Jeffrey "Disco" Wagar

 

How long have you worked for Flat Creek Inn?

I recently enjoyed my 2-year work anniversary here at Flat Creek Inn & Mart.  I was hired and started as a housekeeper on October 6, 2020.

Currently, I hold the position of Guest Experience Manager. I began my journey here as a housekeeper, then became a room checker then I was promoted to Housekeeping Supervisor, and now I am the Guest Experience Manager. (I would be remiss if I didn't highlight what those initials spell: GEM, as in priceless!)

I was born and raised in this little unincorporated, blink-and-you'll-miss-it community called Marion in northwest Montana. It was about 70 miles west of Glacier National Park. It was very much in the woods. I would say one thing I find extra special, maybe hard to fathom for some, would be the fact that I graduated from the same grade school that my mom and dad graduated from. I mean, those are some roots!

So, I am called, by a very select few, "Disco." I warranted that nickname when I was in the sixth grade. We had a little basketball team at my school. We were known as the "Marion Trappers" and our mascot was a kid with a raccoon skin hat, tail and all—very country. One day during basketball practice, I walked in wearing this pair of brand-new high-top sneakers that were multi-colored metallic glittery checkered showstoppers. And my basketball coach hollered, "You better get to practicing, Disco," and it stuck.

What is an accomplishment in your life that you are most proud of?

I mean, does surviving the summer season in Jackson count?  It should, they can get BONKERS!  Hmmm, that's a tough one. I know I should list some tangible thing that I created or wrote or something along those lines. But really, I feel like one of the greatest things I have been able to accomplish at 50 years old is still hanging on to a good sense of humor. I am an absolute believer in laughter and that humor can enhance the best day you can have and help heal the worst day you can have. And I am a published poet. There is that too.

I think the secret to happy living is very complex ... simply be a good human. That is it. Be decent, appreciate, and be grateful to those that are important in your life, and vocalize this to them ... OFTEN!

I think one thing that I dream of doing because I think it would be so amazingly fun—my sister and I may be the only two people in the world who think this—is I want to go with my sissy on a haunted hotel tour! Find the hotels/inns/motels/lodges that they claim are haunted and spend a summer just going to them. How fun!

I have multiple reasons that all have tied for first, for reals. One would be the stories: the stories of those who stay with us. There are people out there who have had unbelievably amazing journeys in life. Another would be the friends, both long-term and temporary, that I have met here. Staff, guests, vendors, or simply one-stop-weary-travelers that I befriend for three minutes while they buy a soda ... life-enriching. And finally, the family that has taken me in. I don't recall ever being made to feel so welcomed, valued, and important.

You know this is what I tell people. We are not the newest, we are not the fanciest, we are not the shiniest. But what we are is the most guest-service focused. I am proud to say, LOUDLY, that I feel the staff, at any given time of the year, is the friendliest, most help-you-with-whatever-you-need staff. From extra pillows to changing your flat tire—yeah, my staff has done it—we are here for you. If you don't believe me, well come book a stay with us and experience it for yourself!