FNV member Lesley Gemin: “I am the first doorman in Amsterdam with this certificate!”
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What a great job combination: tram conductor and hospitality doorman. What is the main similarity between these two jobs?
“Being a host. I am a host on the tram and at the door in the hospitality sector in Amsterdam. I love people and the interaction. I want them to feel safe with me, whether they are on the tram or in the nightlife. I don’t want to be a bouncer, who drags you out of the venue when there’s trouble. A doorman is different, he approaches his guests as a true host.”
How has the doorman profession changed over the years?
“When I became a doorman, it wasn’t about diplomas. I got into it because I was known in the sports world of karate and kickboxing. Fortunately, since 1999 you have to take courses and have papers. The Hospitality Doorman diploma is required to practise the profession. I’ve had the hospitality doorman card since 2000. After many years at Odeon and Hotel Arena, I now work at the Feestfabriek. With the cooperation of my other employer GVB, I fulfil my new duties as a host. Last November, I obtained the certificate from the Masterclass Hostmanship/Hospitality. According to the hospitality police, I am the first hospitality doorman in Amsterdam to hold this certificate.”
With 43 years of experience in hospitality, don’t you know enough by now?
“After so many years in the profession, you rely on automatisms. While, of course, a lot has changed in society. The behaviour of guests has changed and some things just have to be done differently nowadays. A few times I’ve said to myself, hey Les, try it this way, because it can be done like that too. And it was right! I can recommend the masterclass to everyone, especially hospitality doormen!”
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