Spending the holidays with Deerfoot Inn & Casino
We had the opportunity to meet up with Bryce Reid from the Deerfoot Inn and Casino to discuss their support for the LGBTQ+ community in YYC. I also learned more about one of their best employees and why making the trip to the southeast of Calgary is definitely worth considering.
Pride In Business Community Spotlight, in partnership with TD.
By Jarom Moriyama-Bondar
Bryce Reid
Deerfoot Inn and Casino
How long have you owned/worked at Deerfoot Inn & Casino?
I have held a few positions through the various departments over the past 12 years. The first of which was bartending part-time on weekends in the Wild Horse Pub while working on my Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Calgary about 12 years ago.
Over the years, I naturally grew into more sales and marketing roles until I settled in Hotel Management and moved into the Assistant General Manager position.
Can you tell me a little about the history of DFIC?
Deerfoot Inn & Casino is quickly approaching our 15th Anniversary here in November and although we continue to update the property, we have stayed true to our original vision. We are a full-service hotel, conference center, casino, and entertainment complex. Even now we are in the progress of expanding the casino and pub as well as our showroom which is set to be complete in April 2021.
What inspired you to get into business with this type of work?
I learned very early in my professional career that I enjoyed the service industry, specifically creating positive experiences for others. I started working when I was 13 in a small-town family-owned restaurant in southern Alberta. When I moved to the city, I jumped into the service industry and quickly set up roots here at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino. Over the last 12 years I have expanded into sales, marketing, entertainment, and business leadership. All these aspects shaped me in the role that I am in today which is unique to the things I am good at and passionate about. Even today, my role revolves around creating memorable experiences for people — just on a much larger scale.
What’s your impression of the LGBTQ+ business community in the city?
I have been in Calgary now for 15 years and have maintained a large network of LGBTQ+ friends who have grown into the business community alongside me. I have met others through organizations like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and, of course, Pride in Business. I place a huge amount of importance around participating and supporting other members of the LGBTQ+ community in business. Having a likeminded network to share experience, mentorship, support, and accomplishments has been invaluable to me in my own professional journey.
How do you feel DFIC contributes to the LGBTQ+ community?
A large amount of support we have provided to our community is through our philosophies of inclusion and equality. These are rooted deep in our organization. We advocate equal opportunity and work with hundreds of people, at all levels of our companies, who are members of our community. We also make several financial contributions to LGBTQ+ causes that impact members of our team of families.
What does DFIC do to make members of the LGBTQ+ community feel welcome?
I think people feel welcome when they see other members of the community working through the facility when they come in. We all act as ambassadors to the community when we recognize others. Our highest priority with all of our guests regardless of orientation, race, or religion is to create a fun and positive experience.
What advice would you have for anyone looking to get into hotel or casino management?
From my experience I would say get your “foot in the door,” work hard, and then get the education you need to go where you want. When I was younger, I thought as a gay man that I had to work twice as hard as everyone else I worked with to make a good impression in a professional environment. Turns out that wasn’t really the case, but it did certainly help me stand out as someone with initiative to grow, learn, and take on more responsibility. When opportunities came up, I was always a clear front runner.
What impact has the pandemic had on your business?
Like every business, Covid–19 has been very disruptive to our business and devastating as a large employer. We closed our doors for nearly three months this year and had to temporarily lay off nearly 500 employees at that time. Even with resumed operations, we have not been able to bring back our full staff and it is difficult for all involved.
We have adapted as best we can by understanding that today’s world is completely different than what we knew prior to March 2020. We have shifted how we run every aspect of our business from marketing and advertising through to day-to-day operations including extensive safety protocols in every area.
What is DFIC doing for the holidays and how can people get involved?
This year we wanted to go a bit overboard on holiday spirit and put together a unique experience that would create some positive memories. We are creating a Weekend Winter Wonderland which includes an outdoor ice rink and bonfire area. Hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies for the kids. We also have a gingerbread decorating session and evening story time for kids with Mrs. Claus. This is an add-on to any hotel stay through the winter months for only $20 per family.
For those who are not family-oriented we have an exciting Play & Stay package for adults which includes your hotel stay, a $20 gaming voucher, and $25 food and beverage gift card all for $169. These are great on weekends as well as we have live entertainment in the Wildhorse Pub every Friday and Saturday night.
To more information on our what we’re doing including exiting promotions, deals, and giveaways please follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Are you open to being approached from members of our community would who like to connect on topics we discussed in this article? How do you prefer to be contacted?
I would absolutely be open to that.
Phone: (403) 723 4032
Email: breid@dfic.ca
PRIDE IN BUSINESS PARTNERS
