A familiar Oak Bay face graced the stage as Madone Pelan earned a place in the Top 20 Under 40 Business and Community Awards.
“It was a bit of a surprise for me. It was truly a shock,” Pelan said.
Pelan, 37, joined the Oak Bay Beach Hotel team last spring as senior sales manager, bringing 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the then-new position. Pelan can also, on occasion, be seen behind the counter at The Whole Beast on Oak Bay Avenue, which she owns with husband Cory.
“Madone is so incredibly passionate about the hospitality industry and her profession and we are very proud to have her as part of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel team,” said Michelle Le Sage, general manager at the hotel. “All of us congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”
Pelan knew she’d earned a nomination and a place in the top 100, so she and Cory attended the gala at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre in Nanaimo where the top 20 were announced.
“It was a surprise and an honour. I’m very humbled by the company I kept and the other winners,” Pelan said. “There were some great inspiring people I was lucky enough to stand next to on stage.”
Pelan started her career as captain’s secretary for Princess Cruises and in 2003 joined the Fairmont Empress team, where she discovered a passion in sales.
She progressed through the ranks to group sales manager before moving to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. She’s been involved with United Way, BC Children’s Hospital and MPI (meeting professionals international).
“Over the course of my career I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to give back in a number of ways,” she said. “For me it really is reflective of the wonderful support I have through work as well as family.”
Each of those in the top 20 received a crystal award.
Learn more about the other top 39 online at 20under40.ca.