The Lakefront Anchorage is proud to recognise the dedication and longevity of its team members. Employees such as Mr El Llego Bumatay and Ms Teresa Roberts have devoted over three decades to the hotel, growing alongside the business and contributing to its operations, culture, and guest experience. Their experiences highlight the strong professional relationships, career growth, and meaningful work that make The Lakefront Anchorage a rewarding place to build a lifelong career.

Hear from them as they share their experiences growing with the hotel over three decades.

Interview with Ms Teresa Roberts, Executive Housekeeper

Q: Please share with us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Alaska. My parents were commercial fishers, and I spent my summers in fish camps or on trap lines. I lived in the bush, otherwise known as the wilderness. My family moved into Anchorage in the early 1970s.

Q: When did you join The Lakefront Anchorage, and what has motivated you to stay over the years?
I joined The Lakefront Anchorage in May 1988 and have been with the hotel for 37 years. I have stayed here because of the opportunities to grow with the company. I started as a room attendant, then became a room inspector, followed by assistant executive housekeeper, and I am now executive housekeeper. I have been able to earn a meaningful income to support my family during my time here.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role, and what does a typical day at work look like for you?
I enjoy working with phenomenal people who are committed, dedicated, and wonderful. I prepare everyone’s assignments, communicate with front desk needs, and am always ready to change direction at a moment’s notice.

Q: Are there any memorable moments or experiences during your time here that stand out to you?
One of the most memorable moments was the retirement of a former General Manager. Another highlight was when my team won the Spirit of Hospitality award at the Stars of the Industry event.

Interview with Mr El Llego Bumatay, General Maintenance

Q: Please share with us a little about yourself.
I was born in the Philippines and moved to Kauai, Hawaii, in November 1976 to join my parents and siblings. Since then, I have obtained United States citizenship and relinquished my Filipino citizenship. My first job was washing cars and driving tour buses in Hawaii for two dollars an hour. I also worked as a flume fabricator in the sugar cane fields. I served 13 years in the National Guard Army while working full-time in hotels and part-time at a hospital. I completed a year-long home study in Air Conditioning and Heating, earning a certification.

In 1989, I moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where I applied my hotel certification and experience from Hawaii. I started as a dishwasher at the Clarion Hotel in July 1989, then moved to housekeeping and engineering. I have stayed with the hotel (now The Lakefront Anchorage) through multiple ownership changes and am now part of the Millennium family.

Q: What has inspired you to stay with the hotel for so many years?
I have worked at The Lakefront Anchorage since 1989, which makes it 36 years. I have been motivated by the meaningful professional relationships I have built with colleagues and the valuable experience I have gained, particularly through welcoming Iditarod race participants annually.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role and working at The Lakefront Anchorage?
I enjoy working in hotel building maintenance because each day brings new challenges in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. I like solving problems hands-on and keeping the hotel running smoothly, knowing my work directly improves guest experiences and building operations.

Each day, I check the kitchen and bar coolers and freezers, monitor the boiler for water flow and temperature, ensure hot water is available in guest rooms, the kitchen, and laundry, and verify the sprinkler system for fire safety.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy gardening, fixing things around the house, fishing for salmon and hooligan in summer, travelling, spending time with family, and watching sports, especially basketball, UFC, and boxing.