The Hospitality Spirit: Recent Episodes
The Hospitality Spirit
Recorded live from DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business in downtown Chicago, this is the Hospitality Spirit. A podcast designed to share and celebrate all the amazing things about hospitality and tourism. Sitting down with leaders representing the many facets and segments of the industry, we’ll be discussing their personal experiences, insights, industry trends, and advice for those looking to make a career in hospitality.
Pablo Massari is a Principal at EDSA and a renowned landscape architect. Characterized by originality and responsiveness, Pablo's portfolio celebrates the essence of a space with carefully crafted environments that embrace beauty, allow form to follow function, and aesthetically reconnect with nature. His collaborative approach yields outcomes that are inspired by a thoughtful understanding of program, sustainability, and a synergy between the built and natural environment. With a sense of connection and identity between site, man-made elements, and ecologically processes, Pablo’s designs provide dramatic juxtapositions by integrating habitats for people with the natural landscape.
Keith Cestare is the general manager for Ambassador Chicago. Prior to joining Ambassador Chicago, Cestare worked for a multitude of hotel properties across the country including Boca Raton Resort and Club, London House Chicago, and The Porter Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton. Cestare is a proud east coast native who is a self-described people lover. When he’s not working, he enjoys delving into his many hobbies including calisthenics, reading, and traveling to different countries and experiencing a multitude of cuisines to gain a greater understanding of the various and wonderfully unique palates of his expected guests.
A native of San Jose, California that picked up and moved all the way out to Chicago in 2010 for DePaul University (2014 SHL Alumni), and the four seasons that the Midwest brings. Pierce Baron has worked, been exposed to, and grown through many avenues of the hospitality industry – including back-of house, front-of-house, operations, and sales, all while striving to be a leader of people by example and consistency each and every day. Coming from a team sports background of travel ice-hockey, in which he has played since the age of 4, Pierce travelled to Chicago multiple times. His interest was truly sparked by the city of Chicago, its people, and the hospitality industry as a whole.
David Duncan is President & CEO of First Hospitality (FH). David is a real estate investor and hotel operator who brings over 25 years of global operating experience managing high performing teams as a President, CFO and Managing Director in both public and private organizations and has been involved in over $10B of real estate and capital market transactions. David joined FH from JC Resorts, an owner/operator of coastal resort and golf properties, located in La Jolla, CA. Prior to that he was President of Denihan Hospitality Group, a private real estate owner and hotel operator which he expanded from 6 hotels in New York City into a nationally recognized hotel operator with 14 hotels operating throughout the U.S. David has extensive broadcast experience and is a frequent speaker in a variety of leading publications. Additionally, he has made appearances on numerous television news programs. He is a frequent speaker at various real estate and lodging industry panels. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute Hotel Development Council. David lives in Chicago with his wife Susan and their two dogs. In his free time, he loves to ski, mountain bike, ride motorcycles, and catch up with his three children. He is passionate about improving the lives of underprivileged youth and supporting research to cure Multiple Myeloma with the MMRF.
Juan Mendez is an Instructor at the School of Hospitality Leadership at DePaul University. Juan also serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate for the Driehaus College of Business. He is also an alum of DePaul University where he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Having worked at DePaul University for over 10 years, including as a faculty member for the last five years, Juan has an extensive knowledge of many areas of the University. Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member, Juan worked in the events industry for over 10 years. This allows Juan to bring in real world experience into the classroom to share with his students. His teaching and research focuses on event management, event production, and global tourism.
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Simon Machin is an undergraduate student at DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Growing up in Santa Maria, California, Simon came to DePaul to pursue his dream of becoming a film producer. In 2022, he assumed the role of Podcast Editor and Sound Engineer for The Hospitality Spirit podcast, a show focused on bridging the gap between higher education and the hospitality industry. Simon has been making videos for half his life, both as a hobby and professionally. He operated a YouTube channel for several years, which allowed him to achieve countless milestones in the world of social media. Prior to undertaking his studies at DePaul, Simon managed the social media for his high school. In this role, he oversaw the social media presence and developed both educational and marketing material, including the highly-visible Class of 2020’s virtual graduation. Building on his years of experience, Simon is currently developing and editing content for an audio drama currently in production at Violet Hour Media. In his free time, Simon enjoys studying Japanese and writing movie and television scripts.
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Chris Adams is a leading disruptor in the hospitality industry, brand builder and leadership advocate. Adams and his international luxury hospitality consulting firm Ellis Adams Group develop visions where luxury and lifestyle intersect. From designing interior spaces in hotels and restaurants to developing hospitality services, Adams strives to revolutionize the centuries-old industry to create memorable experiences and evolve to serve the travelers of today.
Adams’ portfolio includes acclaimed Italian steakhouse Davio's in Atlanta to the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, and he is heavily involved in the continued evolution of Marriott's beverage program.
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Robert Brand brings over three decades of hospitality experience to his role as General Manager at Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook. His parents owned and operated a resort in Minnesota, which is how Brand originally caught the hospitality bug.
Brand has worked in a management capacity at over 18 hotels, including large destination beach resorts, champion PGA golf resorts, urban, suburban, and airport properties, which have all allowed him to gain valuable experience in just about every aspect of the business. Through the years, Brand has learned that working with others and helping them develop is why he loves the job so much!
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David “Rev” Ciancio has prior experience as the Chief Marketing Officer for a SaaS company and has transitioned into a hospitality marketing consultant helping both restaurants and tech companies with demand gen and customer retention.
