Forty Under 40: Robert Tollett

Robert Tollett, 38, has hospitality in his blood. Remembering playing in hotels and kitchens as a child, Tollett said he learned from his mother, who has been in the industry for more than 40 years.

Now the hotel manager of The 1905 Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs, Tollett strives to meet all guests expectations with the help of his staff.

The industry is so interesting that no two days are alike. If you start to think you know it all, then youre in trouble, said Tollett.

Tollett cites his staff of 60 as the reason for the hotels success. In 2002, Basin Park had $1.7 million in revenue, a 2.5 percent increase from the year before.

Originally from Little Rock, Tollett began working as a busboy in a local hotel and moved up to positions such as cook, executive chef, and food and beverage director for two national hotel chains.

Tired of the corporate life and looking for a growing community appropriate for raising a family, Tollett relocated to Northwest Arkansas. Having been with Basin Park for four years, Tollett also serves as a lieutenant and EMT for the Holiday Island Fire Department and as a reserve deputy sheriff for Carroll County.

Tollett is involved in the development of a Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Arkansas Hospitality Association.