1. How has your career path changed up until now?
On the one hand, after my military service, I decided to work in the hospitality industry and have worked there for forty years. On the other hand, I have worked in different positions, from waiter to hotel GM. I worked in Europe and the US. I also operated short-term office rental centers, which for me, was putting people in offices vs. people in hotels. Furthermore, in most of my career, I worked for large corporations, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Regus. Now I am self-employed. It is a major change from what I was used to in day-to-day work and a completely different state of mind than working for large corporations.
2. Did you have a mentor who helped you get to where you are now? If so, what would you say is the most important thing you learned from your mentor?
Yes, I had a mentor, the President of Hilton International, Anthony Harris. The most important thing I learned from him is to believe in myself.
3. What advice would you give to those pursuing their first business venture?
Believe in your way, believe in yourself, and find a mentor you can trust and get advice from.
4. How do you overcome risk when it comes to making business decisions?
Consult with others, check the numbers to see if they make sense, trust your gut and take a calculated risk.
5. Why did you decide to become a mentor/ investor for the Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator?
True to my career, I learned a lot. I want to share my knowledge and experience with others, mainly with the younger generation. I can save them a lot of aggravation.
6. What book are you currently reading?
Killing Lincoln by Bill O' Reilly
7. What is your favorite vacation destination?
Toscana, Italy
8. What is your favorite movie?
The Godfather
9. Any last words you would like to share....
"Don't go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail," Ralph Waldo Emerson