As a former New York City bar owner himself, Rev knows exactly how hard it is to operate and brand a hospitality business. With more than 20 years’ experience in B2B digital marketing and business development, he works with SaaS founders, CEOs, restaurants, brands, and consumers in the hospitality marketing and technology world.
Rev works with his clients to acquire and retain customers through demand generation, funnel acceleration, and content marketing while recommending the best technologies that will improve their results. He specializes in hospitality marketing, content, local SEO, reputation management, and influencer marketing. As a technology evangelist for the betterment of restaurants and their guests, Rev helps:
Restaurant owners, operators and marketers: to master their acquisition and retention marketing so they never have to worry about revenue again.
Technology and software companies: increase their demand generation and accelerate their funnel with content marketing.
Brands: to gain awareness from consumers and restaurant operators. Consumers: to find restaurants, food and beverage.
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Stephanie Blake is CEO of Skylight, the pioneering venue development and placemaking firm operating for over a decade at the intersection of architecture and real estate; experiential activation and design; and strategic, revenue-generating programming.
With offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Ontario, Skylight discovers and reimagines underutilized spaces in a range of neighborhoods and creates iconic, untraditional venues for the most influential brands in art, fashion, media, design and technology.
Stephanie provides the strategic vision for Skylight by fusing her passion for history, culture, anthropology and architecture with her marketing and advertising expertise to deliver unique solutions by activating underutilized spaces.
Through her leadership, Stephanie has guided Skylight’s expansion beyond physical buildings to creating innovative, programmed venues that enliven neighborhoods, districts, and public spaces to shape the future of urban developments.
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Ron Nagy is an entrepreneur and business Strategist and is owner / operator of Soleil Vacations, a full service vacation rental company. He lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL with his husband Daniel and his dogs Roxy & Trinity. Ron has had a diverse path in the hospitality industry, working for such growth companies as Pepsi, Starbucks, Starwood Hotels and Turnkey Vacation Rentals. His quest for knowledge has taken him across multiple disciplines from operations leadership, finance, Six Sigma and project management. Now, his primary focus is growing Soleil Vacations profitably and focusing on his passion for creativity through food, flowers and his local art business.
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Ryan LeVeque, DePaul university alum with back ground in operations and career in revenue management. Have worked for over 25 properties throughout the country from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale (coast to coast). Recently began freelancing revenue and business development for the short term rental space and built out Off the Hook Hideaway website/social. Currently living in Fort Lauderdale and enjoying the sunshine state by means of lots of golfing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball.
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Hospitality leader Neil DeGuia has taken on the role of General Complex Manager at the dual-branded Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop and Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop. DeGuia will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the hotel, in addition to ensuring maximum guest satisfaction, to name a few responsibilities. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, DeGuia brings enthusiasm, passion, and expertise to this position.
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Nicholas J. Thomas, PhD serves as the director of the School of Hospitality Leadership, where he is an associate professor. Thomas is also director of the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Center for Student Development and Engagement in the School of Hospitality Leadership. Throughout his career, Thomas has made an effort to channel his deep-rooted passion for helping others to ensure stakeholder objectives are met.
Thomas teaches innovative and practically focused undergraduate and graduate level courses related to human resources, hospitality operations, technology and customer service. In 2015, to complement the face-to-face courses the School of Hospitality Leadership offers, he spearheaded an initiative to place hospitality courses online. The results have been highly positive, and enrollment in these online courses has far exceeded in-class versions of the same course.
In addition to teaching, Thomas is an active researcher in the areas of human resources and hospitality education. The human resources topics he researches include turnover, job satisfaction, organization social capital and supervisor gender. The hospitality education topics he focuses on include the use of technology in the classroom and student expectations as they enter hospitality industry careers. Thomas has been published in the field’s top journals, and has been sought out to author textbook chapters and present his research findings in both academic and industry settings.
He is also the host of the Hospitality Spirit podcast, interviewing members of the hospitality industry from all over the world. Today, however, the tables are turned and he tells us about his experience in hospitality that led him to DePaul.
Liz Jaquez is an HSMAI Gold Adrian award-winning certified hospitality digital marketer and revenue management executive. She began her career with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in various operations management positions, adding on additional marketing duties wherever she could, and eventually driving the creation of a new on-property digital marketing position at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. From there, Liz joined the franchise world at White Lodging Services overseeing digital strategy for upwards of 50+ hotels, restaurants, & rooftop lounges in the Austin, Chicago & Louisville markets. In 2020, Liz found a new home with Janko Hospitality where she is currently the Vice President of Revenue Generation. As the company’s commercial leader, she is responsible for leading all top line disciplines including Sales, Revenue Management, Marketing + Digital, and Corporate Communications.
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Tammy Pahel is a transformative and strategic Spa, Wellness, Fitness and Retail Executive with 30 years of leadership experience. Since 2018, Ms. Pahel has acted as Vice President of Spa & Wellness Operations at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort and has had an active involvement in the resort's strategic planning process. She has full responsibility of all spa, health & wellness center, and fitness operations, including membership budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, fitness, salon, talent acquisition, learning and development, organizational design, and employee engagement.
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Z.J. Tong grew up in China and came to the US 20 years ago to pursue his graduate studies. He started his career as a group leader for American groups traveling in China. And later became director of tourism marketing for Kay Jewelers. He is now the owner of ChinaPro Marketing Partners, a tourism marketing agency focusing on helping destinations, attractions, and shopping centers outreach to the inbound and domestic Chinese market.
