HIGHLIGHTING ZAC CRUMP, MHA
Zac Crump, the Principal Consultant at Bluegrass Hospitality Consulting, says the pandemic isn't the reason why he started his own business. The pandemic only accelerated the idea... Before the pandemic, Zac spent more time on the road traveling for work, than he did at home in Central Kentucky. He worked as a senior leader for Hilton hotels in a project management capacity and loved every minute of it. Like so many others in hospitality, Zac found himself at the receiving end of a furlough call last summer, which ultimately put Zac out of work, but not for long.
Equipped with all the skills and passion needed to be successful in the hospitality industry, Zac put on his entrepreneur hat and pressed forward with officially opening his own consulting company. Zac is now back on the road and doing what he does best, helping people and businesses succeed one hotel at a time. Read on for Zac's glass-half-full approach to business and travel.
H&F: Please describe your career/education prior to this venture.
Zac: While experience is everything in the Hospitality Industry, I am grateful for my education. Earning my Master of Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas was a bucket list item and a major milestone in my career and life. I was fortunate to have a wonderful 13-year career with Hilton, a company that I love and respect. Hilton gave me opportunities to travel the globe, gaining life experiences, and learning the industry from top to bottom.
H&F: How has your career/education prepared you for what is next?
Zac: Be Versatile. In the hospitality industry we wear many hats, no two days are alike, and much like 2020 – you never know what’s going to be thrown your way. Stay versatile.
H&F: Tell us about how you have redefined yourself. Describe your project, business, brand and/or platform.
Zac: I looked at what I love and what I am good at. Being hospitable in everything I do, love people for who they are, and keep learning and growing. Having my own hospitality consulting business didn’t happen because of COVID. COVID just accelerated this idea. I love the many doors and opportunities that have opened up because of my business that aren’t necessarily directly related to hotel consulting, but bigger, keeping me learning and growing.
"Having my own hospitality consulting business didn’t happen because of COVID. COVID just accelerated this idea." - Zac
H&F: When/how did you get that light bulb moment to start this brand?
Zac: Back in 2019, I had several close friends who are entrepreneurs ask me, “When are you finally going to jump out on your own. You have the experience and education, just do it!”
H&F: Tell us something unique about your brand.
Zac: Will go with unique about, me. Since I checked in at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel with my family at the age of 6, I asked for a back-of-house tour and never looked back.
H&F: What has been the hardest part about starting this business, and maintaining it?
Zac: Impact of COVID on our industry. Period.
H&F: What is your vision for your brand?
Zac: To continue to do what I love! Assisting the hospitality industry wherever I can.
H&F: What encouraging advice would you offer someone unsure about starting their own venture?
Zac: Trust your instincts and go for it!
Follow Zac at www.bluegrasshospitalityconsulting.com and on LinkedIn Bluegrass Hospitality Consulting
You can also watch Zac on Brand New Day as our first virtual guest on the show to get to know him better and see him play "Stop Blaming Covid!" with Gladi and Laura.
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For more inspiring Innovator stories by H&F Redefined, visit our blog, and learn how furloughed and laid-off professionals from around the world are redefining themselves. We also offer Lifestyle content, Seasonal Solutions, and Industry Insights.
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