“The key to Phase Two,” she said, “is deepening those authentic connections we’ve established. We’re not just marketing a resort anymore—we’re marketing membership in the San Clemente community.”
She clicked to her next slide—a detailed plan for local artisan partnerships, surf instruction programs, and conservation initiatives.
“Your guests don’t just want luxury amenities. They want to feel like they’re contributing to somethingmeaningful. Like they’re part of preserving and celebrating this coastline.”
Margaret leaned forward. “Tell us more about the conservation angle.”
“That’s where local partnerships become crucial.” Meg gestured toward the windows. “San Clemente has incredible environmental stewardship opportunities. Beach cleanups, reef protection, sustainable tourism practices. These aren’t just marketing angles—they’re authentic ways for guests to connect with place and purpose.”
Midway through, Jake Cassidy—Margaret’s son who’d joined the family business—leaned forward and squinted at Luke.
“Sorry, side note. Are you Luke Donovan?”
Luke blinked. “Uh... yeah.”
“No way.” Jake turned to the others. “This guy was a surfing legend back in the day. And didn’t you pitch that reef protection initiative to the Pelican Foundation?”
“I did,” Luke said. “Part of a citizen science effort. We’re collecting erosion data along the coast.”
Margaret’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect. Jake, didn’t the Pelican Foundation just approach us about partnership opportunities?”
“They did,” Jake said excitedly. “They’re looking for coastal properties to pilot their sustainable tourism certification program.”
Meg smoothly incorporated this development into her presentation. “This is exactly the kind of authenticpartnership that sets you apart. Not just claiming to care about the environment, but actively participating in its protection.”
She wrapped with a comprehensive timeline: “Phase Two isn’t just about expanding your marketing—it’s about expanding your impact. Creating a model for how luxury hospitality can support local communities and environmental conservation.”
When she finished, the room was quiet for a moment.
“Outstanding,” the CFO said. “This addresses every concern we had about scaling the initial campaign.”
“More than that,” Margaret added. “This confirms we made the right choice trusting you with our brand long-term.”
Margaret’s phone buzzed against the conference table. She glanced at it and her face brightened. “Perfect timing—that’s my father calling from London. He specifically asked to join this presentation.” She answered and put it on speaker. “Dad, Meg just finished presenting Phase Two.”
“Meg,” Reeves’ voice came through clearly despite the distance, warm with genuine enthusiasm. “I have to say, everything I’ve heard about your remote work has been exceptional. When we first met, I knew you understood what makes our property special. The fact that you’ve relocated to be closer to the coast—that tells me everything about your commitment to authenticity.”
Meg felt her cheeks warm with unexpectedemotion. “Thank you, Mr. Reeves. Being here has definitely deepened my understanding of what makes this coastline unique.”
“It shows in your work,” he continued. “Margaret’s been sending me updates, and this conservation partnership approach—that’s exactly the kind of meaningful tourism we want to pioneer. You’re not just marketing our resort, you’re helping us become stewards of something larger.”
“That’s been the goal from the beginning,” Meg replied. “Your family’s history here, the environmental significance of this coastline—those aren’t just selling points. They’re responsibilities.”
“Precisely,” Reeves said, and Meg could hear the smile in his voice. “Margaret, I hope you’re prepared to offer Meg that extended partnership we discussed.”
Margaret beamed. “Already on it, Dad. Meg, we’d like to formalize our partnership with an extended consulting agreement. Are you willing to continue working from your current base?”
Meg felt the world settle into perfect alignment. “Absolutely. The local perspective has been invaluable to this work.”
“Excellent,” Reeves said from London. “Welcome to the family, Meg. Long-term.”
“We’ll have contracts drawn up by next week,” Margaret added as her father ended the call. “And Luke, we’d love to explore that Pelican Foundation connection. Perhaps you and Jake could discuss it over coffee?”
Forty-five minutes later, Meg walked out of the resort with a long-term commitment, validation that her remote work model was sustainable, and the strangest feeling that she’d just proven something important to herself.
Outside, as they walked across the breezeway toward the parking lot, Jake jogged to catch up.
“Hey, that was incredible. The sustainability angle, the community partnerships—it felt real in a way most marketing doesn’t.” He winked at Luke. “And seriously, let’s talk about that Pelican Foundation connection. They have grant money for exactly this kind of work.”
