Meet
DEREK HOFMANN
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SPA • FOUR SEASONS ORLANDO
to an ad in the Los Angeles Times over 21 years ago without having any spa or hospitality experience . As soon as he began working as a guest service specialist at a newly opened day spa in Santa Monica , CA , he knew he belonged .
“ Creating a space for individuals to pursue or improve their well-being was entirely new to me ,” Hofmann says , “ and at the same time felt like exactly where I needed to be . Once I got to know the team of professional healers , I was hooked .”
LIKE MANY IN THE SPA INDUSTRY ,
Derek Hofmann didn ’ t necessarily know he wanted to work in wellness . He didn ’ t know it was a viable career option .
Now the Senior Director of Spa at Four Seasons Orlando , Hofmann got his start in the industry when he responded
Hofmann earned a degree in film production and was hired out of college as a Y2K computer programmer for a
Boston-based company looking for outside-the-box thinkers . He gave it a year before conceding it was not a fit for him . As he has learned more about the spa industry , Hofmann realized that was a much better fit .
When asked what he has learned about the industry over the last two decades , Hofmann says ,“ That the spa industry is broad beyond its perceived boundaries . That it is relevant for anyone and can reach everyone on some level . It ’ s not an indulgence or only for certain demographics . Also , that almost unfailingly the professionals in this biz are capable , compassionate and connected folks interested in making a difference .”
Working in spa has suited him , and he advises young spa professionals to “ march to the beat of your own drum . Don ’ t be afraid to explore and push past the established norms . Dream it up and go for it !” During the pandemic , Hofmann — known by his childhood friends as “ Dewey ”— has spent more time than ever with his wife , Erica , and their three kids . They went fully vegan for five weeks , exercised together and had fun as a family .
Meanwhile , professionally , Hofmann continues to learn , stays curious and follows opportunities to explore and implement his own ideas while collaborating with his team to make the spa experience everything he discovered it to be 21 years ago .
“ My role these days ,” Hofmann says ,“ is to incorporate all of the things that drew me here and keep me motivated and inspired with the opportunity to share my experience , ideas and insight to evolve our brand and help guide the careers of both new and seasoned spa professionals . Very rewarding , indeed .” n
56 PULSE ■ JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021