Page 15 - The New Gold Standard

Acknowledgments

I have always found this section of a book the hardest to
write. Not because I lack gratitude, but because I can
never find the words to fully express my appreciation.
Worse yet, invariably there will be countless numbers of
people who contributed to this book who will go unrec-
ognized. So let me start broadly by thanking all the
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Ritz-Carlton for delivering
an experience that cannot be rivaled and for creating a
company that had a book living inside of it, waiting for
someone to come along and share their story.
One of the greatest moments in the journey to The
New Gold Standard occurred when a vivacious Vivian
Deuschl, vice president of public relations, at the Ritz-
Carlton, returned a call I had placed to her. Vivian
opened up the possibility of my writing this book, and
she has been opening doors for me ever since. There was
never a moment that Vivian faltered as my guide into
all facets of the Ritz-Carlton. If Vivian did not know an
answer, which rarely happened, she knew someone who
did, made the referral, and vigilantly followed up. I only
regret that all who read this book will not have the op-
portunity to meet Vivian. She is everything that is right
about the business world today: she is bright, passion-
ate about her work, fun to be around, and candid.

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