This year of being President of the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management came and went by in the blink of an eye. But, to watch it conclude in front of a record-breaking attendance of more than 600 members at the National Conference was absolutely indescribable.
The organization headed back to Baltimore to celebrate SHFM's 45th anniversary of its very first National Conference. And, we did it in an unparalleled fashion. We danced the nights away; celebrated our industry's achievements and innovations; raised more than $20,000 for the Baltimore Hunger Project; listened to speakers that make us self-reflect; saw what the future holds in our Innovation Showcase; and challenged ourselves to see where the foodservice and hospitality industries are going.
The SHFM National Conference began with an incredible, inspiring, humble, funny, one-of-a-kind, revolutionary, Keynote Speaker Will Guidara. Will brought his book Unreasonable Hospitality to life. It was a pleasure to hear him speak and even have his own father Frank Guidara surprise him. If you haven't read Will's book, you should; and, if you haven't watched The Bear yet, you should. Because aside from being an American restaurateur, Will is a television producer, writer, and actor; and The Bear is an award-winning show inspired from when Will was a co-owner at Eleven Madison Park. (Side note: Did you see our recent blog post discussing the realities of foodservice and construction in The Bear?)
And, I'll fast forward to the end of the conference, because I couldn't possibly recap it all, but watch this reel for lots of photos ... As I passed the gavel to my dear friend and the new SHFM President, Shayne Varnum, I also had the privilege to celebrate two extremely important people in my life. My best friend and Conference Chair, Amanda Beni brought our visions to life, executing a conference with patience, ease and fun. I also surprised my father, Eric Weiss, Chair, Founder & CEO of elite|studio e with the President's Mentor Award, which was the absolute cherry on top. He's been a proud member of the organization for 40 years and has truly made a huge impact on so many individuals across the industry. (Read the presentation of the award or watch the video).
So now that we've recapped and recouped ... what's next?
Well, I can tell you I'm already on back on the road and not in our New York office. I'm actually writing this blog from Dallas, Texas, where I had the opportunity to speak with other consultants at Middleby about the idea of resi-mercial design in corporate spaces. Stay tuned for that video ... it should be out next month.
As part of my new role as Vice President of Business Development at elite|studio e, I'll be participating in various industry events, including NACAS C3X and NAFEM.
And, for those of you wondering what I will be doing next with SHFM ...well I'm chairing W.I.S.E. 2025 in Napa Valley, CA, in January. (Official date will be announced soon). For those of you who aren't aware, when I became SHFM President, I announced my vision to create the W.IS.E. (Women, Inspiration, Support & Excellence) Experience to give women in our industry and within the organization an opportunity to get real, raw, authentic, challenge, empower, question and reflect on their lives today, yesterday and tomorrow. If this event interests you, check out last year's recap post.
Reflection
Shortly after assuming the role of President at SHFM, we crafted a piece explaining my affiliation with the organization and outlining its direction for the upcoming year. The success of my presidency can be attributed to our forward-thinking approach and the multitude of dedicated individuals involved (although I can't name them all). Engaging with the organization and its activities allows me to continuously learn from my peers, face challenges, and enjoy the experience. The effort you invest is reciprocated manifold. The relationships I have cultivated over time – whether with business partners, friends, advisors, or mentors – are truly remarkable. My network keeps expanding, and the invaluable knowledge and support from industry peers are undeniable. Without a doubt, my current position at elite|studio e and my past role as SHFM President, are a result of my active participation!
If you're not involved in SHFM or another business organization, get involved. You only get back, what you put in.
Presentation of the SHFM President's Mentor Award to Eric Weiss
So often I am asked two things, “How do you manage being a mom, the work you do for elite while also being President of SHFM” and “ How are you so comfortable talking to anyone” … and the gods honest truth is because of one person, My Dad.
You see when I was a little girl, my dad would not let me be shy or timid. He’d force me to go up to someone and say “ Hi, my name is Raquel… do you want to be my friend”? Or even go as far to put me on stage during a summer vacation when I was six years old to tell some kind of joke that I didn’t even understand to a room full of strangers.
But I look back on those experiences and realize that is exactly what made me who I am today.
On January 1, 2000, (yes, New Year's Day) elite studio e opened it’s doors! Founded, created, developed by none other than my dad, Eric Weiss.
Many of you in this room know my father, professionally and personally. A proud member of SHFM (when it was FSM) since 1984 – yes, he was attending these events before I was even born! But what many of you don’t know is the sweat, tears, hard times, and challenging times of creating a business. My father wasn’t given anything or handed anything. He started his way in the industry at the bottom, learning the ropes and paving his way. Working alongside my beloved Grandpa, Seymour Weiss, at Superior he began learning the industry and forming relationships. My Dad created elite | studio e from his own personal vision. It was literally himself and my cousin, Ivan, coming to work with him after high school. Today, we have more than 40 employees, are nationwide and fortunate to work with so many of you in this room.
All while creating elite, my Dad was also raising my brother, Aaron, and I. As a parent now, I don’t know how you did it alone. I’d say Aaron and I turned out pretty good … but in all seriousness, you created a successful business and raised two children alone – how freaking badass is that!!!???
Yesterday, we heard of Will Guidara going to work with his dad when he was six years old and the impact it clearly had on him. It made me remember how I loved going to work with my Dad. He’d give me tasks like alphabetizing vendor catalogs and even let me eat the food in the “cafeterias” when calling on clients. I thought it was so cool!
I admire every step you took. I admire your thoughtfulness in every decision you make.
Most of all, I admire how at the end of it all, no matter what, you care about people, whole heartedly.
The work ethic, drive, respectfulness, humor, empathy and kindness you possess is contagious and truly the foundation of our company which is why I truly believe we have grown and found success the way we have – heart, soul, determination and drive.
Dad, you truly are a class act. The best dad and grandpa we can all wish for. In fact, time and time again people say, “I met your dad; he’s the best!” Oh do I know. How lucky I am to be standing here today and this will probably be one of the most memorable moments of my life, which is to present you with your very first SHFM award – The President's Mentor Award.
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