DIXIE BROWN: ISLAND AMBASSADOR

Harold "Dixie" Brown's winning demeanor and smile have been a fixture in the Florida Keys since the late 1980s. Formerly at Islamorada's Cheeca Lodge, the friendly bellman now greets guests and effortlessly assists them with any needs or problems at the Key Largo Grande.

A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Dixie first came to the Keys in 1988 after spending time in Grand Cayman and Tampa, Fla. His brother helped him secure the job at Cheeca Lodge.

"I definitely prefer the island breezes of the Florida Keys to the climate in Tampa," Dixie said, noting that the Keys' sea and sun remind him of Jamaica. "When I came to the Keys I realized I liked the atmosphere and I wanted to settle here."

His caring nature and desire to help others were instilled in him by his parents, who met in Cuba. His father, who had served in World War I, and his mother eventually returned to Jamaica where Dixie, a self-described country boy, was born and raised.

"People remember you for the indelible things you do and the contributions you make in life," he said. "My mother always told me this, and I live by it."

Dixie's history as a bellman is a testament to that philosophy. During his 17 years at Cheeca Lodge, he was revered for his work ethic and recognized with the distinction of Ambassador of Cheeca Lodge.

He holds warm memories of the friends he made while working there and remains in contact with Cheeca's gift shop manager, who helps him in times of need.

"She loved my Jamaican phrases and remembers them fondly," he said.

Dixie also recalls the famous people he met at the resort, including George H.W. Bush and Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who participated in Cheeca's annual fishing tournament. He also met broadcasters Katie Couric and Connie Chung, and the legendary oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau.

At the Key Largo Grande, Dixie continues to motivate fellow employees with his work ethic.

"I try to spread around the motivation," he said. "The general manager and employees respect me because I abide by the rules, I'm punctual and I dress and act professionally at all times."

Praising the management at the Key Largo Grande as wonderful, he said the property's front desk staffers give him feedback from guests about his warm reception of them and helpful, pleasant demeanor.

"Just like at Cheeca, where I am told guests still ask about me, I am trying to make a name for myself at the Key Largo Grande by treating people kindly and with respect," said the popular island ambassador.