Brendan Maloney ’05

Communication

Biography

I was not sure what I wanted to do after graduation. I ended up doing a 1-year guest services practicum at SpringHill Camps in Michigan. I ended up loving the guest services side and ended up working in the hospitality industry for about 15 years. I am currently living in West Palm Beach, FL, managing a high-end furniture and consignment store in Boca Raton. As well as managing the store, I am in charge of social media and marketing for the company (we have 4 stores total in South Florida). Along with this, I volunteer with middle and high school students at my church.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Going to Ireland for a semester had the biggest impact on me during my Taylor days. This gave me the opportunity to learn about other cultures and see places along with meeting people I might never have.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

It might have taken a couple of years, but looking back I can see exactly how my classes at Taylor and more specifically the Communications department helped my professional growth. Going beyond "public speaking" - standing in front of classmates for presentations and not being intimidated by the process, speaking clearly and not rushing through, understanding that making a point is more than words. Along with speaking is listening, not only did I gain experience by speaking but almost more so by listening. In the hospitality and guest services industry, listening is arguably a more important communication skill than speaking. You need to be able to understand what the customer wants, are they really upset or are they trying to get something for free? In my younger management days, I looked back on the interviewing practices we had. Not just being the interviewee but also giving the interview. The real-life practice skills were very helpful as I moved on into the world.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Everyone comes from a different background, respect that. Love everyone, earn their trust, and they will reciprocate.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Dealing with random people on a day-to-day basis can get tiresome. It is easy to dismiss or worse, fight back at someone who is being difficult or yelling, but remember, you do not know their story. Jesus does, step back, know it is not personal and pray for them.