Valet's first lesson: 'We don't walk'

Editor’s note: The last day of school means a temporary break from homework, but hundreds of area students spend their vacation getting experience in the workforce. The Press is following a handful of these enterprising young people this summer, checking in on what they’re doing and what they’re learning.

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Landon Chang considers himself lucky to drive Corvettes, Porsches and Maseratis and assist folks from around the world who are enjoying themselves.

Being a valet and bellman at The Coeur d'Alene Resort for his summer job gives the 20-year-old that opportunity.

"You get to meet a lot of people, and it's always fun to drive a cool car," the 2017 graduate of Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy said with a wide smile — as well as the position's signature argyle knickers.

Chang is working the job to save for college expenses. He’s a student at North Texas University, in Denton, north of Dallas, where he is majoring in music education and saxophone performance.

"I still have three more years of college, so I'm leaving it open-ended," he said of his career plans. "But I'd love to be a teacher at the collegiate level."

Valets are trained to run back to the front desk after parking vehicles or when to retrieve them — part of the royal treatment guests expect at a world-class resort.

"We don't walk," Chang said. "It's a really fast-paced job. I really love being on my feet. Time goes by really fast."

Chang's watch calculates how many steps he takes during his shift.

"We generally put in 6 to 7 miles a day," he said. "It adds up."

The superior service often translates into superior tips, which makes up most of the valets' pay.

"People are really appreciative of what you do for them," he said.

The base pay for such employees is $3.85 per hour, but it's not uncommon for them to make $25 or more per hour in tips on a good day. If employees start at 5 a.m., which isn't as busy as later in the day, the base pay is the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

"It fluctuates so much, and I've never calculated the specific amount," Chang said of his average wage.

Cody Smith, Chang's supervisor, said Chang was a natural for the job.

"He's great with the guests," Smith said.

Smith said he emphasizes a few features about the job up front.

"It's heavily tip-based and, during interviews, we don't even give them a specific number (on the hourly wage) because it's all over the place," Smith said. "It's also a very active job, so we make sure that they know they'll run long distances and never sit down."