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As a sports and entertainment marketing trailblazer, brand architect, entrepreneur and business strategist, Daniel O'Leary's goal is to deliver brand and property solutions that drive sales, preference, awareness and sustainable return on investments and objectives. He draws from his experience advising some the world’s most powerful sports properties and blue chip brands to engineer and manufacture omni-channel marketing platforms, dynamic campaigns and turnkey corporate sponsorship blueprints.
In the last 15-years, Mr. O'Leary has grown into an accomplished business development and integrated marketing professional, having worked for some of the industry’s leading and award winning agencies and thought leaders. This experience and knowledge prepared him to lead the United States Polo Association’s marketing and corporate partnership interests. While there, he led a number of USPA marketing and business milestones, including an enhanced broadcast and digital distribution approach that would ultimately laid the foundation for USPA's Polo Network, a new “refined adrenaline” brand strategy, and established new and future corporate and strategic marketing relationships. He also established an enhanced and measureable social media presence, more impactful PR and communications outreach, and developed a successful foundation for its national sponsorship program.
In 2018, Mr. O'Leary founded Laoghaire Partners. A parent organization that manages a portfolio of sports marketing, event properties and humanitarian businesses that emulate the Founder's passion for sports, volunteering and entrepreneurism.
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Derrick C. Westbrook is a nationally recognized sommelier evolving the wine industry by bridging the gap between spirits and culture. Before turning 30, Westbrook became the Cellar Manager of Alinea Group’s NEXT restaurant, and the Beverage Director of the Michelin-starred, Elizabeth restaurant in Chicago. He is currently the Owner of Juice @ 1340 and lead sommelier. He has been recognized for his professional contributions by Wine Enthusiast magazine as a 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, becoming the first African-American in the wine industry to grace the publication’s cover. Widely recognized in the media, Westbrook has been featured by: Wine Spectator, Eater, Vine Pair, ABC 7’s Heart & Soul, WGN’s Midday News, WCIU’s The Jam. A love for people and passion for spirits has served as the driving force behind Derrick C. Westbrook’s journey. Today, Westbrook continues to break barriers through curated dinners and experiential wine tastings. His signature event series, Samples & Samples, pairs wine with music from various genres, creating a unique, sensory experience for attendees. Westbrook has toured nationally, bringing Samples & Samples to City Winery locations across the U.S. with multiple sold out shows. While creating these sensory experiences, Westbrook has partnered with brands such as Chanel, Hilton, and Twitter.
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State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is a lifelong resident of Chicago and has represented Chicago’s lakefront and near north neighborhoods in the General Assembly in both the House and Senate. Senator Feigenholtz is currently Chair of the Senate Tourism Committee. Sara has championed groundbreaking legislation reflecting the diverse needs of the district and in the tourism and hospitality sector, including bringing back Happy Hour and the Culinary and Hospitality Modernization Act. Her work has earned her a statewide reputation as a progressive and effective leader.
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Zoltan Payerli is a native Chicagoan that grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Started his hospitality career right out of high school with the Hilton family of hotels. Over the next 15 years Zoltan worked for Hilton brands like Hampton Inn, Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, and Conrad hotels which took him across the country from Chicago, Orlando, Scottsdale, and Palm Springs. In March 2020, Zoltan made the leap of faith and went to Nobu Hotel Chicago as its opening Hotel Manager and opened the property July 1st 2020. Just a few months shortly after in October, he was promoted to General Manager. Zoltan also graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management in 2010.
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Shawn Soole is a bartender and hospitality entrepreneur based in Victoria, BC, Canada. He is the author of three cocktail books, Cocktail Culture, Great Northern Cocktails and BC Spirits Cocktail Book; a podcast host and producer and owner operator of a number of hospitalitycentric companies that help businesses take their concepts on a napkin to post opening reality.
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Kirsty Basch is a Senior Coordinator and Designer at LOLA Event Productions who focuses on weddings and large scale celebrations. The company has been recognized by Vogue Magazine, Brides Magazine, The Knot, and many other publications as one of the top planning and design firms in America. Kirsty strives to bring a creative spin to each of her events all while managing the organization and expectations of her clients. Kirsty is a huge advocate for self care, and learning to fill your own cup so you can better serve others.
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Richard Centolella is a Landscape Architect and Urban Planner that joined EDSA in 1985 after graduating from SUNY ESF at Syracuse University. Rich was elevated to the Council of Fellows in the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2016. Over his 36 years at EDSA, Rich has been involved in developing EDSA’s presence in geographic markets in Santa Monica, CA, Washington/Baltimore, and New York City. In addition, his diverse experience with EDSA has taken him to places such as China, with work for The Mission Hills Group… Tuscany, Italy for work with the Ferragamo Family at the Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco… and most recently to the Middle East for work in the KSA with The Red Sea, Qiddiya and Amaala Projects. Because of the relationships he has skillfully developed around the globe and his ability to nurture the next generation of landscape architects, clients call Rich when they need innovative and creative design and an undying determination for getting projects built.
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Lucas Mendieta, went from being homeless as a teenager to launching the Cutting Edge Elite (CEE), a national event staffing agency. He brings his street smarts & people skills to the table, which have proven a priceless skill in the sales and staffing department. Through the corporate culture that CEE has developed internally, it has made CEE a force to be reckoned with in the hospitality industry. We take care of our staff first because without them we wouldn't have a business. Our team is our family.
