Michael:

I was born here in Boston and spent some of my younger years living just south in Milton with my parents and two sisters. Right before my brother was born, we moved to the South Shore because my mother wanted more land around the house… my family still lives there today. For college, I went to Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island where I studied hotel management and worked in food and beverage for Marriott and Sheraton hotels. It wasn’t until I became interested in real estate and architecture that I moved back to Boston so that I could take classes at the Boston Architecture College in the Back Bay.

Believe it or not, I had missed my train after class one day so I walked down Newbury Street where I came upon the original Ritz Carlton on Arlington Street. I didn’t know anything about the Ritz at the time. I went inside and walked around. The beauty and formality struck me – blue crystal chandeliers, marble floors and staircases. The staff wore tuxedos and there were elevator operators waiting to take guests to their floors. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow! The architecture in this building is amazing… I want to work here.” Sure enough, I got a position and after working there for a while, I knew luxury hospitality was the place for me. It was an amazing experience for many years.

This is a residential building with the feel of a hotel. I like having the opportunity to engage with residents and assist in whatever way I can to make their day easier… that’s not always possible in a hotel. Plus, I really like the diversity of the staff. We come from a lot of different work backgrounds, but we all have a common thread of providing a high level of service. It’s a fun environment and I truly enjoy coming to work every day.

I really like all the excitement and energy around the city! The lights, decorations, catching up with friends you aren’t able to see that often. I love being with my family for a crazy day of fun, laughs, and good food… it’s a great way to end each year and I’m so thankful for the family that I have.

While I do love the holiday season in the city, before I became a part of the Millennium family, I always worked holidays… which I guess would be considered a tradition for me ha-ha! But I do have a favorite family tradition. For the past 25 years, we adopt a family of two through an organization called My Brother’s Keeper. We supply them with gifts or a Christmas tree and decorations so they can experience the joy of the holidays, too. Even though the children in my family are growing older, they still ask every year, “When are we getting the family to help?” I know they will continue this tradition with their families, and that’s what the season of giving is all about.