Five Questions
Daniel Fortier is the general manager of Embassy Suites Hotel in Saratoga Springs.
1 Tell us a bit about yourself.
I consider myself a “local” as I am from Glens Falls. Love this town and love the area! I think Saratoga has one of the coolest backyards anyone could live in and I get to call it mine! To know me, you will find I am all about family, community and work. Each of these teach me things every day which make me a richer man.
2 What is life like as a general manager of a hotel in Saratoga Springs?
My motto “Just when you think you’ve seen it all - the next guy checks in” has never failed me. Throughout my career, I have met upwards of 800,000 people. I have been blessed with the greatest real-life stories! Some of these last mere seconds or minutes while some have resulted in lifelong friends. Caring for guests must be in my nature because I really enjoy my job. Although it is hard work and long hours, it is very rewarding. Giving and receiving smiles, thanks and praise every day is a unique gift that I have grown addicted to.
3 What do you do to relax?
That’s very easy — spend time with my family. I have three grown children and two young granddaughters and of course my wife of 31 years, Kathleen. Attempting to play golf also helps me unwind as well.
4 What organizations are you involved in?
Currently, I volunteer with the Hawley Foundation for Children, the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board and Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York. I enjoy being a Leadership Saratoga Alumnus and value everything I learned and experienced 15 years ago when I participated in the program.
5 What impact do they have in our community?
Leadership Saratoga is an
amazing opportunity that encourages and educates future community leaders by giving them necessary skills, knowledge and networks to be successful volunteers. I deeply believe deeply that the program is instrumental in what it does for municipalities, nonprofit organizations, elected positions and political representatives. Its impact is immeasurable, extensive and entrenched throughout our county. The Convention and Tourism Bureau is a driving force, along with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, for bringing a continuous flow of conference, association and group business to Saratoga. Their success plus our leisure guests are the backbone of our hospitality community. Without over-exaggerating their effect, these two heavily involved entities have shaped what our town has become. And yet, they continue to promote our region as a global destination for travelers. I have been involved with The Hawley Foundation for Children for two years. Truly, I am lucky to know, work and volunteer with so many great and caring people. This private foundation has a tradition of assisting the neediest youth in our community. Established in 1965, the mission has been to promote the health, welfare and education of children in Saratoga County. Since then, a dedicated Board of Directors has enriched innumerable lives by offering life-changing opportunities. Although the foundation is unknown to many, there have been decades of recipients who have had their lives impacted by this tremendous organization. In fact, The Hawley Foundation for Children’s 3rd Annual Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 22 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. We will proudly distribute over $117,000 to 19 organizations through community grants and camp awards and 5 Saratoga Springs High School seniors will receive a college incentive grant. We achieve our mission through their valiant efforts.