July 01, 2016

The saying goes, “It’s the people that make the place” –one of the many reasons we are proud to have a great staff at The Marker. From catering to our guests, to keeping day-to-day activities moving seamlessly at the resort, having an exceptional team makes the job that much easier! Not only is our team incredible at making your stay at The Marker a welcoming one, they also know all the best local hot spots in Key West to make your stay a truly memorable one. Our spotlighted employees include: General Manager Sharka Takovich, Food & Beverage Manager Shawna M. Allen, our Assistant Direction of Sales & Marketing Megan Coccitto, and Front Office Supervisor Joesph Pfander.

Sharka Takovich

Title: General Manager
Loved the Marker since: December, 2015

What is the best part about working at The Marker?
Providing a memorable experience to all of our guests, along with finding ways to make anything possible for the guests, while working with a great team with a “can do attitude”.

What are your top local spots to recommend to guests to get a true taste of Key West?
Mallory Square –the Sunset Celebration spot where you can also watch local musicians, street performers, and artists.

Where’s the best place to get Key Lime Pie in Key West?
The key lime pie at our restaurant Cero Bodega or Blue Heaven’s pie.

What’s your choice Cero Bodega cocktail?
White Sangria.

Shawna M. Allen

Title: Food & Beverage Manager
Loved the Marker since: April, 2016

What is the best part about working at The Marker?
My favorite part about working at The Marker is the people. I am a part of an amazing team of individuals and get to meet new people daily from all over the world. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to enhance someone’s vacation experience.

What are your top local spots to recommend to guests to get a true taste of Key West?
I encourage guests to explore areas of the island besides Duval Street, I recommend brunch at Firefly, Sunset at The Galleon, The White Tarpon and a boat ride to Sunset Key for dinner.

What’s your choice Cero Bodega cocktail?
(Our bartender) Agota makes the best Coconut Mojito!

Which do you prefer: Cuban coffee or standard brew?
Cuban coffee always, we make Café Con Leches in house that are to die for.

If you could pick a song that embodies the spirit of Key West, what song would it be?
Toes by Zak Brown!

Megan Coccitto

Title: Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing
Loved the Marker since: May, 2015

What is the best part about working at The Marker?
The special events we put on! I loved pool parties for Fantasy Fest, the Songwriters Festival, and Brewfest. They all had a great vibe.

What are your top local spots to recommend to guests to get a true taste of Key West?
I usually recommend Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, taking a paddleboard tour, and for dinner and drinks, Thirsty Mermaid and Shots & Giggles.

Where’s the best place to get Key Lime Pie in Key West?
Blue Heaven!

What’s your choice Cero Bodega cocktail?
I am a big fan of the blueberry champagne cocktail.

Joesph Pfander

Title: Front Office Supervisor
Loved the Marker since: May, 2015

What is the best part about working at The Marker?
I have enjoyed many memorable moments at The Marker including Songwriters Fest and Fantasy Fest Pool Parties, along with the everyday fun of living and working on an island paradise at the end of the road!

What is your favorite place to visit that’s within walking distance of the resort?
For a “mucho caliente” experience – I love to visit Pepper’s of Key West. They have hundreds of hot sauces and dipping sauces to sample! They encourage you to bring your own six-pack to cool your palate after you have picked you favorite sauces!

Which do you prefer: Cuban coffee or standard brew?
After working in Key West each day for more than a year – nothing makes you feel more at home on the island than a steaming bucci or Cuban coffee. I believe I am officially addicted!

If you could pick a song that embodies the spirit of Key West, what song would it be?
Nothing sums up Key West more than “Be As You Are” by Kenny Chesney. The opening chords take away all of your stress and soothe your worries in a perfect combination of a tropical melody that puts you in an instant “island” state of mind.

You’ve read what makes our employees love The Marker, now it’s your turn. Share your experience at our resort on social with #LoveTheMarker, and you may be featured on our Instagram! Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all things resort life!