Meet the Team
Behind Local Hospitality Strategy is a blend of old-school grit and new-school smarts, all dedicated to helping Pittsburgh's unique hospitality scene thrive in the digital age.
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The Geeky OneI cut my teeth in this business from the ground up – literally bussing tables, bartending and working front desk through college. Went through the whole hotel management thing at Penn State, and then chased the corporate dream for years. Learned a ton about what makes a place tick, what makes guests happy, and what makes the numbers work. Spent a good chunk of time in the IT side of big hotels, figuring out how tech can actually save money and make things run smoother. But at the end of the day, those big corporate gears weren't really my speed anymore.
Pittsburgh's got soul, and a lot of that soul lives in its small businesses – the restaurants, the bars, the little hotels. They've got the heart, but sometimes they're missing that digital edge. That's where I come in with Local Hospitality Strategy. I take that corporate know-how, that understanding of how to use tech smart, and I bring it to the local level. It's about helping these places not just survive, but really shine in today's world, without losing what makes them unique. For me, it's about using what I've learned to help the folks who are building something real in our communities.
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The One Who Talks Too MuchI've seen it all at the Rusty Nail. Bought it when it was on its last legs – a real dive. Turned it around, not by chasing trends, but by listening to the neighborhood and building a place where folks genuinely connect. Now it's the kind of spot where you can grab a beer, catch a game, or just hang out – a real "third space."
That turnaround wasn't just about a fresh coat of paint. It was about understanding what people want and adapting without losing the soul of the place. Seeing that shift firsthand made me realize that even the best local spots can thrive even more with a smart approach to today's world. That's why I've partnered with Mark at Local Hospitality Strategy. He's got the digital know-how, and I've got the real-world experience of taking a struggling business and making it a neighborhood favorite. We're here to help other owners do the same – keep what makes them special while bringing in a new wave of loyal customers.