We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Ilharreguy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aaron, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
In my eyes there are many unique ways of making your self successful in the hospitality world. The top 3 easiest ways is first putting the right team together, be different and staying on top of what’s relevant in the world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My journey started in 2012 at Blue Martini. I got hired as a front door security while I was in college. I was trying to avoid going out so I got myself a weekend job. After a month goes by my boss at the time Joe Derosa saw me saying hi to a lot people while I was at the front door. He saw a opportunity for myself and the company. He moved me up to the VIP host. From there I started learning how to sell tables, position groups where to seat and pricing. Months go by and i was hungry for more so I started to meet Joe every Tuesday in the liquor room at night to learn how to do inventory. From there things just grew because I started learning cost & losses in the hospitality busniess. After being at Blue Martini for 2 years, I got a opportunity to start working at a different venues, different managers and different promoters. Along this journey I met a guy name AJ Sosa. He took me under his wing for 4 years and showed me the ropes on marketing & promotions. After the 4 years I went on my own and started taking over venues with remodels, created my own parties and so forth. I have been very blessed on the journey I have taken and the success that has came along. Couldn’t have done it without the support system in the city.
I am very proud of what I have accomplished in such a small local market. If you can make in WPB I feel you can make it anywhere.
You are no body with out a solid team, discipline, hungry, creativity and your local support.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Being personal and being you has help me get far. People want to see the real you, not just a host.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Staying relevant and giving what the Clientele wants and needs. Not yours.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mr.Ilharreguy
- Facebook: Aaron Ilharreguy
Image Credits
Blue Martini Joe Derosa First Day Club Party in WPB Me and my daughter