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John Carruthers is a writer, editor, and occasional pizza huckster from Chicago. A former journalist and medical writer, he now works at Revolution Brewing as the Communications Manager, working on social media, packaging development, public relations, and more. In his off time, he slings secret pizzas for community organizations under the name Crust Fund Pizza.
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Captain Robert Stogsdill is a certificated Airline Transport Pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight experience and 5 aircraft type ratings. Robert began his aviation career as a Certified Flight Instructor in 2008, and is now a Captain and Part 121 Airline ground instructor for a regional airline based out of Washington DC. Robert is a current member of the Air Line Pilots Association, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation.
Jim Graziano is a fourth generation entrepreneur operating a family business in the food and beverage epicenter of Chicago’s West Loop. He brings his passion for quality and the delivery of great customer service to patrons looking for a unique and consistent culinary experience. Jim is a Chicagoland native and graduate of DePaul University. He spends his free time with his family rooting for Chicago sports teams.
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Michael Gemma got his start in the craft beer industry as a host at Rock Bottom Brewery's downtown Chicago location in 2005. After working most every FOH, and a couple BOH, positions in his 5 years of employment there, he accepted an invitation to join the management team of a new brewpub in the west loop neighborhood at the end of 2010. As Haymarket Pub & Brewery expanded over the last decade, so has Michael's roles with the company: bar manager, assistant GM, and now director of operations.
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Jay Westbrook is an aspiring brewer born and bred in Chicago. As co-creator of Harold's '83 Honey, he's channeling his passion for great food and even greater beverage into change in the beverage industry through what he calls PDB: purpose driven brewing.
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Originally from Germany, Iris has been at the Allegro for the last nine years and has over 20+ years of hospitality experience working with Kimpton, Wyndham, Hard Rock, Starwood and InterContinental Hotels. Her experience spans from housekeeping management to front office and rooms operations to now oversight of a 493 room hotel.
Iris is a member of the IHLA Women in Lodging Chapter.
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Adam is a 4th generation mover whose family has owned a moving company for nearly 100 years. After seeing so much food go to waste, he launched Move For Hunger to mobilize moving & relocation companies to rescue food during the move. To date, Move For Hunger has delivered over 21 million lbs of food to food banks – enough to provide more than 18 million meals to individuals in need. Adam has been honored among Forbes 30 Under 30 and is also a proud member of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community.
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Michael Avella has been working in the restaurant business in the Chicagoland area since 2002. He spent ten years perfecting the art of hospitality while working for the Gibsons Restaurant Group: Gibson Rush, Gibsons Rosemont, Hugo's Rush, LUXBAR and Quartino. In 2018, Bill Murray and his family hired Michael to open and oversee their new project: Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant in Rosemont where he still currently works.
You can now follow the Hospitality Spirit on Instagram to keep fully up to date on the show and what's happening throughout the hospitality industry: https://www.instagram.com/hospitalityspirit/
Rick West has over 35 years of experience serving as CEO and COO of multiple companies and is currently the CEO of the Millennium Garages Concession. The Millennium Garages consist of 3.8 million sf of space located under the public parks located between Michigan Ave and Lake Short Drive where over 2 million commuters and tourist park each year. Most recently, in March 2020 in collaboration with Chicago based non-profit City Tech Collaborative, he co-co-founded the Millennium Gateway Innovation Lab.
Over his career, Rick has participated as an advisor or executive on over $2.0 billion in parking company and real estate acquisitions and sales throughout the United States.
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You can now follow the Hospitality Spirit on Instagram to keep fully up to date on the show and what's happening throughout the hospitality industry: https://www.instagram.com/hospitalityspirit/
Chris Contos is a Hospitality Tech Account Executive out of Brooklyn, NY. He has been supervising account management, new business development, and client success roles for Evention for the last four and half years. Outside of his position, Chris is a former Blue Demon from the Hospitality School of Leadership and is now a MBA student at the University of Illinois. He also participates in HFTP with the Chicago Chapter and YP Council. Chris manages his work-life balance via a work-from-home setup that allows him to prioritize his job, school, and leadership roles as well as traveling and other hobbies efficiently.
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You can now follow the Hospitality Spirit on Instagram to keep fully up to date on the show and what's happening throughout the hospitality industry: www.instagram.com/hospitalityspirit/
Nicole Warner is the General Manager at Hotel Millwright in Iowa and a long-time Operations and Hospitality Director with industry experience in Colorado, Washington, and California. Nicole demands results: at one location, she spearheaded resort improvements that increased rental revenue by 18% and generated $1 million in revenue. At another site, she increased employee satisfaction by 21% in one year. Nicole is an Iowa City, Iowa native and so she’s excited to be back in her home state. She’s also got a wicked sense of humor.
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You can now follow the Hospitality Spirit on Instagram to keep fully up to date on the show and what's happening throughout the hospitality industry: www.instagram.com/hospitalityspirit/
Jessica Linder Gallo is the President & CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. As the first female and the youngest executive in the organization’s more than 100 year history, Jessica leads the effort to serve the nearly 600 diverse chamber members by providing tools and resources vital to business success. Jessica is an alumna of the School of Hospitality Leadership at DePaul University and holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science focused in Community and Economic Development from Illinois State University.
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You can now follow the Hospitality Spirit on Instagram to keep fully up to date on the show and what's happening throughout the hospitality industry: https://www.instagram.com/hospitalityspirit/
Omari Head is a Director with Paramount Lodging Advisors based in Washington DC. In addition to being a hotel broker he serves as an adjunct for universities and is a founder of Next Gen Lodging. When not engaging with students or clients he is with his partner and their two girls.
