Vicki Link

Vicki Link graduated from the Professional Massage Therapy Program from the Salt Lake Campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy Family of Schools in May of 2001. Prior to graduating, Vicki began interviewing and was hired by an attendee of the Spring Job Fair, Body Care, Inc. at Chico Hot Springs. Vicki recently sent the Salt Lake Career Services office the following e-mail letter:

"Okay, my story. A month before graduating, some recruiters came from Montana. One came from Chico Hot Springs and the other from the Transformations Day Spa in Missoula. I interviewed with both hoping to get at least [hired by] one of them. Dave Taylor from Chico Hot Springs interviewed me and followed with a 15 minute seated massage. He was so impressed [that] he hired me on the spot! Looking for only seasonal workers, he called me back the next day to confirm [my employment] with the understanding that I wanted something more stable. So he gave me a year round full-time position!

"During his presentation, [Dave] said we would be making $17 per hour, starting pay. My first paycheck [showed that] I was making $19 per hour and after only a month [of employment] he gave me a raise. I was now making $20 per hour!

"Since I started working in June, we have gone through 4 or 5 part-time employees. Some we have lost due to the season, some Dave has had to let go due to irresponsibility. When letting these people go, I overheard him talking about how I would be overworked (if this continued) and there was ‘no chance in hell’ he could afford to let me go. He also said I was the most important thing for his business right now and he refers to me as the ‘Rock’ because he can always count on me, I’m a hard worker. Beside myself, Dave has two other employees’ schedule to work around. He makes them out according to my perfect schedule! And now he’s thinking of giving me another raise!

"The people at the resort are very supportive and very friendly. And many of the ‘higher-ups’ have made comments to Dave about all the impressive feedback from the hotel guests, our massage clients. Past clients are even willing to drive a little extra just to come to Chico as my return clients, so I’m building a good clientele for Dave and myself.

"I’ve expanded my horizons thus far and they can only get bigger. I’m working in a career I love in an ideal location. (Did I mention I work in a place called Paradise Valley?) And I’m making my age in hourly pay, what percentage of the population can say all that?!"