A veteran of the hospitality field for more than three decades, Dan Carlino is the general manager of Hilton Des Moines Downtown. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, which has 330 rooms and 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and happens to be the only one connected to the Iowa Events Center. Learn about Dan Carlino…
Hometown: Braintree, MA
First job: Dishwasher (age 13) at Basile Catering (Braintree, MA).
Favorite ways to spend your free time in Iowa: I have been most passionate about volunteering at the Animal Rescue League as a dog walker.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Being a dad and raising my daughter as there is nothing more important to me.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Returning to Taekwondo and earning my black belt shortly after snapping my Achilles tendon.
Someone who inspires you and why: Bill Belichick (New England Patriots coach) as he continues to drive incredible results regardless of the level of talent that he has on his roster. His work ethic and level of preparation sets him apart from his peers.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Gain as much practical experience as you can, consistently demonstrate an uncompromising worth ethic, and be a student of the industry.
Favorite quote: “What we got here is a failure to communicate” from Cool Hand Luke starring Paul Newman.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am an introvert.
What makes someone fabulous: How he/she makes people feel after an encounter (how they treated someone).