Meet Our People 2024 Roundup: Advice for Newcomers to the Hospitality Industry

As we revisit the past year in conversations with hospitality workers across Memphis, we wanted to share the advice industry professionals offer to newcomers. Here’s a roundup of our favorite wisdom, suggestions, and advice! 

Marius Scott, Blue Suede Brigade: There's always somebody out there that needs help, and you can grow from helping other people. When I was graduating from Central High School, my grandmother said, “Your name is like credit. Your name can get you into places where cash can't get you.” She taught me to always treat people right and with the utmost respect. That helped mold me to be the person that I am today.

Bryana Polk, LEO Events: Be open to challenges, because they will arise. Take them as learning opportunities. Try to absorb as much as you can, because in this industry, there are so many experts you can glean from. Even if you don't think you will be full time, there are still so many learning opportunities available with this amazing pool of professionals.

Melvia Hawkins, Holiday Inn-University of Memphis: Just smile. Smiles are contagious. When your guest arrives, you never know what type of day they’re having. 

Lorne Green, Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous: First off, my advice is that this industry takes hard work and dedication. You’ve got to crawl before you can walk. Just keep striving. Don't give up and keep going. I try to mentor the generation that’s coming up now. I tell the busboys that I was in their shoes once, and I know what it’s like. I look back from where I’m at now, and I’m glad I chose the right path.

Tyler Hubble, Jojo’s Espresso: Providing really good service is a skill. And it's very unlikely that someone's going to be good at it just starting out, because that skill requires practice and it requires connecting with people and actually caring about customers. A big part of developing that skill is working at a place you enjoy. It’s very community-oriented. 

Rose Baker, Orpheum Theatre: If you feel challenged by something, you can overcome it. Curiosity helps you with that. So instead of saying, ‘I don't know the answer to something,’ you can say, ‘let's find out.’ And that attitude will carry you very far.

To read more of our interviews with Memphis hospitality professionals, visit the Meet Our People blog.  Know an amazing hospitality professional? Nominate them for an Annual Pick Award! Looking for a job? Check out our Jobs Board and our Training Opportunities.