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Manuel Antonio Santana, affectionately known as “Don Manuel”, has been pensioned after 47 years of unwavering service, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Born on October 9, 1956, Santana began his career in 1974 as a Steward at Hotel Romana, now known as Club La Costa. It was in October 1976 when, at just 20 years old, he found his true calling by joining the Casa de Campo team. From that moment on, he demonstrated exceptional commitment and tireless dedication.
Throughout nearly five decades of service, Santana embodied the highest standards of professionalism and dedication. His values of honesty and integrity were the compass guiding his actions, contributing significantly to the success and prestige of Casa de Campo. His rise within the institution was a testament to his dedication and skill, reaching the position of Butchery Supervisor and eventually serving as Head Chef, where his talent and leadership were recognized and appreciated by colleagues and superiors alike.
Outside the workplace, Santana is a devoted family man. Alongside his beloved wife, Mrs. Caraballo de Santana, he has built a home filled with love and values, serving as an exemplary father to his three children and six grandchildren. His commitment to family intertwines with his work ethic, demonstrating that integrity and personal success can harmoniously coexist.
The values Santana embodies, such as honesty, humility, and responsibility, transcend the walls of Hotel Casa de Campo and continue to inspire all those privileged to know his story. His legacy will endure in future generations, reminding us that excellence and commitment are the cornerstones of a fulfilling life.
Today, as the culmination of an exemplary career is celebrated, Santana welcomes a new stage of his life.
“We have declared Don Manuel as the ‘best employee of all time’ at Casa de Campo. It has been a privilege for us to have had him for so long as an exemplary member of our great family. He deserves now to rest and enjoy his family with the satisfaction of having fulfilled all the roles that life has given him and feel the pleasure of the harvest for all that he has sown, nurtured, and cared for. We will always remember him with great pride,” said Rosario Vélez, Human Talent Management Manager of Casa de Campo.
The Best Place to Work
In recent years, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas has undertaken a constant effort to strengthen its culture and organizational philosophy. With a clear vision, a defined mission, and rooted values, it has established itself as an exceptional workplace. This dedication has led the resort to rank third in the category of “Best Places to Work” in the hotel industry. Additionally, it has stood out in the rankings of the Best in the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic for the year 2023, as well as in the list of the Best Large Companies in Latin America for the same year.
The cultural transformation process at Casa de Campo Resort has yielded significant results. Over the past few years, deep work has been done to establish a solid organizational culture. This strategic approach has allowed the development of a vision, mission, and values that guide day-to-day operations, building an environment of excellence for all collaborators.
The recognition of Casa de Campo as one of the best places to work in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean is the result of the implementation of various practices aimed at improving the well-being and work environment of employees. This achievement reflects Casa de Campo’s ongoing commitment to the development and well-being of its team, ensuring that each staff member can reach their full potential in a positive and stimulating environment.
Photographs courtesy of Casa de Campo.