A major change took place in the hospitality industry in Jacksonville this past year. Long-time leader and spokesman for the industry, Fred Pozin, sold his Ramada Inn property to private investors and retired from the business. Operating the motel for almost 40 years, Fred has left a big void, having served as President of the Visitor’s Bureau and the Hotel Association, along with being a member of the Hospitality Association and the Tourist & Development Council. Fred is known as an innovator in the industry with his operational skills, plus bringing in a unique entertainment venue, the Comedy Zone, to his property. Fred reports that the industry has undergone major changes, particularly with online technology, where third party sources are handling bookings. And even the location of properties are not that critical, now with access to mobile apps and GPS. Fred was working 70+ hours a week, and now he doesn’t have the stress of complying with government regulations, making payroll, managing his 80 – 100 employee workforce or making every customer happy. While Fred is taking a break from work, still spending time with Rotary, his synagogue and politics, he is searching for new challenges. He welcomes people to contact him at pozinf@yahoo.com. Fred is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo.
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