At SSA, we believe in enthusiasm, passion, and being an expert in what you do, not just because of your experience but because you love doing it. We hire people who enhance our culture and our business, and we’re proud to share more about them in our This is SSA employee story series. 

Meet Maddie Hoekstra. In this month’s edition of ‘This is SSA’, we interviewed her and learned about her journey from working at the cashier stand at the Louisville Zoo to her role now as District Manager of the Midwest Region at SSA. Read on for her 11 (Go Maddie!) year career journey, and why it’s culture and adrenaline that comes with working in hospitality that’s kept her at SSA all this time.

Tell us a bit about your journey at SSA. 

I am about 11 years into my SSA journey!

I started at the Louisville Zoo working as a cashier, then moved into the cash office (which I loved!) where I got to learn the financials of our business and understand why we make the decisions we do. A couple of years later, I longed to be involved in operations somehow, shape, or form, so I took a role as Catering Operations Manager. This step gave me client exposure, and I also learned how to set up a pretty sweet buffet line (if I do say so myself). This was back in our brick-and-cast-iron era (IYKYK), and after a while, carrying bricks does get exhausting, so I began looking for my next growth opportunity. I was drawn to the hustle and bustle of day-to-day operations, so I hitched a ride to the Dallas Zoo and took a job as F&B Operations Manager, and, consistent with the rest of my journey, I loved every minute of it. Eventually, I started to miss home, so I moved back to Louisville to work as the GM for a few years. One thing led to another, and now I am the District Manager for the Midwest!

What drew you to work for SSA? 

The thrill and adrenaline of the hospitality industry, as well as its culture, have always been something I desire to surround myself with. Luckily, I’ve found all of this here! One of our core values says it all—' Built by Families, for Families.' I have felt extremely supported and valued since I started with SSA. I’ve also met a ton of people through our SSA family, and those relationships are ones I will cherish forever. We hug, we laugh, we listen, and we get it done.

How do you keep your team motivated and inspired?

Leading by example, being respectful, and investing in my people are core values for me. I love teaching and developing others, and I will never ask my team to do something that I wouldn’t do myself.

What helps you bring your most authentic self to work? 

I am always honest with myself and my team. I am fortunate to work for a company that is so accepting of each individual’s personality and the unique skill sets they bring to their role.

How do you recharge outside of work?  

I love the outdoors, spending time with family, gaming, and reading! My fiancé and I are obsessed with playing Overwatch 2, but when I’m not doing that, I’m probably zoned out on my Kindle. I’m almost always listening to Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, or Harry Styles. I have an 8-year-old niece, Charlotte Rose, who is a daily inspiration to me too :)