It goes without saying that one of the very best things about working in the hospitality industry is the people. The good, bad and ugly guests, but also the team you’re in the trenches with. If you’ve never waited tables or worked a front desk you’re just…different from us! No judgement, of course. It takes a specific sort of psychotic masochist who chooses to work in a hospitality space day in and day out. But we also love it, but we hate it, but we love it. It’s complicated!
Adam Bussell and I met whilst sharing a tiny windowless office behind the Front Desk during the opening of Nomad Hotel DTLA. I can confidently say he’s one of the absolute hardest working and most talented Operations people I’ve worked with. He is excellent at what he does. He’s a very strong leader, an amazing team player and functions incredibly well under pressure. We’ve also had some major LOLs while pulling our hair out, which is pretty crucial when in the dark hell-hole that is the pre-opening phase in the life of a hotel.
Adam and I caught up recently - it had been awhile. We chatted about new parenthood, his life in Florida and the big big news on Hilton’s acquisition of Sydell Group. I’m sharing excerpts from our conversation on his place within the hospitality world, below. Enjoy!
In a sentence how do you describe what you do within the hospitality world?
I oversee the operating hotels with the General Managers reporting to me, as well as being the direct contact for ownership. Additionally I am heavily involved in the development process for new projects.
What is the road you took to establish yourself in your current role?
I began my hotel career as a Bellman and it was the best job I ever had. I worked my way up through the Rooms department, but was lucky to work in hotels that operated their own F&B and was able to gain experience there as well.
Who or what inspires you? Within or outside of the hospitality industry.
I started my career with Ian Schrager hotels and was able to work directly with him when I was at Gramercy Park Hotel so he will always be an icon to me.
Do you have a pinch me moment or horror story you'd like to share (within the hospitality world)?
The best thing that ever happened to me was being an overnight manager at Mondrian in Los Angeles very early in my career. To this day 9 of the top 10 crazy hotel stories I have come from those nights and at the time I was too young and inexperienced to know they were crazy, I just thought that was normal hotel life. Once I left there and was at other hotels where incidents would happen and everyone would freak out, I was totally unfazed.
Your favorite regular guest? What's their order and why do you love them?
I have had a bunch of favorite guests over the years, one was heavy repeat who ended up becoming friends with all the staff, we would invite him to outings, someone's last day party, etc. Most times you become friendly with the most difficult guests because they take up all your time. Being able to flip a difficult guest into a favorite is an art.
Favorite hospitality space you've visited recently and why? (hotel, restaurant, bodega...)
I went to Dante in NY recently for the first time in years and it was still perfect. Service and vibe were exceptional which are the two hardest parts. It was inspiring.
This gig is super tough. Why do you do what you do?
It is so hard. But it is also so fun. The fun parts are make it worth it. The highs outweigh the lows.
Who do you admire within the hospitality industry?
I work with amazing people. One is Kristen Millar who is the heart and soul of our brand and has been for years. The way she has been able to bob and weave as the brand evolved has been incredible to see.
Follow Adam on instagram @adambussellla
Thanks for reading!