Join me, Steve Turk, on the Hospitality Mentor podcast as we dive into the personal stories of some of the world's best Hospitality Professionals. We follow the...
Welcome to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast! In this episode, host Steve Turk interviews Ji Hye Kim, the chef-owner of Miss Kim Korean Restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ji Hye shares her unconventional journey from being an economics and political science student at the University of Michigan to becoming a renowned Korean chef. Starting as a server at a Japanese restaurant, Ji Hye recounts her transition into hospitality, becoming a cheesemonger at Zingerman's Delicatessen, and eventually opening Miss Kim. She discusses the challenges and successes she faced, including her innovative response to the pandemic and her plans for opening a new vegetarian restaurant, Little Kim. Ji Hye also offers invaluable advice on pursuing one's passion in the hospitality industry. Don’t miss out on this inspiring and educational episode!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:03 Ji Hye Kim's Early Career and Education05:07 Transition to Hospitality08:20 Starting at Zingerman's and Developing Skills13:43 Path to Partnership and Food Cart Experience21:54 Opening Miss Kim Restaurant28:49 Navigating Challenges and Achievements32:33 Future Plans and Advice36:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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38:35
Building a Leading Hospitality Web Design Agency with Eli Pritykin
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Eli Pritykin, founder of Hudson Creative Studio, a leading company specializing in creating high-converting websites for hospitality companies. Eli shares his incredible journey from working in the food industry and studying at Yeshiva University to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur. Discover his secrets to building flexible, powerful, and highly effective websites, complete with a unique software called HomeRunner, designed for vacation rental spaces. Learn how Eli navigated the challenges of COVID-19, transitioned from employee to business owner, and continues to innovate in the world of hospitality web design. Don't miss out on his valuable insights into the importance of branding, client communication, and leveraging AI technology. If you're aspiring to start your own hospitality business or improve your online presence, this episode is packed with actionable advice just for you. Check out Hudson Creative Studio for more information, and as always, stay hospitable!00:00 Closing Remarks00:04 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:10 Meet Ellie Pritikin: Founder of Hudson Creative Studio02:05 Ellie's Journey in the Hospitality Industry03:28 From Rabbinical Studies to Technology06:22 Early Career and Transition to Tech09:13 Building a Career at Spears Group13:17 The Birth of Hudson Creative Studio18:14 Choosing the Perfect Name for the Business19:01 Setting Up the Business Foundation19:50 Working from Home: Challenges and Benefits20:16 Building a Unique Brand Identity21:05 Finding and Retaining Clients21:39 Developing Proprietary Software24:25 Launching HomeRunner: A New Milestone30:06 Leveraging AI in Business Operations36:21 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
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39:24
A Journey from Disney to Founding MDA Hospitality Solutions with Mary D’Argenis-Fernandez
In this exciting episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast, we sit down with Mary D’Argenis-Fernandez , President and Founder of MDA Hospitality Solutions. Mary shares her incredible journey from starting her hospitality career at Walt Disney World at 16 to now celebrating 10 years of success with her own company. Discover her insights on hospitality training, her transformative experiences at top brands like Walt Disney, Loew's Miami Beach, Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental, and how she has helped elevate industry standards. Join us as we delve into the importance of training and staying passionate about what you do. Perfect for hospitality professionals looking for inspiration and actionable tips to boost team satisfaction and operational excellence!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:32 Mary's Journey Begins at Disney03:18 Rising Through the Ranks at Disney12:18 Transition to Loew's Miami Beach Hotel15:49 Experience at Four Seasons Miami17:52 Joining Mandarin Oriental Miami22:36 Unexpected Job Offer23:16 First Executive Role24:13 Turning Around the Property26:06 Promotion to Hotel Manager28:16 Personal Tragedy and Career Shift29:44 Business Development Consultant31:47 Founding MDA Hospitality33:55 Expanding Clientele and Projects37:25 Current and Future Endeavors44:51 Advice for Young Professionals45:36 Conclusion and Contact Information
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From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Stardom: Chef Angelo Sosa's Journey
Join us in this inspiring episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast as we welcome Chef Angelo Sosa, the Executive Chef of Kembara, Tia Carmen, and Carmocha. Chef Angelo shares his remarkable journey from his first job at a retirement home in Middletown, Connecticut, to becoming a successful chef and restaurateur. Learn about his early influences, including his Tia Carmen, his diverse culinary experiences, and his powerful insights on mentorship, leadership, and maintaining passion in the hospitality industry. Don't miss out on Angelo's heartfelt stories and the valuable lessons he's gathered along the way.00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:27 Chef Angelo Sosa's First Job02:49 Early Culinary Influences and Family Background05:31 Culinary School and Early Career08:12 Mentorship and Career Growth11:40 Becoming an Executive Chef13:05 Exploring Diverse Cuisines15:41 Consulting for Top Restaurants17:11 Television Fame and Top Chef18:22 Top Chef's Unexpected Call19:01 First Taste of Fame19:51 Family and Success20:41 Doors Opening and Non-Stop Travel21:24 Life in the Fast Lane23:31 A Major Life Change24:05 New Beginnings in San Diego25:14 Consulting and New Ventures31:36 Mentorship and Giving Back34:07 Focusing on the Present35:02 Advice to Young Angelo36:03 Conclusion and Gratitude
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Journey from Ice Cream Scooper to Culinary Director: Gerald Chin's Rise in Hospitality
Check out Steve Turk's new book, Hospitality Unlocked: Advice, Strategies, and Insider Secrets from 75 of the World’s Top Hospitality Leaders, available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8JC16xJ.In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Gerald Chin, Head of Culinary for the Mina Group. Starting his journey at Carvel Ice Cream on Long Island during high school, Chin shares his fascinating transition from a scooper to an executive chef. His career chronicles include stints at some of the most prestigious kitchens including Tavern on the Green, CIA (Culinary Institute of America), and working under the legendary chef Joel Robuchon. Gerald also touches upon his significant roles at various Michael Mina establishments, the challenges of transitioning to a corporate role, and his exciting new prospects within the Mina Group. Reflecting on his journey, Chin emphasizes the importance of passion, continuous learning, and the value of writing everything down. Join us to hear his inspiring story of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of culinary excellence.00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:32 Exciting News: Hospitality Unlocked Book Release01:08 Meet Gerald Chin: Head of Culinary for the MENA Group01:28 Gerald's First Job: Carvel Ice Cream03:47 Vocational School and Culinary Beginnings05:34 First Real Restaurant Job: The Weeping Willow09:05 Tavern on the Green: A Culinary Bootcamp14:08 Judson Grill and the Path to Culinary School16:04 Culinary Institute of America: The Hogwarts of Culinary Schools21:02 From Switzerland to Las Vegas: Joining Bradley Ogden27:28 Achieving a Dream: Working at Robuchon32:15 Exclusive Dining at MGM33:32 Transition to Executive Chef33:46 Opening an Italian Restaurant35:37 Challenges and Realizations36:09 Joining RM Seafood38:09 The Opportunity with Darden Group39:28 Cosmopolitan and Family Life41:21 Joining the Mina Group45:47 Corporate Chef Responsibilities47:35 Balancing Travel and Family49:30 Current Role and Future Plans58:13 Advice for Aspiring Chefs01:00:13 Conclusion and Gratitude
Join me, Steve Turk, on the Hospitality Mentor podcast as we dive into the personal stories of some of the world's best Hospitality Professionals. We follow the journey of their ups, downs and wild turns and find out what it truly takes to make it in the amazing world of hospitality.
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