Name: Teri j.
Years at Marriott: 43
Dream destination: Ireland. I will get there soon!
Favorite Marriott hotel: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
“I wish I had not feared retirement. I love it!” says Teri, who closed the chapter on her 43-year Marriott career in January 2025. “I was afraid I would not know what to do with myself without work. Also, I was afraid I would lose touch with the friends I had made. I realized quickly, that is not the case!”
Teri’s journey began in 1982 as a Catering Sales Management Trainee at Marriott’s Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa. Fresh out of the University of Kentucky, she learned the fundamentals of hospitality and the power of Marriott’s culture—a foundation that would go on to shape decades of success. Today, she’s embracing a new season filled with family, fitness, and adventure.
→ Learn About the Wide Range of Career Journeys at Marriott
Keep reading for Teri’s practical advice on navigating retirement, staying connected, and finding joy in life after Marriott.
What’s one thing you wish you’d known before retirement?
I wish I had not feared retirement. I worked hard, had many successes, and now I am enjoying time off. I was afraid I would lose touch with friends, but that’s not the case. I talk to and spend time with them regularly. There is really nothing to fear about retirement.
How did you navigate the transition to retirement? Any surprises?
The first three months were busy. We moved from Maryland to Bethany Beach. Joining a women’s golf league helped me meet new friends and feel connected. I’ve also kept fitness a priority. This year, I completed my 18th half marathon and plan to run a full marathon in 2026.
“If not now, then when?! There are many paths to grow and learn, whether inside Marriott or beyond.”
Teri j.
What advice would you give to those considering retirement or a career pivot?
Embrace it and go for it! I live by the saying, “If not now, then when?!” There are many paths to grow and learn, whether inside Marriott or beyond.
How do you stay connected with the Marriott community?
I schedule regular coffee calls, monthly dinners, annual beach trips, and even random texts to say hi. Now that I have more free time, I’m more connected than ever before! I am grateful for my fabulous Marriott career and the incredible leaders I was able to learn and grow from. We are friends after retirement, and I am confident we will be for life.
What’s next for you?
Spending time with family and friends has been my greatest passion—and I became a grandmother in August! My son and his wife live in Vermont and we have had the pleasure of staying in beautiful properties there through Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. Last month, we also took a road trip south, visiting family and old friends.
