Last August, Ann Tongkhanon began working in the Cardinal’s Nest. She is famous among students for her welcoming smile and encouragement to eat more vegetables. Tongkhanon shares her past job experiences and future plans, along with why she loves working at Otterbein.
Tongkhanon came to the United States in 1999 to work a three-year contract with Epcot, representing her native country of Thailand in their World Showcase. After her contract was up, a friend offered her a job working at the Crown Plaza hotel in Columbus, and she has been here ever since. Tongkhanon said she has always worked in the hospitality industry because she loves interacting with people.
It appears that Tongkhanon loves Otterbein students as much as they love her.
“I love to give service and interact with students. Without students there would be no customers, and I just want them to be happy,” Tongkhanon said. “I try to learn their names and what they like, and make sure they have good foods like veggies.”
Tongkhanon says that some students even call her the mom of the university. One of her favorite parts of this job is when students bring their parents to meet her. She says the parents often thank her for taking care of their children and encouraging them to eat healthier.
Tongkhanon has always had a passion for healthy eating. In the coming months, she and her husband, Tim, will be launching a food truck fueled by this passion. They have already purchased the truck and painted it with her logo and slogan. Ann has named her truck Njoy and their slogan is “Enjoy good food for a happy life”, words Tongkhanon lives by daily. Her truck will feature Asian-American food with a healthy spin, and all of the menu will be Tongkhanon’s recipes.
Although she is starting this new business, Tongkhanon has no plans to leave Otterbein. She says she will continue her job at the Campus Center, while her husband and hired employees staff the van.
