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Congratulations to our 2021 Hospitality Heroes

Congratulations to our 2021 Hospitality Heroes
October 22, 2021 Jerry Vallely
Collage of headshots. Top Row: Juliana Clark, Anton Collins, and Brittney Hawley. Bottom Row: James Hollingsworth, Jeff Seward, and Stephanie Yarbrough.

Last month, the Hospitality Hero Recognition Program from Explore St. Louis celebrated frontline team members from throughout the region who exemplified excellence in service and a commitment to providing customers with a first-class experience. We are excited to announce that six of our BSD team members were honored with this recognition!

Please join us in congratulating our Hospitality Heroes: Juliana Clark – Tour Guide, Gateway Arch; Anton Collins – Ticket Sales Agent, Gateway Arch; Brittney Hawley – Mate, Riverboats at the Gateway Arch; James Hollingsworth – Tour Guide, Gateway Arch; Jeff Seward – Ticket Sales Agent, Gateway Arch; Stephanie Yarbrough – Call Center Attendant, Gateway Arch.

Check out the Q&A below to learn a little more about our Hospitality Heroes.


Juliana Clark headshotJuliana Clark – Tour Guide

How long have you been working at the Arch?

I have been working at the Arch for almost a year. Next month marks a year.

What energizes you at work?

The positive energy and excitement from the guests keeps me energized throughout the day.

What do you like about the St. Louis area?

I love how family friendly the St. Louis area is. There is always something to do such as going baseball game, City Museum, or even the Aquarium. St. Louis is an inclusive city for people of all ages.


Anton Collins headshotAnton Collins – Ticket Sales Agent

How long have you been working at the Arch?
I am a Ticket Sales Agent. For a little over two years. I started in August 2019.

What energizes you at work?
Seeing happy customers and the smiles on people’s faces.

What do you like about the St. Louis area?
The people! Everyone is so nice!


Brittany Hawley HeadshotBrittney Hawley – Mate at the Gateway Arch Riverboats

What was your first job?
I was a paper carrier with the Chesterfield County Journal when I was 16.

How do you keep hospitality in mind at work?
By always smiling and by always being friendly, noticing when someone needs help and being available for people goes a long way too.

What do you like to when you’re not working?
Hanging out with my kids, they play sports so we spend a lot of time at parks for practices. We like to go to the zoo and museums in town.


Jim Hollingsworth headshotJim Hollingsworth – Tour Guide

How long have you been working at the Arch?
I have been a Tour Guide since June 2020.

What do you like about the St. Louis area?
The food options that are available in St. Louis.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I have a goal of trying to visit every state park in Missouri.


Jeff Seward headshotJeff Seward – Ticket Sales Agent

How long have you been working at the Arch?
For a year.

What energizes you at work?
Getting to be a part of the guests’ St. Louis experience and build part of their visit. Also, a fair amount of caffeine.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Spend as much time with my dog as possible, on long walks through local parks.


Stephanie Yarbrough headshotStephanie Yarbrough – Gateway Arch Call Center Agent

How long have you been working at the Arch?
I was hired May 2019.

What energizes you at work?
I prefer when the Call Center is busy.  It not only allows me to get going on early mornings, but also utilizes my more than 29 years of customer service training and experience.

What do you like about the St. Louis area?
I like the diversity of the people. St. Louis has a love for, focuses on and knows the value of the Arts and Entertainment Industry. Several of those attractions and programs (along with countless others) are offered at reduced rates or free to the public. One could plan a whole day of activities, and take MetroLink, MetroBus or a bike trail to access them.