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Vince is a certified sommelier, and the founder and host of V is for Vino, the #1 rated wine show on Amazon Prime. While pursuing a rock ‘n’ roll career as a guitarist and vocalist, he fell in love with wine while working at the bars and upscale restaurants that paid the bills. As he pursued further wine knowledge, he realized there was no place for the “average Joe” to learn about wine casually (see: without a textbook), nor a way for people to see where their wine came from; and thus, V is for Vino was born. Wine & travel “info-tainment” for the casual and serious wine drinker alike.
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John Lohr is an international American currently residing in Barcelona, Spain, and serves as Hosco's Director of Development. He is a Glion Switzerland graduate who has amassed over ten years of hospitality, tourism, and education sales work experience in +40 countries. For Hosco, John leads the strategic partnership development with hospitality schools, departments, and associations.
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Marcus Cornelious has been the Director of Sales and Marketing for Sheraton Grand since 2016. Prior to that, he was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the W Hotel New York in Union Square. Marcus has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Marcus currently resides in Chicago, IL with his family.
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Tayler is a graduate from DePaul University, born and raised in Chicago. She is currently the HR Manager for ASM Global overseeing Soldier Field, McFetridge Sports Complex, Gately Park, Morgan Park Sport Center and Addams Rec Center. She was with Hyatt Hotels for 6+ years both in hotel operations and human resources.
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Anders is an Associate Professor at University College Northern Denmark (UCN) and focus on business model design, service design, creativity and newthinking processes in organizations. Besides his main responsibilities at UCN, he is an external professor at Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon and works as an industry consultant for Russell Partnership Collection. Anders is heading the international relations for the service and hospitality programs for his institution and is the lead link when it comes to industry/academic partnerships and project development. Within the past years Anders has been a part of several regional and international R&D projects all with a main focus on student, industry and research development.
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Trent Dang is the Director of Marketing at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana where he leads marketing across fourteen slots, video poker, & Off-Track Betting facilities as well as the country’s third oldest thoroughbred racecourse. The Fair Grounds also hosts approximately 500,000 music lovers annually during the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He has over 20 years of casino gaming experience in a variety of operations and corporate roles and for many years has served as adjunct faculty at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He received his undergraduate education at the University of Oklahoma and Loyola University New Orleans, a master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is a doctoral student at the University of New Orleans. Trent has worked in and for a variety of jurisdictions across the world but is especially proud to call New Orleans home.
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Peter is Operations Director for Russell Partnership Technology. The company delivers training and development programs with the world’s leading hotel and hospitality companies to drive continued professional development. Russell Partnership Technology also work with global hotel schools by delivering simulation programs that optimize how students learn about the hotel industry. Peter started his career working with Marriott in the front office department; he then switched to working within the events industry before moving to work for Russell Partnership Technology. Peter speaks at hospitality conferences worldwide on the utilization of technology for learning & development.
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Laura founded Hello! Tours in 2014 in Hong Kong after leaving her corporate job with a mission to do something that she was passionate about. With no previous experience in the tourism sector, Laura grew her passion project into one of the leading operators in Hong Kong, and then went on to do the same in Singapore and most recently Tokyo. Hello! Tours has an organic growth model and is dedicated to delivering high-quality experiences with local flavor.
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Nate Arkush is the Founding Partner of FreshFin Poké, an upscale fast casual restaurant chain with six locations throughout Wisconsin and Utah. Nate is a Kellstadt Graduate School of Business Alum, with an MBA in Entrepreneurship, along with a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Harrah Hotel College at University of Nevada Las Vegas.
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Nick founded Fabulation Pte. Ltd in 2008 and is now Singapore’s leading boutique event services agency. Fabulation creates and manages celebrations, marketing activations and corporate experiences for international brands and organisations.
With a 25-year career in hospitality as well as a master’s degree, Nick continues to strive to understand and connect people through thoughtful and creative events.
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Michael Jacobson is President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) where he represents the 1,500 hotels and other hospitality stakeholders throughout the state. Michael has more than ten years of experience in legislative advocacy and nonprofit fundraising. In his free time, he volunteers with the American Cancer Society, helping lead their Global Relay For Life movement throughout the world. Most importantly, Michael enjoys watching the Chicago Cubs with his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Madelyn.
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Today we're joined by one most mysterious and beloved figures in Chicago bars, beers, and brewery - @ChicagoBars on social media. Get ready to pounce on these Windy City institutions.
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@ChicagoBars is a veteran, and veteran observer, of Chicago's hospitality industry. Working closely with locally owned bars, restaurants, and music venues in Chicago he regularly shares insights on Twitter about the challenges and opportunities the city's hospitality industry faces, and today on this podcast with us.
We're joined today by John Wells. On this episode, we discuss how John ascended the ranks to become the General Manager of the Hilton Chicago, how important it is to form relationships with clients, and what it's like running one Chicago most historic hotels.
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John Wells is the General Manager of the 1,544 room Hilton Chicago, a flagship property of Hilton Worldwide. The hotel hosts some of the most distinguished groups and social events in the city.
Prior to his appointment to the Hilton Chicago, he served as General Manager at the Hilton Chicago O’Hare, the Hilton Boston Back Bay as well as the Hilton Tarrytown. Has lived in 7 states and worked in 11 hotels over his career.
John received his Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University and received his Masters Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Roosevelt University. An active member of the communities in which he has worked, he most recently served as Chairman for the Illinois Hotel Lodging Association, a current Board Member of Choose Chicago, he also sits on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau, and the Chicago Loop Alliance. Additionally, he is a member of SKAL, an association of travel and tourism professionals as well as a member of Chaine des Rotisseurs and Les Amis d’ Escoffier Society.
