gain.

“The Collins School has such an abundance of resources from the faculty and staff to the Board of Advisors, and all are very dedicated to the success of the students and the school,” he says. “I was able to take advantage of networking opportunities at Cal Poly Pomona that have been the chief advantage and gateway for my career path and growth.”

Aliso Creek Inn sprawls over 80 acres in a peaceful canyon off Pacific Coast Highway. Its amenities include Laguna Beach's only golf course, fine dining, and conference and banquet facilities. Donatoni's duties are numerous and unpredictable, depending upon the time or season. Every day, he says, is different. For example, on one particular day he might spend the bulk of his time overseeing grounds or maintenance teams, even pitching in and getting dirty if necessary. At other times, Donatoni focuses on ensuring smooth operations on the front desk and in housekeeping. It is all in a day's (or night's) work.

“I may try to preplan my day or week, but it is always a lost cause,” he says. “I love not knowing what my day will bring and my biggest satisfaction is uncovering a challenge and finding ways to overcome it. I only have one chance to make a guest happy, and if I lose that chance, I did not accomplish what I am here to do.”

Donatoni's attitude toward customer service is a direct reflection of the attitude he brought to Cal Poly Pomona. As a student, he played vital roles in The Collins School's numerous clubs and organizations. Donatoni helped revive the defunct Bacchus Society, serving as its director of finance and then as its president. He also was Hospitality Management Council president and a very active member of the Cal Poly Hotel Association Club and the Club Managers Student Chapter. During his senior year, Donatoni was invited to become a member of the Student Alumni Association, an honor extended on an invitation only basis. Participation in these various organizations and clubs honed his networking and managerial skills that he relies on each day at Aliso Creek.

“The Collins School resources are at your disposal if you express the interest and dedication to ‘push the envelope," says Donatoni, when asked what advice he would tender to current and future students. “Become involved in any and all opportunities and make sure that people know you are interested in learning more than just what a book might say.”

He cites the quality of instruction and instructors as being crucial to post-university success. From his first professor, Tarun Kapoor, to Gary Hamilton, among many others, Donatoni says he learned to expect the unexpected and to accept leadership roles with grace and equanimity. As Hospitality Management Council president, he worked closely with James Burke, who provided opportunities and challenges that inspired Donatoni to perfect his networking and management skills. And networking is one of the most important lessons that an undergraduate can learn in the hospitality industry.

“Network, network, network,” says Donatoni, “and get all the outside experience you can while still in school. ‘Book learning' for this industry is only useful when reinforced with practical ‘hands on' work experience.”