Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Kalashian.
Edward, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started in the Hospitality Industry about 20 years and only did so as my high school counselor forced me to pick a career my senior year and I had no clue as to what I wanted to do. My mother was in the hospitality industry so I thought I would try it. I have worked my way up the ranks to various positions and companies. I came to Atlanta about 3 years ago to take on the next challenge in my career running the Buckhead America Portfolio of Hotels.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road is never smooth, you always have bumps. Challenges have been in finding the right place to live, the right company to work for, what exactly do you want to do in the industry. The hospitality industry has challenges in certain areas trying to find staff and taking hotels that are struggling and coming up with new ways to drive revenue.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are Buckhead America Hospitality and we own and operate 7 hotels in GA and TN.
We look to buy hotels that might be underperforming and go in and do a renovation and then increase revenue and overall market share. Our business is not complex it is a business that revolves around common sense and doing the right thing. We are a people business and that is why we are in hospitality.
What were you like growing up?
I hosted a sports talk show with a buddy of mine in high school just for something to do weekly. I have a love for sports and thought this would be a cool idea to be on tv so we did it.
I grew up in the popcorn business with my dad and grandparents working fairs and festivals around the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. I started working at a very young age so business was in my blood. I love to travel and that is one reason I am in the hospitality industry. My personality is very direct, I am not a sugar coater I tell it like it is and I learned a long time ago just say how you feel and most people will respect you for that.
Contact Info:
- Address: 203 Newgate Road
Peachtree City, GA 30269 - Website: www.innatpeachtreecity.com
- Phone: (770) 487-4646
- Email: ekalashian@buckheadamerica.com
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