A recipient of distinguished Industry awards, including the 2019 Hilton President’s Leadership Award, the 2012 State Leadership Award from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the 2013 Illinois Ambassador of Hospitality Award, and the 2012 Hilton Hotels Hospitality Culture Award.
This week we have Eric Kirkenmeier and Viviana Radenbaugh from Soho House Chicago that talk about what it's like running one of Chicago's most prestigious hotel and member's club. They discuss forming relationships with members, creating a sense of community, and how to grow in their industry.
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Eric Kirkenmeier joined the Soho House Chicago team in August 2019 as General Manager. He is a born-and-raised Chicagoan and has been working in the Fulton Market neighborhood for the last 3.5 years, most recently as F&B Director at Ace Hotel and before that, as General Manager at Swift & Sons.
Viviana Radenbaugh is the Head of People and Development for Soho House Chicago and Toronto. She has been working for Soho House for almost 6 years! Prior to Soho House, she opened the Public Hotel with Ian Schrager, the Elysian Hotel and the Hard Rock. Additionally, she worked for Four Seasons for 3 years. Viviana, who is Peruvian and has been living in Chicago for the past 19 years, is a wife, a mom of 2 kids and SHRM CP and PHR Certified.
Standing in for Dr. Nick, this episode is hosted by Joseph LeRoy as he interviews Craft Beer expert and founder of the Chicago Brewseum, Liz Garibay. This episode dives into what it's like forging your own path based on your seemingly varied interests, combining them to create a business that no one else but you could make.
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A vibrant part of Chicago’s cultural scene, Liz Garibay got her start as a spry intern at the Field Museum at the age of 15. With time, her innovative approaches to learning created opportunities for positions at various museums where she’s curated exhibitions and programs while traveling the country giving lectures at cultural institutions and centers of higher education such as Harvard and the University of Chicago. As a beer and tavern historian she specializes in exploring history and culture through the lens of alcohol and her work pioneering work has served as a model to other museums and scholars. She is the only American ever to have been invited to join the Society of Pub Historians of the United Kingdom (bloody brilliant!). Liz is also the founder of the Chicago Brewseum, America’s first non-profit museum dedicated to telling the global story of beer.
http://www.chicagobrewseum.org/
Laura Powell joins us on the show to discuss her role as a travel journalist as well as China's place in the market, international tourism, and the ethics of vacationing in a place like Antartica.
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Veteran journalist Laura Powell is a nationally-recognized travel journalist. She has covered the world of travel for more than 25 years.
Laura currently serves as luxury editor and wellness correspondent for Skift, the top publication for travel industry insiders. She also is a popular speaker at industry conferences and appears frequently on television as a guest travel expert.
Wearing her consulting hat, she has worked with dozens of industry companies, destination marketing organizations and associations. Past clients include the World Travel & Tourism Council, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and Destinations International.
On this episode we're joined by Matt Salmon and Chris Pieri to discuss their careers in travel, finding a good work environment, and the role of artificial intelligence in the future of the industry.
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Chris Pieri is a Market Manager with Expedia Group managing hotel partnerships in Chicago. Chris transferred to Chicago in 2018 from Dubai, where he grew up. Before Expedia Group, Chris started out as an aspiring hotelier, working in Warsaw and London with Hyatt. He hails from the small Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Chris is passionate about travel, often in search for the next adventure - whether its diving a ship wreck or seeking out obscure food.
Matthew Salmon is an MBA Graduate from DePaul University with a concentration in Entrepreneurship & Change Leadership. He's a board member of the HSMAI Chicago Chapter for 4 years, most recently acting as Chapter President for the 2019 term. He's got over 12 years in sales, account management and business development with 8 years in on-line travel, specifically consulting with hotel groups on revenue management, content support and customer acquisition.
On this episode, we're joined by Frank Andonoplas who shares his wealth of knowledge he's accumulated over 25 years of planning weddings of all shapes and sizes, some featuring acrobatic bar tenders and food trucks on the 13th floor of a Chicago hotel.
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Recently named Event Planner of the Year, Frank plans, designs and coordinates Weddings and Events in the Greater Chicagoland area and throughout the country. His expertise has been featured both locally and nationally in magazines, newspapers, books, radio and on television. His “One Wedding, One Weekend” approach gives you his full attention. He personalizes each wedding he produces to reflect the style of the couple, as well as many unexpected and out of the box details that wow guests for years to come. With a “there is no such thing as a small detail” philosophy coming through at every wedding, Frank creates lifelong memories for the couple. Frank is currently on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Chapter of the Wedding International Professionals Association and is an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University’s School of Hospitality Leadership. Frank has won numerous awards for his work, including the Penner Award for Passion and Excellence to the Wedding Industry as well the coveted Gala Award from Special Events Magazine.
Tim Lyon and Peter Wolniak of American Airlines join us today and detail what it's like working in the airline industry.
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Tim Lyon is Managing Director of Domestic Pricing and Yield Management at American Airlines. He graduated from Iowa State University in 2001 and has worked 18 years in revenue management at America West Airlines, US Airways, and now American Airlines. Outside of the office Tim enjoys family time, running, traveling, skiing, airline trivia, and cheering on Iowa State Cyclone sports. He and his wife, Kelli, have 4 children, Noelle, Isaac, Wesley, and Grace.
