Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Hall.
Hi Jonathan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in the hospitality industry commenced at the age of 14, where I found myself employed at a concession stand for a baseball field near Houston. As time progressed, I relocated to Dallas and delved into the realm of hotels, particularly focusing on the food and beverage sector. It was during this period that my passion for the industry truly blossomed. Although faced with the challenges of being young and limited in making significant strides, I nurtured an unwavering ambition to pursue greater endeavors. I possessed a unique ability to perceive a broader scope, one that my peers often struggled to comprehend. I think the concept of Select Service Catering was always in the back of my head, but I just needed more experience. Over time I developed a successful non-profit that provided me with the confidence to venture out on my own. Utilizing my contacts in the non-profit and hotel world allowed us to thrive quickly.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The greatest obstacle I faced was within myself, breaking free from the safety net of a regular paycheck. Embracing uncertainty can be a bitter pill to swallow. Instead of focusing on the potential reasons why my venture could succeed, I spent years convincing myself that it wouldn’t. However, one day, everything fell into place, and I discovered that my first client had been patiently waiting for me all along. It became clear that pursuing this opportunity was the logical choice. Since then, it has been a tremendous learning journey but a rewarding one. I have been able to identify and streamline processes, utilizing the lessons learned from the challenges that hindered other companies. And by doing that, I have removed a tremendous amount of frustration on the client’s side.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What truly distinguishes Select Service Catering from other catering companies is our unwavering “yes mentality”! We thrive on exploring uncharted paths and pushing the boundaries of what is deemed possible. My passion runs deep, and I consistently envision innovative approaches that challenge traditional norms and leave a lasting impression. We adopt a rapid yet balanced approach that effortlessly captures a cool factor without appearing forced. It’s a delicate balance we maintain.
Furthermore, when clients approach us based on our industry reputation, it opens up exciting opportunities for us to unleash our creativity and invest time in truly understanding their unique needs. I meticulously maintain notes on all our clients to ensure we not only meet but exceed their expectations with minimal resistance. This deep level of connection and understanding has fueled our rapid growth, enabling us to continually expand our horizons.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Not only does having a mentor provide guidance, but it also offers a chance for self-reflection, allowing you to appreciate how far you have come. When I founded Select Service Catering, I reached out to a core team that I had mentored throughout the years, and they enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work together again.
Finding a suitable mentor is crucial, and I would personally use LinkedIn. Begin by seeking out the top professionals in your field and gradually work your way down. It’s essential to approach the relationship with a mindset of adding value rather than solely taking. Offer to buy them lunch for a brief conversation, demonstrating your eagerness to learn. Enter the mentorship dynamic with an open mind, ready to absorb knowledge without expecting to gain everything at once. Remember that mentors are people too, just like you and me. Often, their life experiences will fascinate you more than they realize! I’ve always found people to be polite and open to a conversation. However, some will be busy and want to get direct to the point, so have some questions prepared.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.selectscatering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selectservicecatering/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/selectscatering/
