Hotel and resort guests expect clean rooms upon arrival, often overlooking the behind-the-scenes efforts of housekeeping staff. Cardine Johnson, lead room attendant at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont, was recognized for this unseen work as a recent winner of UMF|PerfectCLEAN’s Guest Room Attendant Excellence Award.
Johnson was in disbelief when she first learned that she had won an all-expenses-paid trip for two or a cash award. “I did not believe it for a second,” she said. “Then I thought about the everyday details I had perfected over the years when no one was watching. I felt a rush of gratitude and a reminder that excellence in small things truly matters. It wasn’t just a trophy; it was validation of the dedication I bring to my work every day.”
“Cardine exemplifies why we created this award and others like it,” said George Clarke, UMF|PerfectCLEAN CEO. “Cardine and her teammates, whose contributions are mostly overlooked, represent the first line of defense against pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), norovirus, and other contagious germs. Cardine’s diligence helps ensure the safest environment possible for guests and staff.”
Jeremy Fraize, assistant general manager at Topnotch, who nominated Johnson for the award, described her as the “uncontested backbone” of the resort’s housekeeping team. “She maintains an immaculate attendance record and understands that cleaning is not a spray-and-wipe process, but a spray, scour, rinse, and dry process, ensuring our customers never experience chemical residue,” he said. “In the military, they often say you can bounce a quarter on the beds they make. I can say with complete confidence, on Cardine’s beds you can bounce bills.”
Committing to excellence
Johnson, who has been a member of the Topnotch Resort housekeeping team since 2002, cleans more than 12 guest rooms every workday while also maintaining public areas. She recalled numerous challenges in her years at the resort, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and credited consistency and attention to detail for helping herself and her team navigate such periods with confidence.
“We were already sanitizing and making sure everything was clean and relaxing for the guests,” she explained. “So when COVID-19 happened, it didn’t take us long to adjust.”
During busy periods at the resort, Johnson maintains that same steady approach. “When challenges arise, I don’t stress,” she said. “I get more focused. I go more in-depth.”
Leading by example
Beyond her cleaning skills, Johnson has been instrumental in training new team members.
“Cardine has always been the backbone of our housekeeping and rooms team,” Fraize said. “We’ve had many employees who, after learning from Cardine, have gone on to take leadership roles.”
Johnson is quick to acknowledge the critical role of her team members in her success. “My mentors, supervisors, and colleagues play a crucial role in my professional growth by providing guidance, networking opportunities, and skill development, leading to greater career satisfaction,” she said.
Johnson said the award has inspired her to continue learning and growing. “Winning this award gave me a deep sense of professional pride,” she said. “I hold myself to a very high standard, and this award validated that my discipline and my eye for detail make a real difference. It was a recognition of the standard I strive to uphold every single day.”
