Did you find the hospitality industry or did the hospitality industry find you?

The hospitality industry found me at a young age, thanks to my uncle who owned a series of restaurants in Southern California. I then worked my way through Stanford University as a Sous Chef at the famous Pearl’s Oyster Bar. After a long stint in marketing with Levi Strauss, I was recruited to Hard Rock International just as it was expanding into the hotel/casino business and was fortunate to be one of the executives leading the transformation for that iconic brand.

Subsequently, I asset managed the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott L.A. Live as well as serving as the global Chief Marketing Office for Anschutz Entertainment Group which owns many hospitality venues around the world. A tour of L.A. Live led to a meeting with former OUTRIGGER President David Carey in 2012 and I’ve been blessed to be the Chief Commercial Officer of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group under Jeff Wagoner’s leadership ever since.

What do you think is the importance of the hospitality industry and how do you feel you fit in?

One of Hard Rock’s guiding mottos, “Love All, Serve All,” has stayed with me throughout my career. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of this industry for many years and be able to lead teams that have delivered literally millions of experiences for guests all over the world. My role has been to inspire and empower teams to consistently exceed expectations and, in doing so, help shape some of the lifelong memories for our guests.

Are there any aspects that excite you the most about the hospitality industry and invigorate your team?

At OUTRIGGER, we are guided by a deeply rooted philosophy called The OUTRIGGER Way. This concept, introduced by Dr. George Kanahele more than 30 years ago, emphasizes caring for our hosts, our guests and our places—with our values as our guide. It aligns perfectly with the values of Hawai‘i, where we strive to be true stewards of culture and the environment. We embrace this responsibility—not just here in Hawai‘i but globally, across all the extraordinary destinations where we operate. Sharing authentic cultural experiences and instilling a sense of pride and purpose in our team invigorates us every day.

What do you feel are the most serious challenges facing the hospitality industry and how might they be resolved? What is the industry doing well?

Like many other industries today, the hospitality industry faces significant challenges—including rising labor costs and tightening profit margins—which put pressure on returns from substantial capital investments. That said, the industry remains vibrant and filled with opportunities for individuals at every stage of their career.

Hospitality is uniquely positioned to offer rewarding careers to people with diverse talents, backgrounds, and experiences. Despite its challenges, the industry thrives because of its resilience, innovation, and ability to adapt to evolving guest expectations.

What do you envision will take place in the hospitality industry in the years ahead and how might the local industry adapt or change?

The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, with digital technology leading the charge in areas like personalization and immersive experiences. While the industry hasn’t traditionally been seen as a leader in technology, we’re increasingly adopting tools to better understand our guests, tailor experiences to their preferences, and remain connected with them even when they’re not staying at one of our properties.