Meet Robin Poole: Outdoor Resort Indio’s New General Manager

By LInda Sutton

‍

As the summer progresses and exciting changes unfold across Outdoor Resort Indio, we’re thrilled to introduce our new General Manager, Robin Poole. With an impressive background in property management, business development, and customer service, Robin brings both experience and passion to the role. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares her journey, her vision for ORI, and a bit about herself.

Q: Tell us a little about your background and what drew you to Outdoor Resort Indio.

“I became a part of Associa Desert Resort Management in 2022 and have enjoyed building strong relationships with boards and vendors across the four communities I’ve managed. I hold both M-100 and CCAM certifications, which support my 25+ years in business development and over 30 years in customer service, sales, and regional management.

I’ve also founded and operated three successful businesses, including my own property management company, which I ran for five years before relocating to California from the East Coast in 2018. My husband Tracey and I have been married for 32 years, and we love calling the desert home. We enjoy traveling and visiting our family: our son Colin lives in New York, our daughter Cloey is in Charleston, South Carolina, and our parents live in Easton, Maryland—though I’m hoping they’ll soon join us here in this desert paradise.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about resort management and the hospitality industry?

“I truly enjoy connecting with people and creating memorable experiences. We all remember certain interactions, smells, or feelings, and I want the owners and guests at ORI to walk away remembering how they were treated—how the office felt, how the staff engaged with them, and the overall atmosphere. That’s what makes a resort experience truly special.”

Q: What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

“I enjoy decorating, shopping, catching Firebirds games, and relaxing by the pool with my husband and a drink in hand.”

Q: What are your initial priorities for ORI, and how do you hope to enhance the resort experience?

“My favorite vacation was to Turks and Caicos, and what stood out most was the way the staff made us feel during our stay. I’d like to create that same sense of warmth and attentiveness here at ORI. I’m also focused on improving day-to-day operations to ensure we’re running as efficiently and smoothly as possible, both for staff and residents.”

Q: What would you say is your superpower?

“My positive outlook and attitude. It takes a lot to throw me off, and I’m very protective of who—or what—gets to influence my mindset. Staying positive is something I take pride in, and it helps me lead by example.”

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the ORI community?

“Yes! I love leading teams and creating experiences that people remember. Life’s too short to have a bad day, and I truly feel privileged to be the GM of such a beautiful resort.

I challenge our entire staff to rise to the standard of helping people ‘live where they love and love where they live—or visit.’ It’s a big responsibility, but it’s one I embrace fully.

I’ve been told I have a slight Southern accent—probably because I was born and raised on the East Coast—and I think that carries over into my approach to Southern hospitality. I love entertaining, being around family and friends, and meeting new people. One of my favorite questions to ask is, ‘How did you get to where you are today?’ Everyone has a story, and I truly enjoy hearing them.”

Please join us in welcoming Robin Poole to Outdoor Resort Indio. Her leadership, warmth, and commitment to excellence are sure to make a lasting impact on our resort community!

‍