News for the Hospitality Executive |
by Dr.
John
Hogan, CHE, CHA, CMHS
August 20, 2012 Over the past several months, I focused much of my time and energy preparing a major training program for a national association and did not write many articles or blogs. I appreciated the “welcome back” messages received from many readers on a column I posted recently on Observations on Hotel Safety and Security for Hospitality Brands and Hotel Management Companies. I am also pleased to be resuming my regular writing and blogs on a range of topics affecting hotels, hospitality businesses and their continuing success. "Questions I Wish You Would Ask Me™" includes interviews such as those found in our HOSPITALITY CONVERSATIONS™, and it also allows industry professional the opportunity to share their perspectives, values and opinions on additional areas and subjects that may not have been part of the planned discussion. In this article, we contacted Bill Hurley, President of Challenges Five in Honolulu, Hawaii. Bill has had a distinguished career and impacted many hospitality professionals globally. His career with Sheraton took him to senior management positions in the mainland and Hawaii, where he rose to become Managing Director for the brand’s main properties. Bill has always challenged himself and he learned the Japanese language on his own, so he could better interact with international guests and hotel owners. Bill used this new communication skill and was successful in additional major assignments in Japan and Malaysia. Bill has always been very involved in community service, including active roles as a Board and Executive Committee Member for a wide range of volunteer groups and as a Board Member for a number of state and regional Hotel Associations and Convention and Visitors Bureaus. Bill has also served as an instructor at several colleges in industry related courses. International
Hotelier Bill Hurley
President-Challenges Five
(808) 738-7611 Honolulu, Hawaii http://www.challengesv.com/
www.linkedin.com/pub/bill-hurley/28/92/59b
1.
Name your favorite hotel
and why it is special to you -
It
is difficult to choose between the Moana
Surfrider in Honolulu and the Ritz Carlton in Osaka. I was fortunate
enough to
serve as the general manager at the Moana for several years in the
early 90’s
and clearly the years leading the Moana were the most memorable and
enjoyable
in my career. The
staff at the hotel was outstanding and never failed to make every
effort to
share their aloha with the guests.
The Ritz has been my home when in Osaka for many years and once again, the staff is what has made the hotel so special to me. Wonderful people, always doing their very best to serve and please. 2. Name your favorite restaurant and why it is special to you - A
little izakaya in the Roppongi section of Tokyo named Kurosawa.
This is a tiny little restaurant off the main street that I absolutely have to visit at least several times when I get to Tokyo. The food is outstanding, but the gentleman that oversees the operation is what sets Kurosawa apart from the many wonderful restaurants in Tokyo. Walking in the door after a several year absence, he still remembers my face, my name, the table I like and the foods that enjoy and always makes me feel special and welcome. 3. Where do you vacation the most often? Actually
when
not traveling for work I enjoy staying in my little condo in Honolulu.
After
living in Honolulu for a little over 20 years it still feels like a
vacation
every day.
4. Name your pet service peeve, why and any ideas you may have to address it. I
would say having to wait for a check at the
end of a meal. All too often a nice dining experience can be somewhat
spoiled
when you have to wait and wait to get the check.
5. Who was the most important mentor in your life and why? Pat
Birmingham.
6. What is the
one piece of advice you would offer to a graduating student with a
hospitality
degree?Pat served at the most senior levels of the Sheraton Corporation for a great many years and I was fortunate enough to report to Pat at several of my postings. He may have been the most demanding boss I ever reported to; actually there is no maybe involved. But as demanding as he was, he was also the most supportive and always made time and took the effort to help those around him grow and develop. Never forget
the importance of people.
7. What is the one
question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview today?
How does your
leadership style make you the right choice for the position we are
discussing
today?
Bill and I have just recently re-connected with his relocation back to Hawaii in spring of 2012. I believe that the tools he has created within Excellence 24/7 and Challenges Five can make a positive impact in many hospitality businesses and I wish him success. This segment includes a wide range of hospitality professionals from all portions of the industry. We ask participants to answer at least five of the listed nine questions. Their responses will interest, sometimes amuse and definitely inspire you to consider how YOU might answer. Please contact me if you would like to participate in either a Questions I Wish You Would Ask Me™ or a HOSPITALITY CONVERSATIONS™. Success does not come by accident or chance. We can help. Contact us for assistance – [email protected] 602-799-5375 HoganHospitality.com : [email protected]
John Hogan is a successful hospitality executive, educator, author and consultant and is a frequent keynote speaker and seminar leader at many hospitality industry events. He is CEO and Co-Founder of HospitalityEducators.com , which has more than 1600 resource pages and has become the #1 independent website for hotel owners and managers. He is also the Principal of HoganHospitality.com, which offers hospitality consulting and hotel expert witness services. |
Contact: John Hogan, CHE CHA CMHS United States - Phoenix, Phone: 602-799-5375 www.hoganhospitality.com [email protected]
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