Fern Resort entertainment director Mike 'Rooster' Stewart is celebrating 40 years as full-time employee at the popular local resort.
If you’ve ever been to the resort, you know that Stewart is often one of the first faces you see. He always greets guests with a big smile and tons of energy.
“He is front and centre with our guests; his personality really is infectious. Any wallflower would be motivated, energized, and included by Mike’s personality,” says Fern Resort president Mark Downing.
Downing says Stewart can be found around the resort teaching bocce ball and shuffleboard or emceeing the pool party and lip-sync shows.
“The camaraderie and connections that he fosters among the guests make our activities fun. He creates a very special sort of light competition which allows for entertainment and a fun atmosphere,” he said.
“The sweet spot of Fern Resort is our guests meeting each other, getting together, and creating a special connection, and Mike is a big part of what facilitates that.”
Downing says he considers Stewart to be a member of his family; he was a groomsman at Downing's wedding.
“He’s a part of the fabric of the resort, and a part of the fabric of the Fern Resort family,” he said.
“We are proud of his accomplishments, and we are ecstatic that we’ve had the years to work with him.”
Stewart admits it’s an incredible achievement to have worked at Fern Resort for one-third of the resort’s existence.
“I have the luckiest job in the world. How many other people do you know that start their work day by meeting people on the first tee of the golf course?" he asked.
"Half an hour later I’m on the pickleball court, and hour after that I’m over at the soccer field, and then after taking a lunch break paid for by my boss, I’m over at the pool for two hours,” Stewart said with a chuckle.
The job may sound like a breeze, but he says it does take a lot of skill.
“I’m good at approaching anyone. My wife always asks me why I bother reading the newspaper each day, and it’s because I keep myself updated on sports, entertainment, and the news so that I can have a conversation with each guest and help them feel a little more comfortable,” he said.
Stewart’s job has also come with a lot of sacrifices. He’s worked every Christmas Eve until 10 p.m. and then he’s been back at the resort at nine the next morning for Christmas Day.
“I’m sure it’s been tough on my wife and my kids because they’ve waited around for me. I think my family life has suffered, so hats off to my wife for rescheduling everything around me,” he said.
“I would never have been able to do this job without the support of my family, and no one will be able to do it without support once I retire.”
Stewart, 61, says he has about five or six years left in him before he calls it a career, and even in retirement, he hopes to keep involved with the resort in some capacity.
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