Why Did YOU Join DECA?

The marble floor glows with radiance as I step into the vast halls, elegantly decorated with

beautiful painted canvases and historical Indian sculptures. Immediately, I am greeted by

bellhops who take our luggage and welcome us to this serene haven in Chennai, India. I am

overwhelmed in awe as I enter my hotel room. There are welcome drinks, a variety of pillows to choose from, a heating toilet, and a surplus of snacks to munch on. I didn’t stay long in this paradise, but what I felt in that short moment will live in my heart forever. Every encounter I had with the staff members, whether it be with the chef in the culinary hall–where any dish you could possibly imagine be prepared in front of you–or with the diligent repairmen who came rushing over to fix our TV, they all brought excellence in their service. They anticipated our needs, exceeded our wants, and created genuine connections where we were no longer customers, we were companions.

As I have matured, I realize that so much dedication and commitment is behind this “WOW”

factor that I felt throughout my stay. In order for any business to maintain their brand value and

continue making an impact on people’s lives, there has to be a strong implanted foundation that

holds the company’s core values and promises. The reality is that they have to create a

structure so strong that not even the most violent, brutal thunderstorms can break it. That is

what makes a business so great, it keeps replicating its exceptional service to make others feel

what I felt those few days no matter the situation, no matter the day.

This experience inspired me to explore the backstory of what makes a business succeed and

how they create an everlasting scar on the souls of their customers. THIS IS WHAT DROVE ME

TO DECA!

My passion for DECA has stemmed from growing up in a business oriented family and

continues to grow with my curiosity about how a business operates. My family owns multiple

service properties and I truly enjoy learning in depth about how businesses are able to uphold

standards, deliver exceptional service, and maximize profits. Involving myself in DECA has

opened my eyes as a future financial leader. It has taught me the complexity of running a

business, which involves learning how to operate efficiently where expenditures are being

minimized, communicating transparently between the different departments, and most

importantly providing exceptional customer service to create positive touch points. DECA holds

so much value for me because it has made me a confident speaker, creative critical thinker, and

taught me the value of making a lasting impression.

This is my DECA story and I can’t wait to hear yours!

Written by Khushi Shah, VP of Hospitality