In this issue of Voices, we meet Mr Joe Gedeon, a beloved member of The Biltmore Los Angeles for the past 40 years, appreciated by staff and hotel guests alike. Joe is always quick to greet anyone he sees with a smile, and his pride for the Biltmore is evident to anyone he encounters.

Q. How long have you worked at The Biltmore and what different jobs have you held during your time here?

In October, it will be 40 years! I started at the front desk a few months before the 1984 Olympics. The Biltmore Los Angeles was the headquarter hotel for the Olympics and that was very exciting. I was once also invited to the Grammy Awards by one of the producers I had been assisting during his stay. I had an all-access pass, which was awesome. 

After that, I was night manager for a while. I then applied for the hotel chauffeur position which I worked for about 20 years. Those were exciting times, meeting and driving corporate heads and political figures. I also had the honour to drive Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng and his son Mr Sherman Kwek on many occasions.  

I later moved to the Business Center and then to Purchasing, where I have been for about 16 years. I am currently Purchasing Coordinator and manage the department.

Q. What is your most memorable moment of being employed at The Biltmore?

My most memorable was driving Mr Sargent Shriver (late US ambassador to France) from the hotel to Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger’s home in the Pacific Palisades. Mr Shiver’s nephew had just been born and this was the first time he would get to meet him. After we arrived, Sargent Shriver brought Arnold out to the car to meet me. He told Arnold “Joe is a loyal Democrat and he does not shake hands with Republicans, but in your case he will make an exception!” On the way there and back, we had a great conversation about his life and politics in general.

I was also honoured to be recognised as Employee of the Year and runner up for Employee of the Year 2022.

Q. What is your favourite part about working at The Biltmore? 

Every day is different, and history is being made here daily. It is an honor to work for such a historic property. Also, my fellow employees who have become family to me over the years. There are so many employees who have been here 30, 40 years and more. You don’t find that kind of loyalty in any other hotels or businesses these days.