Meet Dottie, Still Thriving at 100 at San Clemente Cove

Our beloved Dottie Kavanaugh is marking a milestone. We will celebrate and honor her 100th birthday on January 26, 2024.

Dottie is a beloved member of our GPR family and exemplifies our warm culture and ongoing success at San Clemente Cove and Grand Pacific Resorts .
In a world where retirement is often associated with relaxation and leisure, Dottie is defying expectations. She continues to work in the timeshare industry where she started decades ago and made her mark professionally.

As a young woman, Dottie embarked on her professional journey in the vibrant era of the 1940’s. At the time there were limited job opportunities for women, but Dottie’s determination and tenacity for success kept her working various jobs, including as a dancer in NYC theater productions. A varied resume lists her work at the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA) and Real Estate Broker. The Navy veteran, who lied about her age to serve, attributes her youthful nature to always having a great dancing partner and her love for waterskiing.

A legend in the timeshare industry

Her real passion and career began when she moved to California. She was intrigued by timeshare sales at San Clemente Inn and eventually moved on to San Clemente Cove. This would be the start of her lifelong commitment to the industry. With so many timeshare sales under her belt, she says it’s hard to remember them all. Her first commission check was $5500 for a week! (That was in the 80s!) “It was so easy,” she confessed.

At one time, she sold timeshares at The Carlsbad Inn. Her timeshare path even took her to Mexico, which was she recalls was problematic to sell because they had to engage their prospects in 20 minutes as they rushed to board their cruise ship.

When Dottie reflects on her journey, and shares anecdotes of those early days in the industry, she remembers her first timeshare job as an OPC flagging people down to get them interested in a tour. She vividly remembers the excitement of making her first sale and the joy of helping families create lasting memories through vacation ownership.

Her motto was: “If you don’t believe it don’t sell it!”

Her experience at San Clemente Cove began in 1988, when she was actually out on the street talking with folks who might be interested.
She spent plenty of time at the front desk checking people in as well. She says that’s why people remember her. Her regular attendance at Thursday night Margarita parties didn’t hurt either.

“If they like you, they are more apt to buy from you.”

Decades may have rolled by, but it hasn’t stopped Dottie’s passion for her work. Clients and colleagues alike admire her unparalleled dedication and extensive knowledge of the industry. Technology rules now and Dottie agrees that it is faster and more convenient in getting the job done. However, she still believes in the face-to-face emotional sale. Clearly it must work because she has made hundreds of sales during her timeshare life. Fifty percent of her sales come from upgrades and/or referrals.

“She is a like a family member that we look forward to seeing.”

Owners continue to praise this dynamo: “Most professional, caring, personable, woman I have had the privilege of knowing. Always a smile and full of knowledge on years of San Clemente history. Undeniably the best,” said one longtime owner.

Related: Tips for Resort Management from Grand Pacific Resorts

Another owner shared that she “first met Dottie in 1987 when (her) parents purchased at San Clemente Cove. (She) then purchased in 2009 and always look forward to seeing Dottie’s friendly face at some point during (her) stay.”

A couple talks about their experience with Dottie which highlights her relationship building skills: “We came to San Clemente Cove several years ago to hopefully get a glimpse of one of the units and Dottie was very friendly and offered to show us some of the units. We thanked her for her time and when we got home, we knew we wanted to our vacations there each year.”

“I had a …a good life, you know, and nothing easy about it. You have to work for what you get.”

What makes her such a fan of timeshare and so successful in selling it? Dottie was in timeshare from the beginning. It is the perfect career for her. She loves engaging with people and she does it well. Her numerous network of friends and timeshare owners can attest to that. Her advice to someone who wants to get into the business of timeshare:

• Believe in it
• See the advantages of it
• Work with great people
• Establish rapport with clients
• Have fun with it
• Stay positive
• Know well what you are selling
• Be an authority on Timeshare

When asked what keeps her going and living to 100, she says:

• Keep your mind active
• Engage with people
• Be happy
• Move your body, dance, water ski

Her words of Wisdom:

• People are important
• Keep your friends
• Do right by everybody and they will do right by you
• Be kind
• Love what you do
• If you don’t believe it, don’t sell it

In her sales, she points out the many advantages of timeshare, such as the ability to save money on your visits because you have your own kitchen and the ability to cook a meal. Everything is complete and provided. The ability to trade is another advantage. Though she says, most of her clients prefer to just stay on the Pacific Ocean in our beautiful San Clemente Cove.

Thank you for all that you do Dottie! You are a stellar role model for timeshare sales. We admire and cherish you and look forward to many more years together.

As Grand Pacific Resorts Co-President David Brown says “San Clemente Cove” is 100% sold out and much of that is due to Dottie. “And while I am concerned that some might think we might be taking advantage of her ‘advanced age,’ I’ve been convinced that making her retire against her wishes would only be damping her spark, it’s our pleasure to honor Dottie and keep a spot for her to welcome owners.