Each month, The Monthly Review spotlights a different URACer in this Q&A. This month, the spotlight is on First Impression Specialist Nicholas Peters, who just started at URAC on February 5.
TMR: When did you start at URAC and what brought you here?
Nick: I started at URAC on February 5th, 2017 and I came here because my position (First Impression Specialist) will provide me the ability to learn about hosting events in a corporate setting: from arranging daily meetings, planning office parties, board meetings, and (potentially) supporting conferences.
TMR: What were you doing before you came to URAC?
Nick: I was a Field Researcher for Richey International. Richey International is a global hospitality consultancy. They consulted hotels, cruises, airports, etc. on how to maximize their guest service. I worked in their Sports & Entertainment division traveling to NFL, NBA and one Justin Beiber concert, to grade individual organizations ability in providing Guest Services.
TMR: Describe yourself in three words.
Nick: Focused, Relaxed, Peaceful.
TMR: How do you like to spend your leisure time?
Nick: I spend most of my free time with my family members who live in DC and college friends who stayed in DC after graduating. I go to a lot of Cookouts, a few GoGos, Happy Hour if I can be convinced (I don’t drink), and the club every ounce and a while. When I’m by myself I like to read comics (Batman, Black Panther, Daredevil, Moon Night, Blackbolt, Inhumans) and write movie screenplays.
TMR: What’s your favorite restaurant?
Nick: There is a restaurant in Bethesda that serves “American? Mexican food. It is my favorite restaurant because it serves my favorite type of food and they have the best (free) chips and salsa.
TMR: What do you like to watch (movies, tv shows)?
Nick: I like to watch movies and I prefer moor adult sci-fi films. For example, my two favorite movies are “Children of Men” and “The Dark Knight.” The only TV shows I watch are sports and ESPN.
TMR: What kind of books do you like to read?
Nick: I prefer to listen to books on Audible. I have listened to everything from Mass Effect tie in Novels to Animal Farm and Fahrenheit 451.
TMR: What's your favorite vacation spot?
Nick: Puerto Rico. My grandfather, Mom’s side, is from Puerto Rico so every year or two me and my Mom go on vacation there. The last time we went, last Christmas week, we traveled with her Spanish teacher up into the country’s hills to have a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas Eve and Day dinner.
TMR: Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Nick: Dog. I have owned two Rottweilers in my life. I think cats are anti-social and it bugs me.
TMR: Is there anything else that you would like us to know about you?
Nick: I’m a Redskins fan and I’ve made peace with the fact that they will probably never win another Super Bowl until I’m in my 80s.
