In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Fernando Rojas, partner of Agency BE. Fernando shares his unique journey from his early passion for banking in Ecuador to his flourishing career in the hospitality and events industry. He discusses his adventurous move to the UAE, the challenges of launching an event company in Miami, and his current project, the World Travel Expo (WTE Miami) 2024, highlighting how curiosity and risk-taking have driven his success. Listeners can expect insights on entrepreneurial perseverance, the evolution of Agency BE, and the importance of the WTE Miami show.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:37 Meet Fernando Rojas: Partner of Agency BE

01:21 Current Projects: World Travel Expo 2024

02:53 Fernando's Journey: From Banking to Hospitality

07:29 Life in the UAE: Cultural Experiences and Challenges

13:47 Starting a New Life in Miami

15:24 The Birth of Agency BE

20:37 Challenges and Lessons in the Event Industry

23:44 The Turning Point: Winning the Fontainebleau Contract

24:38 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Curiosity

26:43 The Dynamic World of Event Management

30:17 The Evolution of Blooming Events

33:58 Launching the World Travel Expo

46:12 Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

50:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Cesar Wurm, Vice President of Commercial, Premium Brands for IHG® Hotels & Resorts and an accomplished author. Cesar shares his unique journey from an overnight room service assistant in Sao Paulo to a key figure in the hospitality industry. Listeners will gain insights into Cesar's career progression, his struggles with addiction, and how he overcame them. The discussion also touches on the industry's challenges, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself. Cesar’s story is both inspiring and educational, providing valuable lessons for both seasoned professionals and newcomers in hospitality.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:35 Meet Cesar Wurm: Vice President of Commercial for IHG

01:14 Cesar's First Job in Hospitality

05:20 The Journey from Room Service to Sales

05:31 Transitioning to International Experience

09:52 Returning to Sheraton as Director of Sales

12:31 Joining Starwood Hotels

16:08 The Move to Trust Hospitality

19:11 Joining Intercontinental Hotels

26:51 Teaching and Giving Back to the Community

29:43 Aligning Personal and Professional Causes

30:18 Returning to IHG: A Career Move

33:10 Navigating New Roles and Responsibilities

35:03 Driving Business in the Hospitality Industry

38:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Hospitality

42:04 The Power of Addiction: A Personal Journey

54:37 Advice for the Next Generation

01:01:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Vittorio Assaf, founder of the Serafina Group. Vittorio shares his journey from Italian stockbroker to celebrated restaurateur, recounting his early beginnings in 1986 with an investment from Andy Warhol, to the founding of the Serafina restaurants, a venture he conceived while lost at sea with his partner.

The conversation dives into the challenges of maintaining quality amidst expansion, the impact of the pandemic on the industry, and Vittorio’s advice on handling stress and ensuring efficiency. Vittorio also shares exciting new ventures, including international expansions and innovations in retail food products.

The episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about the hospitality industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:37 Meet Vittorio Assaf: Founder of Serafina Group

00:59 Vittorio's First Steps in Hospitality

03:04 From Stockbroker to Restaurateur

07:37 The Birth of Serafina

12:17 Navigating Early Challenges and Successes

22:16 Handling Restaurant Stress and Team Management

27:14 Expansion and the Second Location

35:45 The Hype of a Crazy Place

36:26 Expanding the Restaurant Empire

36:58 Maintaining Quality and Standards

38:02 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

39:51 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

40:58 International Ventures and New Projects

44:02 Impact of the Pandemic on Business

46:11 Rising Costs and Economic Pressures

54:04 Technological Innovations in Restaurants

01:04:04 Final Thoughts and Advice