Experience Management expert finds dream job at JLL
Marco Braun uses creativity and skill to adapt during pandemic
What began as replying to a Craig’s List ad seeking waitstaff at the Elysian hotel led JLL’s Marco Braun into the world of luxury hospitality. It was that job that helped him solidify the Waldorf Astoria and Langham hotels’ positions in Chicago and to add to his repertoire, he’s also worked as a butler and a tea sommelier. Still, Marco was looking for something different where he could leverage his passion and skillset.
“I realized that I still wanted something else, a little bit more of a 9 to 5,” says Marco. “I saw an open position at Corporate Concierge about five years ago, and the rest is history.”
Marco has been with JLL for just over a year and joined as part of JLL’s Corporate Concierge acquisition in 2019. He started as the community manager at 600 West Chicago, home to Groupon, where he led in-person programming and experiences. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, Marco experienced what many people in the hospitality industry faced.
“Once the pandemic hit, everyone was thrown into the unknown and no one knew how long it would last,” said Marco. “I pivoted and kept presenting virtual programming ideas and opportunities to keep people engaged while sheltering in place. Ultimately, my property, like many properties, had tough financial decisions to make and had to cut experience management services.”
Knowing Marco’s value, his Experience Management team knew they wanted to find a way to retain him. With the growing need for virtual programming, they moved him into a virtual experience management role at five properties in Chicago and one in Houston.
“I absolutely love my job. I call myself the mayor of the building, or the cruise director,” he laughed.
Join our Talent Network
Let's stay connected. Our Talent Network is the ideal place to enhance your job search, speed up the application process or simply learn more about life at JLL.
On average, Marco hosts two to three virtual events per week, ranging from clothing drives, flower arrangements, yoga classes, music therapy, cocktail-making classes and soap-making classes. Next up, a beer brewing class.
“Attendees are receiving bottles and all the equipment to brew their own beer. It’ll take a month to ferment, so it’ll be a long-running event – people are really excited!”
Additionally, his events, along with his recommendations for restaurant and take-out options and safe events in the city, are featured on the building’s social media channels and in a monthly tenant newsletter.
“Before the pandemic, pretty much every event or experience was in-person. I’ve completely shifted my mindset to find new ways to engage with people.”