CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA: Dec. 14, 2022 – With more than 40 years under his belt, Jerome Ix, the longtime bellman for Boar’s Head Resort, is stepping into retirement. Ix has been a fixture at the resort since 1981, and his last day will be Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.
Prior to Ix’s arrival at Boar’s Head, he worked a short stint as a dishwasher at Farmington Country Club, tended to the now defunct local ice rink in town and pumped gas at a fuel station where Bellaire Market currently resides. For the first eight-and-a-half years at the resort, Ix worked in security, but he spent his remaining tenure behind the bell stand where he eagerly greeted new guests with a smile and a gracious personality.
Ix has seen changes over the years, including multiple renovations, and he laughed about how the style of cars pulling through his bell stand has certainly been upgraded. Ix said that his job brings him joy because he really enjoys assisting the hotel guests. He added that the best thing about being employed at Boar’s Head was “the people” and spoke fondly of all of the relationships he’s acquired over the years.
UVA Foundation owns and operates Boar’s Head Resort, and Chief Executive Officer Tim Rose has had the pleasure of working with Ix for several years. “Jerome represents all that is important to us — a kind smile; a gentle remembrance; a focus on service. I have learned much about how to treat others from watching Jerome,” said Rose.
Immediately after retirement, Ix is looking forward to a holiday trip to visit his sister in Steamboat Springs, Colo. His long-term plans are to frequent his second home in Smith Mountain Lake, where he will spend more time on the water while assisting the efforts of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
With such a long and reliable tenure in Charlottesville’s workforce, Ix has two simple tips for younger people who are looking to start their new career: “Just show up for work every day and do what’s expected of you.”
