Take A Look: Susan Renneisen

Name: Susan Renneisen

Title: Vice President of Community Affairs & Special Events

The word “FUN” is top-of-mind when thinking of the Hard Rock brand. What would you identify as the most fun part of your position?

I am one of the blessed people who can sincerely say “I love my job” and mean it. I wear two hats at the Seminole Hard Rock: The first is creating events and parties for our customers. Awesome, right?! The second is representing our brand in the community by overseeing sponsorships. I get to be on the front line of giving back and being part of so many amazing charitable organizations. It doesn’t get better than that!

When referring to the hats she wears, did she mention the everyday crown?!
When referring to the hats she wears, did she mention the everyday crown?!

Seminole Hard Rock is an international destination situated in sunny South Florida. What are the top five “must-do’s” for anyone who travels to the resort? 

  1. The pool at the Seminole Hard Rock is one of my favorite places – cool vibe, great music, yummy drinks and fun staff set the tone for the day.
  2. I love the DJ PJ Brunch at Blue Plate. Mimosas, oh yeah!
  3. A massage and mani/pedi at Rock Spa – Ahhh!
  4. A pre-dinner signature cocktail at our luxurious L Bar …
  5. Followed by dinner at Kuro, our new-style Japanese restaurant, or Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, our signature steakhouse.

2015 was a fantastic year of events and community initiatives. What are you most looking forward to in 2016?

To recap 2015, Seminole Hard Rock served as host to over 50 charitable and community-related events. We walked for breast cancer awareness and built houses with Habitat for Humanity. Concerts raised funds for the Vietnam veterans Education Center at The Wall in Washington, D.C., and Hard Rock guitars were auctioned off for Boys & Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Dance competitions brought awareness to The Pantry of Broward, and a ping pong tournament took over Hard Rock Live in support of the Jason Taylor Foundation.

Susan with her dance partner at the Pantry of Broward Dancing with the Stars event.
Susan with her dance partner at the Pantry of Broward Dancing with the Stars event.

Flo Rida visited our property for a special performance, a memorabilia donation and to introduce Nick Cannon as the Grand Marshal of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. Nicko McBrain from Iron Maiden hosted a fundraiser for HomeSafe, and Andrea Bocelli headlined an amazing array of talent at Hard Rock Rising on Miami Beach.

Our new Japanese fine dining restaurant Kuro also had a great first year! Kuro was a big hit with foodies at the 2015 South Beach Food and Wine Festival, and Chef Alex Becker and his team had the opportunity to present “Savoring Seminole Gaming” at the prestigious James Beard House in NYC. The restaurant also participated in several philanthropic events benefitting local and national causes, including South Florida’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction and the Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction.

What does that mean for 2016?  Our hopes are to continue to create more community and charitable signature events to show our love and gratitude to a community that embraces us. As the Seminole Hard Rock grows, so does our potential to involve our brand with partners who embrace a similar culture.

 OFF THE CLOCK

What was the most memorable concert you’ve been to and why? How old were you?

The British Invasion, in particular the Beatles, shaped the music of my childhood. I was enamored with Paul McCartney and totally convinced he was going to marry me. Fast forward 50 years later to Hard Rock Calling 2012 in London with Sir Paul McCartney performing. I was 30 feet away from him singing along to “Hey Jude,” arms linked with my buddy Tom Mullin (our VP of casino marketing) and 50,000 other adoring fans. It created the most memorable music moment of my life. 

Do you have a hobby? If so, tell us about how you started your craft?

Skiing was my best hobby ever. For over 20 years, I skied as part of a five-person team. It started off with a simple ski lesson and turned into a competitive team sport. The thrill of jumping off a cliff, the rush of racing down a mountain, followed by the intense exhilaration of making it to the bottom of the slope … it’s a crazy high!  I loved it.

If you could have a dream talent, what would it be?

My dream was always to be a singer. Rock, country, soul, blues … I just love music and performing. Unfortunately, I can’t sing. Bummer, huh?! But, how lucky am I to work for a company that is all about the music. I have lived vicariously through many concerts and have worked with some of the top performers in the world.

Susan singing with the late Joey Robinson from Sugar Hill Gang.
Susan singing with the late Joey Robinson from Sugar Hill Gang.