Episode 75: How Sports Shaped a Hospitality Leader with Nick Bonniksen

In this powerful episode of Winning The Moment, Cody talks with Nick Bonniksen, whose journey from aspiring pro baseball player to accomplished hospitality leader is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Nick shares how his early dreams of a professional sports career were halted by injuries, leaving him without a “plan B.” With no work experience, Nick took an entry-level front desk job with Marriott, only to rise rapidly through the ranks to General Manager within a few years.

Through candid storytelling, Nick reveals how his experience in sports taught him essential skills like handling both victory and defeat, learning from coaches, and becoming an adaptable problem solver—all skills that fueled his meteoric rise in hospitality. After transforming multiple roles, including Sales Director and Regional Manager, Nick’s efforts led him to Kiln, where he now heads their St. George location, driving growth in Southern Utah's business community.

Nick’s story is one of resilience, tenacity, and the impact of sports on shaping professional success. Don’t miss this episode, filled with insights on how to win your moment by embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and leveraging every experience.

Connect w/Nick:
Website: https://kiln.com/communities/st-george/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bonniksen-37280b178/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbonniksen/
Email: [e-mail]

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