Peter Wolniak is a Sr. Key Account Manager for American Airlines living in Chicago, Illinois. He studied Aviation Management and Economics at Auburn University, graduating in 2014. When not at work Peter enjoys exercise and traveling the world. Being a Chicago native, Chicago Bears fan-hood is his full time side job.
Today we are joined by JR Patel as we cover the role of education, how it affects the world of hospitality, and how sustainability can find itself represented in the industry.
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Shreyas ‘JR’ Patel is the President and COO of Helix Hospitality, a hotel ownership and management group based in Chicago with properties throughout the U.S. An alum of DePaul University, with a dual degree in Finance and Management, Patel founded Helix Hospitality after learning firsthand the ins and outs of running a hotel property. Over the last decade, Patel has overseen the expansion of Helix’s network of hotels and has grown the company’s investment portfolio.
Outside the office, Patel is committed to helping the next generation of hospitality professionals. In addition to mentoring undergraduate students, where he offers relatable, real-world advice and hands-on practical knowledge of the hospitality industry, Patel also serves as a board member for the DePaul University School of Hospitality Leadership and co-chairs the Academic Program subcommittee, further developing DePaul’s Hospitality program.
Gloria Morris joins us today to discuss what it's like working in the entrepreneurial sector, building a business, why she chose to stay in Chicago, and then ultimately what attracted her to her business, Float Sixty.
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Gloria Morris is a DePaul alum with a 25 year background in technology and hospitality. She is the founder and owner of Float Sixty, a modern wellness brand with three locations in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. In addition to her businesses, she is also the President of the Service League and hosts a radio show that highlights non-profits. Gloria and her husband Robert have three children, Gina, John and Gavin.
Reggie Martin joins us on the show and details his fantastic journey from traveling the world, the struggles of networking, and settling his new home in China.
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Reggie Martin is the Associate Director of VIP/Celebrity Relations at the World’s biggest casino in the world the Venetian Macau as well as being the US Warden for the US Consulate of Hong Kong. Reggie started working all over the world for Club Med Resorts back in 1997 which included places such as Bali, Dominican Republic, and Bahamas just to name a few. In December 2002 Reggie made the move to Macau to work at Westin Resort as the Club Director being responsible for events and teambuilding. Working with Westin Resort for 5 years Reggie decided to take on another challenge back in July 2007 joining the Venetian Macau doing Special Events. Reggie has a Bachelor of Science in Resort Management from Winona State University. Reggie was one of the founding members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Macau and the Vice Chair. He has received the Key to the City of East Chicago from Mayor Anthony Copeland as a gesture to recognize outstanding civic achievements, especially those which further the ideals of the community.
Matt Dolin and Ryan LeVeque join us on the podcast today, each representing two very different sides of the hospitality industry. They go over their different yet unique paths as they graduated from DePaul's School of Hospitality, emphasizing that there is no singular way to succeed in hospitality.
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Matt Dolin is a General Manager for Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants in Chicago at Ramen-san in Fulton Market. He graduated from DePaul in 2012 with a degree in Hospitality Leadership focusing on Food & Beverage and Revenue Management. When not at work he loves traveling the world, exploring new restaurants, cycling, snowboarding, and enjoying life with friends and family.
Ryan LeVeque is a revenue ninja currently with Marriott International and has done revenue management for over 25 hotels through 10 markets. He is a graduate of DePaul SHL from the class of 2012. Outside of working, he is an avid golfer, angler, and barbecuer.
Dipra Jha joins the podcast today and has an incredible conversation with Dr. Nick. They go over Dipra's long career in hospitality education, innovative teaching strategies, and the way studying abroad can shape the way you view the world and your future career.
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Dipra Jha is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Director of Global Engagement for the Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program at University of Nebraska - Lincoln. He is recognized as an expert in luxury hospitality and tourism strategy. Dipra frequently collaborates with communities, government entities and private sector organizations in the United States and overseas on training and outreach projects. He teaches courses in lodging management, guest services and hospitality law and is a recipient of UNL’s University Distinguished Teaching Award among other honors. In 2018, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (I-CHRIE) recognized him with the prestigious John Wiley & Sons Innovation in Teaching Award. A passionate advocate for experiential learning and global education, Dipra has developed and led study abroad programs to Ireland, United Kingdom, India, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
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Madison Kamp joins us on the show today and she tells all about her experience with mentors, the road you take when you compare yourself to others, and the need for a diversity across the hospitality industry.
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With a natural eye for events, Madison embodies the Hospitality Spirit by her passion of people, diversity, and innovation. Having competed for her Division 1 Volleyball Team, as well as her University’s nationally ranked Speech Team, she thrives in competitive situations and feels most comfortable in front of a crowd. Madison has been with PSAV, the world’s leading event audio visual provider, for 3 years and in the Hospitality industry for 8.
Today on the show we have Steven Marx. He tells all about the differences in his experiences consulting vs. operation, we discuss what's not in the guidebooks when you go to visit a tourist destination, and most of all he offers his unique insight on the industry as a whole.
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Steven Marx is a recognized expert with proven success in business ownership, leadership, real estate, hotels, travel blog founder and strategy. Innovative problem solving has led to the understanding that hotels are comprised of intangible, synergistic and genuine components that result in measurable return-on-investment. Passionate and uniquely knowledgeable about vial yet overlooked areas within the hotel, real estate, marketing, design and architecture spaces.
Sarah Bond joins the show today and talks about her long career in the hospitality industry. She discusses how she decided the Four Seasons was right for her, what role psychology plays in hospitality, what you should do at your first career fair, and why mentorship might be the most important part of your career.
