Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Lopez.
Hi Miguel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a native San Diegan who returned to the city in 2021 after spending the last 20 years trying out other places before realizing there is no place like home. Throughout my younger years I have tried on several hats before permanently settling in hospitality including child acting, competitive bowling with professional aspirations, a stint in the US Army, a door-to-door vacuum salesman, and several other random endeavors. Through it all I have always kept the same philosophy and reminder to ensure laughter is present and fun is paramount no matter the setting.
Truthfully, I never thought my career would take the path it did and my early years of dishwashing, serving and bartending etc. were just something to pay the bills until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. But as time went on and the lies I told myself about going back to school or switching to real estate faded away, I finally came to the realization that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. From there I have made it my mission to rise through the ranks in hospitality with one primary focus, be the leader that I wish I had when I was on the front lines. Whether it be running night clubs, owning restaurants, overseeing dozens of hotel food and beverage programs across the country or operating stand-alone hotels, the goal has never changed. Lead from the heart and no matter the circumstance nor outcome, put your people before the numbers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a bumpy and winding road to get here but in retrospect all the setbacks and career huddles over the years are what have equipped me with what I need to be successful today. I was admittedly never good at handling critical feedback and refused to believe that someone else knew better, but as the years progressed, maturity ensued and I found myself on the other side of the equation, I have come appreciate and respect the hard lessons learned along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
On paper I am a hospitality professional with a background in food and beverage operations and hotel management. What I actually consider myself is someone who there to provide guidance, direction, and most importantly protection to all those in my care.
The hospitality business is as tough and complex as ever, so I believe it is my mission as a leader to ensure that those who have decided to dedicate their lives to this line of work are given a voice, respect, and never be marginalized or made to feel small in a big world. The job can often be thankless and at times have all of us questioning our life choices, so the opportunity to show my team every day that they do indeed matter is something I do not take lightly and fills my cup every day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are several people in my life that have shaped who I am and how I see the world. First and foremost is my mother who unequivocally made me the man I am today. Her strength, resilience, and warmth even in the coldest of times has been engrained in me and how I approach every day and every obstacle.
On the flip side, having a largely absentee father who never seemed overly interested in the job nor being an example of what a father/husband should be, ironically provided me with a very clear path to simply do the opposite.
My wife has been my rock, my muse, and my ultimate supporter since day 1 so there is no doubt that any success that I have had is because of her love and support.
Professionally, my former colleague and good friend Mark Braver from Chicago was and still is the guy I look too for advice and professional expertise when I find myself in bind.
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