Putting Out Fires at The Beekman

“I didn’t choose to be a doorman; being a doorman chose me,” said Ayman Faheem.

His career at The Beekman Tower, located at 3 Mitchell Place, began 27 years ago when the building was a hotel and he was the food and beverage director.

When that department was going to be downsized, the general manager suggested Faheem accept an alternate position as a doorman so he could remain employed.

“I decided to give it a try and actually enjoyed it more because I was interacting with customers. At one point, I knew everybody in this [Turtle Bay] neighborhood, including the Attorney General of the United Nations, who would stop by and say hello.”

Faheem welcomed everyone who came through the doors of The Beekman so that they felt super important, “like the President walking into the White House.” Sometimes though, things happen and normally nice residents or visitors get upset. “First, you understand that their behavior is not personal. When someone’s attitude changes due to a problem, I immediately look for alternatives to give the person what they want; I am apologetic and take care of the situation. Their concerns are mine. That’s why I’m working here, to make sure that they are happy.”

Named Best Doorman in New York City in 2004 by the Hotel Association meant a lot to him and inspired him to do more.

“They needed interpreting. I did it. (Faheem speaks English, French, Arabic, and Spanish, as well as some German, Greek, and Hebrew.) They needed backup for housekeeping requests. I did it.”

It was his willingness to take on the job of Fire Safety Director that saved Beekman Tower and his job.

The hotel was shutting down for renovations to be reopened as a residential building, and everyone, including Faheem, was going to be out of work. The last day that the hotel was open, a fire erupted and he alone put it out using two fire extinguishers.

“The management of the new company saw that and insisted on hiring me back. So, I stayed here and I still give as much as I can.”

The building is now a hybrid, residence/hotel and is being transitioned back to hotel status.

When not on duty, Faheem is home with Thereza, his wife of 20 years, and their two daughters Verena, 18, and Helana, 11. He particularly enjoys teaching his girls to cook and is quite the gardener.

Because he believes in giving back, Faheem who is of Egyptian descent, bakes Holly bread every week for Sunday services. He also takes care of the church’s fire safety.

The gratitude in Faheem’s attitude is most impressive. “I’m thankful for my family, my job, my management, my coworkers and the beautiful people I meet every day. Life is great.”