NEAL KAMINER COOK
Charleston
Summary
Enthusiastic and dedicated teacher and leader with a Master's in Heritage Tourism, with a strong background in history and program development. Experienced in managing educational programs and fostering inclusive and engaging environments. Committed to creating and enhancing academic growth.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Front Desk/Concierge
Elliott House Inn and French Quarter Inn
Charleston
11.2025 - Current
- Greet guests upon arrival while managing reservations, room assignments, and payment processing, providing a warm and welcoming first impression.
- Handle guest inquiries, resolve issues, and coordinate with housekeeping and maintenance personnel to maintain daily operations and ensure high guest satisfaction.
General Manager
Pineapple Tour Group
Charleston
05.2021 - 12.2025
- TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for the highest-rated Charleston bus tour company in 2024 and 2025, with ninety-seven percent of 1,500+ reviews rated five stars. U.S. News and World Report, 2024, Best Bus Tour in Charleston.
- Educated and trained all new guides on Charleston's diverse and significant cultural past and present. Also, personally conducted thousands of Charleston History tours.
- Created and nurtured relationships with hotel partners, schools, and historic sites while coordinating numerous small and large private groups.
- Tour Guide 2015-2021
Assistant General Manager
Charlestowne Hotels
Charleston
09.2019 - 05.2021
- Assisted and supported the General Manager while supervising, educating, and managing all front desk and housekeeping employees.
- Trained and supervised new front desk employees at multiple Charlestowne properties and responded to guest reviews in person and online, professionally resolving all client issues.
- Utilized M3, Room Key, and Microsoft Office and Google, including Word, Documents, Sheets, and Excel programs, to maintain accurate financial and client records.
- Scheduled all employees; ordered supplies; managed invoicing; and created specialty packages to enhance hotel profits.
Housekeeping Manager
Salamander Hotels and Resorts
Charleston
11.2018 - 09.2019
- Oversaw housekeeping training, inventory, and invoicing operations for fifty-plus housekeeping employees at a Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond property.
- Accountable for ensuring that linens, uniforms, and laundry were completed for the two bars, two restaurants, and pool on the property in a timely manner.
- Responsible for training and evaluating supervisors and housekeeping staff to ensure the utmost quality, and conducting morning meetings to establish goals and daily tasks.
- Communicated with different management teams throughout the 176-room property to provide exceptional service and smooth transitioning for our clientele.
- Promoted from Guest Services Manager 2012-2018.
Counselor / Teacher
Eckerd Youth Alternatives
Manson
06.2010 - 05.2011
- Developed and implemented educational and treatment service plans, IEPs, while maintaining a positive and safe living and learning environment for at-risk youth who were Court-Ordered by the North Carolina Juvenile System.
- Taught effective problem-solving, leadership, and conflict resolution skills, providing guidance, supervision, and education for eleven to fourteen males, ages 15-17, at a residential wilderness facility.
Education
Masters of Science - Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Specialization: Heritage Tourism
Clemson University
Clemson, SC01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - History
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC01.2007
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Performance evaluation
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Public speaking
- Professional development
- Verbal and written communication
- Lesson planning
Certification
Praxis II: Social Studies Content Knowledge (5581, 5089) 179, 185
Timeline
Front Desk/Concierge
Elliott House Inn and French Quarter Inn
11.2025 - Current
General Manager
Pineapple Tour Group
05.2021 - 12.2025
Assistant General Manager
Charlestowne Hotels
09.2019 - 05.2021
Housekeeping Manager
Salamander Hotels and Resorts
11.2018 - 09.2019
Counselor / Teacher
Eckerd Youth Alternatives
06.2010 - 05.2011
Masters of Science - Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Specialization: Heritage Tourism
Clemson University
Bachelor of Arts - History
College of Charleston