Meet our people – Jo Casalicchio

Meet Jo, one of our amazing Site Managers. Jo’s career with Eurest began 14 years ago, so it’s safe to say she knows the ins and outs of the business. Site Managers are crucial to the operational finesse of Eurest, ensuring all site teams, clients, and their staff are safe and happy.

Find out more about Jo and her journey with us below.

How did you get into the hospitality industry?

I hadn’t initially planned to pursue a career in hospitality—it seemed more like hospitality pursued me! After high school, I intended to become a teacher, but the year took a turn when my father passed away and we sold our family business. A friend had then offered me a position to work in a prestigious Sydney hotel in the Banquets department, and from that moment, I was hooked! What started as a temporary job turned into a fulfilling hotel career, where I progressed from banquet waiter to supervisor, then to Banquet Manager, and eventually Hotel Conference and Conventions Manager. One of my greatest honours was being selected as part of a team of 10 to manage an event for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her visit for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2003. It was truly a memorable experience.

When did you join Eurest?

I joined Eurest in October 2010 after relocating from Brisbane to Sydney and marrying the love of my life. Eurest provided the ideal balance for me, transitioning from a career marked by long, demanding hours to a role that aligns with my passion for hospitality while offering a better work-life balance. This is exactly what I was looking for, and I’m now celebrating my 14th wonderful year with the company!

What are your main responsibilities as a Site Manager?

As a site manager, I oversee the daily operations of the site, ensuring a safe work environment for my staff and upholding food safety and hygiene standards. My goal is not only to meet but to exceed customer and client expectations by crafting engaging and innovative menus. I collaborate closely with my team, sharing ideas and working together to create a space our customers love. A recent survey highlighted this with feedback such as, “The team are what make me come back day to day,” and “Great customer service. The staff are always so nice, quick, efficient, and pleasant to see in the office!” As a site manager, receiving such positive feedback is incredibly rewarding.

What do you think makes Eurest unique?

I’m currently in my 5th Eurest site, so needless to say I love it! What I truly appreciate is the abundance of opportunities, along with the support, professionalism, resources, and commitment to excellence that make working for Eurest so rewarding. The recognition and enthusiasm within the company are incredibly refreshing. I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented individuals from whom I’ve learned a great deal, and I’ve been able to build a career doing what I love.

What do you enjoy most about working at Eurest?

I cherish the fact that each day I wake up and go to work for a company that truly values its people as the key to its success, celebrating and acknowledging their contributions. It’s a rare and so rewarding!

Advice for someone thinking about entering hospitality?

Passion is key! Ensure you have a genuine passion for serving others and creating memorable experiences. Hospitality is about making people feel welcome and valued, which can be incredibly rewarding. Embrace the unique journey that a career in hospitality offers. It’s a dynamic field with the potential for great personal and professional growth, and most importantly – enjoy the process along the way.

Want to join the Eurest team? Browse our careers page here.

Further Reading

Meet our people – Jo Casalicchio

Serving insights – key takeaways from Global Eating at Work survey

Join the fight against food waste this Stop Food Waste Day 2024