On a recent trip to the east coast, I had the opportunity to observe some exceptional hospitality in action, while also catching up with some friends and partners while I was there.

In Philadelphia, I visited associate and Schedule-Cloud business partner, Greg Dodge. Greg and I starting working together 20 years ago, and he’s always been the consummate host and an incredible restaurant manager. From our time together at The Met and Kennedy Center to today, Greg has fostered strong relationships with guests and employees alike. Those talents are still putting him ahead of the pack in hospitality as he’s opening his second Zavino Pizzeria and Wine Bar.

From Philly, I was off to Washington, D.C. for a meeting on the upcoming Capital Wheel at National Harbor. Milt and Jon Peterson just announced the news at a press conference. It’s an exciting project I look forward to sharing more about soon.

I had the unfortunate luck of getting stuck in the middle of one of the northeast’s many snowstorms during this trip, and was staying at the Le Parker Méridien hotel. The bartender there really impressed me by going above and beyond expectations and staying open and serving a crowded bar of cranky patrons. It would’ve been easy for her to punch out and go about her night, but she was empowered by her employer to continue to serve, make her customers happy and provide many weary travelers with a positive experience.

What are you doing to become more competitive in your space by offering superb hospitality?

How about monitoring guest experience via social media? Call me to chat about how we can work together to make your business more successful.