No matter what lodging industry conference or event I attend, whether it’s ALIS, NYU, The Lodging Conference, ULI or STR’s recently completed Hotel Data Conference, one constant for me that is both a great source of comfort and something I look forward to with great anticipation is seeing many of my former colleagues and friends from the now almost-20-year defunct Laventhol & Horwath.
It’s really quite amazing that so many of us are still around and even more startling that so many of us have been fortunate enough to navigate through the seemingly always murky waters of career growth and enhancement. On some level the fact that so many of us (I counted eight at the recent STR data conference and it’s possible there might have been one or two more), are still around is a testament to the training, work and mentoring most of us received in those days.
No matter what aspect of the lodging industry you happen to concentrate on or look at, whether its consulting, corporate brand management, financing and of course, research, you’re almost certain to find an ex-L&H’er plying his or her wares. In an industry that seems increasingly dominated by young, smart and dedicated individuals, it still is an inspiration to me that so many of us are in leadership positions in our great industry. I am now certain that no matter what the short- and medium-term future is for the hotel industry, more than a handful of the “old gang” will be there to help lead the way.
I can only speak for myself and perhaps a little for Randy Smith (who I probably should have run this by before using his name, but what the heck—one of the things we learned at L&H was that it was always better to ask for forgiveness than permission, especially if money was to be made) when I tell you that we both feel unbelievably fortunate to have started our lodging careers at L&H. Without that solid foundation, STR might not have experienced the success we are so fortunate to be a part of. For that we are more than a little grateful. So for all of you who were a part of our development and continue to be our friends now, I say thank you!
While many of us often discuss the idea of a reunion at an industry conference, I say, let’s get on it and make it happen while we can still remember that we actually worked for L&H.
