Ben Ly started his Hilton career welcoming guests as a part-time front desk agent at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree (later renamed the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort) in September 2003. As Ly readies to mark his 20th year with Hilton this year—now as general manager of Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton—he’s sharing the keys to his career journey, from how helping others achieve their professional goals is a reward for everyone, to how his Chinese and Cambodian heritage has influenced his workplace mentality.