Beat the Clock

"Time management is not one of my strengths," insists Carlos Cabrera, vice president and managing director of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. Maybe not, but Cabrera manages to run one of the region's largest resorts and stay active in a host of community organizations. How does he juggle all that?

Smart hiring and delegation, says the multitasking manager. "Hire an outstanding administrative assistant," he advises. At the Hyatt, explains Cabrera, "We grow our own." Administrative assistants often come from different departments within the hotel, making it easy for them to get up to speed.

"I surround myself with people who know more than me," he emphasizes. "It took me a while to learn to rely on other people, but now I try to give people space to make decisions."

Cabrera also depends on his Nextel BlackBerry, which, he says, is "a godsend." No matter where he is, he and his assistant are in constant contact-"wired together," he says-via the handheld wonder, which serves as his cell phone, e-mail, agenda, and phone directory.

With long days and frequent travel, Cabrera stays so busy he is accustomed to living at work-literally. "In the 28 years I've been in this business, the past two years have been the first where my family hasn't lived in the hotel. Before, the kids just took the elevator to see me." Now Cabrera designates Sunday as family day. "I usually work a half day on Saturday, but never on Sunday." And, he adds, "I try to limit my work days to 11 hours."

"It's a fine balance between keeping your own facility running efficiently and meeting all your outside commitments," he admits. But he's figured out the right combination of human and technological support to stay on an even keel even in the midst of a crowded schedule.

-Katie S. Betz