Be Inspired: Marriott Career Stories - Jon McGavin

From a nine-stool A&W root beer stand to 8,000+ hotels, Marriott International has grown into one of the most influential companies in the hospitality industry. Like Marriott, many of us have humble beginnings.

We recently launched our new People Brand, “Be,” which highlights three themes: Begin, Belong, Become. As I reflected on my own career, I connected with some of our outstanding Eastern Region leaders to learn about their beginnings with Marriott — and how far they’ve come.

MEET: JON MCGAVIN

Area General Manager – The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes & JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

Jon began his Marriott journey in 1991 as a Server Attendant at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. He had recently graduated from college and returned from a military deployment. Jon spent five years at the hotel working in various Food & Beverage roles before breaking into his first leadership role as an Assistant Restaurant Manager and worked his way up to Banquet Director at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta.

Jon remained in Atlanta for three years before accepting his first Food & Beverage director role at The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland. He opened a new restaurant concept, which he remembers as an amazing learning experience. With a passion to continue in the Food & Beverage space, Jon moved to Los Angeles to take on the role of Food & Beverage Director at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, which was also in the process of opening a new restaurant concept.

In 2003, Jon was recruited to move to Orlando to lead the Food & Beverage team at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. He spent four years in Orlando, then accepted his first General Manager position at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead.

Jon later returned to Orlando as the General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, before moving into his current role as the General Manager of both The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes hotels.

What inspired you to join Marriott?

“In high school, I worked for a Sheraton in Savannah, Georgia. I fell in love with the hotel business at that time. During my senior year in college, I interviewed with many brands but really felt being in luxury would challenge me and help me grow.

"The hotels were spectacular, and I was hooked. The people made me feel special and welcomed, and I felt the culture from the moment I started interviewing.”

How has your career with Marriott inspired you and helped you fulfill your sense of purpose? 

“I think your purpose changes based on where you are in your career. At the point I am at now ,it is about attracting the very best talent and growing them to achieve their ambitions. My purpose now is in the people that I help reach their potential and grow.”

What has been your most rewarding memory with Marriott? 

“There have been many! Opening Grande Lakes was really special. Another great memory for me was our Knife & Spoon team receiving their first MICHELIN Star. This team opened their restaurant during COVID and never looked back. It was amazing to watch a team that was so passionate about being as close to perfection as they could get. Really inspiring!”

How has Marriott helped you grow your career? 

“I have been so fortunate to work for some amazing leaders that trusted me and put me into positions that I might not have felt ready to take. These leaders saw something in me that I did not know was there. 

"Marriott has helped me travel the world and learn about different cultures and create friends all over the world.”

What advice would you offer to anyone looking to begin their career with Marriott? 

“Jump in! Find something you are passionate about and have fun! Put your heart into what you do and surround yourself with like-minded people that are just as passionate.”

To hear more career stories or join our outstanding team, visit the Life at Marriott blog on the Marriott Careers website.