HotelChatter

“Everybody wants a piece of Scott,” confirmed the Four Points representative helping him work the room, referring to the 200 or so Four Points properties worldwide all clamoring for a CBO visit. And contrary to any thoughts that the CBO position might have been little more than a publicity stunt, the rep insisted: “It’s a real job.”

So, how has it been going? “No complaints!” said Kerkmans, who was in New York for a fly-by visit before gearing up for Oktoberfest season. What, no downside to all the travel, free beer, and mingling he gets to do?

Kerkmans says that Four Points guests have been incredibly receptive to his presence in the hotels, and are more than happy to have him twist their arm into trying a craft beer over their standard-issue Bud or Miller. He was enthusiastic about each property emphasizing local beers where possible, with other microbrews from around the country and the globe filling out the menu. (As part of the Best Brews program, each hotel features at least four beers on tap and at least eight bottles.) Apart from helping the hotels choose the brews, Kerkmans educates staff about the beers they’re serving, and hosts special beer-tasting dinners with hotel guests.

So is he a beer nerd? “I wouldn’t say beer geek or beer snob,” he said. “A beer connoisseur,” the Four Points rep suggested, and Kerkmans nodded. Apart from moving cases and kegs of beer, the CBO seems to be a natural at the PR side of his job. “Craft beer fits the brand,” he told us. “We're not a martini brand. We're not a wine brand. Beer suits Four Points: Relaxed and comfortable.”