Doorperson of the Month: Juan Acevedo

May is a big month for Juan Acevedo. It’s his birthday, his grandson’s birthday, and he’s Doorperson of the Month. Juan is so obviously filled with pride about this recognition, and serving the residents at The Park Millenium. 

Juan lives life embracing the concept that life is like a “wet noodle” and you never know what’s ahead with the twists and turns. “You have got to go with the flow.” He follows up with, “No river runs straight.” Clearly, Juan’s attitude toward life brings him a unique brand of peace that enables him to serve his residents and put them at ease. 

The Park Millenium is a condominium building tucked away right near the Fairmont Hotel and across from Lake Shore East. Juan started at the Park Millenium in October 2020, concurrent with the onset of the pandemic. As a former small business owner, he was excited to embark upon a completely different trail. Training started in the package room, which was overwhelmed by the shifting pandemic paradigm toward online shopping.

After his initial service in the package room, doorperson training and duties ensued. He calls himself the “doorman and concierge” but clarifies that the concierge part is an informal title. “I’m a born and bred Chicagoan, so I have the knowledge to help direct people with their plans.” He also notices when people are having a “day” and everyone is greeted with a comforting “welcome home” as they walk through the door.

Juan admittedly “wears most every hat imaginable.” He knows people by name. When granted a tour of the lap pool renovation and new pool furniture, he welcomed a couple back from vacation in the elevator. They were delighted to briefly recap their trip. The elevators themselves are also being updated, “My manager Cindy is terrific and makes sure everything is in tip top shape.”

Juan and his wife, Christine, live in Franklin Park and will celebrate their 35th anniversary in September. With two grown sons, Eric, 36, and Kyle, 28, life is full.

He wishes Theodore, his 3-year old grandson, was growing up in simpler times when the big decision was to watch The Flintstones or the Jetsons (as he hums the theme songs). His 88-year old mother, Hilda, has lived in Logan Square for 50 years. 

Juan expressed a bit of concern over the upcoming NASCAR race coming to Chicago in July, saying “With the road closures lasting up to a month, in particular, I’m concerned that workers like me will have trouble reporting for duty,” and notes public transportation is not an option for everyone. 

“My pleasures are simple, my family and cooking. I do most of the cooking when I’m not working, but have a ways to go with the air fryer,” he says with a friendly chuckle. No doubt, he will make it to work to serve his residents during Chicago’s NASCAR chapter, and master the air fryer. 

To nominate your favorite doorperson. Email info@chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why they should be doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.