Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Georgopoulos.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mike. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
You could say, I have the typical “restaurant man” story. Growing up, I spent years visiting the restaurants where my mom worked, and I fell in love with the Industry and the people who worked in it. I got my first job when I was 13-years old, working in the kitchen. I’ve done it all: prep, fry guy, dishwasher, pizza man, clown, delivery boy, oyster shucker, late-night houseman, bartender, server, and eventually, manager. I realized, I needed more training if I wanted to excel in this Industry, so I took a job as a Banquet Manager with Starwood Hotels in Boston. In 2001, I was fortunate to be promoted to an Event Sales Manager and transferred to San Diego. After being in the hotel industry for seven years, I decided to get out of the big corporate world and get back to the small independent restaurants I was raised in. This led me to EnDev, and in 2003, I became Vice President of Operations where I oversaw the development of seven concepts. In 2009, I co-founded RMD Group where I have been able to work with my two Uncles, Mom, Step-Dad, little Sister, several long-time childhood friends, and a lot of hard-working Industry superstars.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Creating and owning a business is never a smooth road, but you learn from the mistakes you make and become better because of them. We’ve had businesses and ideas that have failed, partnerships that took a wrong turn, and employees who let us down. As a result, I have grown as a person and a leader, and RMD as a company is stronger.
Please tell us about RMD Group.
Most people know us as the guys who own all those San Diego nightclubs, restaurants, and bars. However, we have grown into more than just venue owners. We’ve developed an all-star team of Hospitality professionals who have allowed us to grow into a management, consultant, and development firm. Not only do we create and operate our own venues, but we work with other business owners on their existing projects or ideas for new projects. We like to think of ourselves as a “one-stop shop”. Basically, we can do it all because we’ve done it all. Whether it’s developing a new concept, reviving an old concept, creating marketing campaigns, or delving into financials, we have years of experience behind every service we offer. We’re not claiming to be something we’re not… we’re claiming to be the best at what we do because we’re dedicated to knowing the ins and outs of our Industry through experience. No matter how big we get, the goal is to stay a small business and keep a family-like mentality. And the thing we’re most proud of? The team/family we have built. Without our Directors, Managers, and Employees, we wouldn’t be here.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to be a part of your community. One of the most important decisions I made for my businesses was taking a seat on the Executive Committee of the Gaslamp Quarter Association Board. This position has given me an opportunity to make changes, take care of our neighborhood and support other small businesses.
Contact Info:
- Address: 614 5th Ave Suite A
San Diego, CA 92101 - Website: www.rmdgroupsd.com
- Phone: 619.955.5750
- Email: info@rmdgroupsd.com
- Instagram: @rmdgroupsd
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/rmdgroupsd
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rmdgroupsd
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