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Sarah Bond is the Regional Director of People & Culture at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Sarah graduated from Miami University with a degree in Organizational Communication and is currently working toward her MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. She worked in Human Resources for an HR consulting firm and a retail chain before joining Four Seasons Hotel Chicago in October 2010. During her time with Four Seasons and before returning to the Chicago location, she has worked at the Four Seasons Resort Vail and assisted with the opening of the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando. She has held the Regional Director position at Four Seasons since March 2018.
Ashvin Lad talks to us about what it’s like to start a brand new, one of a kind entertainment venue right in the heart of Chicago’s pride and joy: Lake Michigan. He also discusses the importance of a collaborative environment and the use of a space like 1871 – Chicago’s Technology and Entrepreneurship Center.
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Ashvin Lad is currently the Co-Founder of Breakwater Chicago, a floating entertainment destination being developed for Lake Michigan. In this position, he manages marketing, business development, and government and community relations. Prior to this, Ashvin served as the Director of the Invest in Illinois and The Illinois Funds divisions in the Office of Illinois State Treasurer. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing economic and community development programs related to agriculture, tourism, businesses, disaster recovery, charitable organizations, and a venture capital funds: as well as managing merchant processing and a $6 billion pooled investment money market for public entities.
Ashvin also has private sector experience in product development, marketing, business development and client relations roles. Before joining the Treasurer’s office, he worked for several years in the financial services industry at an established leader, Discover Financial Services, and a growth stage start up, FSV Payment Systems. Previous to that, he worked in the medical device industry at Cook Medical as a product development engineer, where he was awarded one patent. He currently serves on the board of directors for Envision Unlimited, a Chicago based not-for-profit that integrates adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness into the mainstream community.
Ashvin, who was born and raised in Springfield, IL, and now resides in Chicago, holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and a MS in Biomedical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a MBA in Marketing and Management from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
On this episode of the show, we’re joined by Ginger Bogle, who tells us about her career as an event planner after her time at DePaul. We discuss the largest lessons she’s taken from school and how she’s utilized out in the private sector, what After-School Matters does, and the logistics of planning events for thousands of people ever year.
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Ginger Bogle is a seasoned event specialist with more than 17 years in the nonprofit sector. She believes that well-executed events showcasing an organization’s mission and goals is a key component to its strategic plan. Working with boards, executives, volunteers, and staff, she knows how to communicate messaging and drive donors to invest.
Currently, Ginger serves as Director of Events for After School Matters, an organization providing life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to more than 15,000 Chicago teens each year. There, she oversees a robust fundraising and stewardship events program which raises more than $3.5 million annually.
Ginger is a recipient of a NACE/ILEA Excellence Award for ‘Best Non-Profit or Fundraiser Event’, was nominated as BizBash Readers’ Choice Awards’ ‘Non-Profit Event Planner of the Year’, and her events have been ranked in BizBash’s ‘Top 100 Events’ both locally and nationally.
Ginger holds a B.A. in Communications from DePaul University.
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Paul was introduced into the hospitality field at a young age as his family operated a restaurant in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He attended high school in Garden City, New York and then went Virginia Tech where he received a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
After graduation, Paul began his career with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. His first position was a Corporate Management Trainee at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City. He focused his career on the F&B side of the hotel business, holding various roles in F&B at Hyatt Dulles, the Hyatt Regency Baltimore, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, and the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
In 2005, he became General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Deerfield. In 2006, Paul became the Vice President of Food and Beverage for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and worked out of Hyatt’s Global headquarters. After four years in this position, Paul went back to the field and worked as a General Manager of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Resident and Hotel Manager at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. In 2017, he became the Area Vice President and General Manager of the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, overseeing 7 full service properties across the country.
In 2018, he returned to Hyatt’s Global headquarters to serve in a new role for Hyatt: Global Head of Guest Satisfaction Innovation. This is the role Paul currently serves.
Paul has been supporting DePaul’s School of Hospitality Leadership from the very beginning. He has an immense passion for helping young people find their purpose and really enjoys the academic and learning environment that a college campus offers.
He could not be more thrilled to be one of DePaul’s inaugural Executives in Residence for the School of Hospitality Leadership! Paul looks forward to supporting the faculty, and more importantly, being a resource for students in any way that he can!
On this inaugural episode of the Hospitality Spirit, we spoke with Jerrod Melman about his time working in restaurants, building his career, and the wide array of cultures and cuisine that can be found in Chicago, making it one of the most exciting places to jump into the hospitality industry.
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Jerrod Melman is an Executive Partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. He has opened restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. In 2008, Jerrod along with his partners, opened HUB 51 and lower-level club SUB 51 in downtown Chicago. Since then, he has opened more than a dozen LEYE restaurants including RPM Italian, RPM Steak, Bub City and Three Dots and A Dash.
Since graduating from DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Jerrod has worked with other renowned hospitality groups, including BR Guest Hospitality and Union Square Hospitality Group in New York as well as In-N-Out Burger in Arizona.
In 2016, Jerrod and his partners introduced several new projects, including Bub City and Joe’s Live – a restaurant and music venue in Rosemont, Illinois – in February. In March, Italian-American comfort food spot il Porcellino opened followed by the second locations of RPM Italian in Washington, D.C. in June. Fall of 2017, Jerrod and his partners introduced Sushi-san, a casual sushi spot brought to you from the team that brought you Ramen-san.