Q&A With Ali Slutsky, Co-Owner of Resplendent Hospitality
Tell us a bit about Resplendent Hospitality.
Resplendent Hospitality is a one-stop shop when it comes to marketing, PR, social media, graphics, web design and event production as it relates to the hospitality industry. It started as a small PR firm for restaurants, chefs, food products, etc. but grew to offer services like social media and full graphics and web design. Everyone who works at Resplendent is passionate about the hospitality industry. They’ve either bartended, waited tables, managed a food blog, or have their Master’s in food studies from New York University.
What gave you the idea for the company and how did it start?
I had been working in hospitality PR for about five years. During that time, I had built strong media relationships as well as strong client relationships. My business partner, Mary Mickel, had a similar experience and we both felt like we were lacking client control. Instead of chasing big-budget clients, we wanted to work with the passionate mom and pop-type places that couldn’t always afford a big PR push. We wanted a curated client list that stood out, and that was basically the mission of creating our client list. We definitely turned down business we found uninspiring even when we needed the money.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
What are your keys to making yourself productive? I’m very deadline oriented and very methodical to task accomplishment – which is good and bad. It’s very good for making those deadlines, but my Achilles heel can be creative problem-solving vs. relying on what I’ve always done. A bit of ‘don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” methodology. However, I am a huge fan of working smarter, not harder so I think that leads me to be open to change.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
I’d really love to Resplendent to have some kind of media or creative outlet on its own. I feel like my team and myself have this wealth of knowledge of what to do, what to eat, we all travel a lot and I’d like for our blog to be a go-to spot for finding out those things. Even if you’re not a client or in the PR space, we’ve got a wealth of knowledge to share!
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
As I mentioned, I’m very fond of the saying “work smarter, not harder.” Finding people and tools to help you be efficient is essential as a small business startup. Also, and as obvious as it sounds, follow your instincts. Whether that’s about employees, clients, etc. Your gut is always pinging you for a reason.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
Be prepared to hustle. This isn’t a 9-5 job and people who usually succeed in the PR world never expect it to be. But the flip side is, it makes those early nights home sweeter! Also, find a friend or colleague you can have gut checks with. A little honest feedback from someone you trust can go a long way.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I’m fairly into fitness and travel and if there’s a way to combine thought two things, I am in! I once traveled to Thailand for a fitness retreat and took up Muay Thai boxing.
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
Radical Candor by Kim Scott and Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson and Joseph Grenny
