Did you know hospitality is a massive part of WSU and the WSU culture? We have one of the top hospitality programs in the nation and are in the top 10 in the world!!   In this episode, we’re shining some much-deserved light on the service industry and talking all things hospitality with a leading expert passionate about helping business owners chase their dreams and share them with the world!   Today, you’ll meet WSU alums and diehard Coug fan Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association. Not only has Anthony been with the association for more than 20 years, but he draws on his own experience of being raised in a family with more than 70 years of hospitality experience in the state.    Anthony’s mission? To make Washington State the best place in the world to run a restaurant or hotel.    Sounds easy enough, right?!   Anthony is on the CougsFirst! Podcast to share sage advice on how to succeed in the hospitality industry, AND he’s giving us tips and tools that can be applied to business across the board!    Tune in to hear why having a passion for hospitality is key to finding success, how he’s helping protect and engage the hospitality business climate, what the service industry needs to work on post-COVID, and how hospitality businesses can adapt to the changing leadership styles for the next generation of workers. Plus, he’s answering the million-dollar question: where did the workforce go?   If you’re ready to learn about how vital hospitality is for our communities (and why we should always support these small businesses), plus so much more, then this episode is for you!   Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!   What we discussed: [2:36] Why one of his biggest regrets is graduating from WSU early [4:23] What is Washington Hospitality Association + its history [7:30] Why an educational foundation in hospitality is a key part of what WHA does [9:00] The benefits of working in the service industry [9:50] His journey to becoming the president and CEO of WHA [11:00] His passion for working with dream-chasing business owners [14:28] Why having a passion and core mission is key to success [16:30] The effects of COVID on hospitality businesses [17:34] Where the hospitality industry is heading [19:00] What the hospitality industry needs to work on post-COVID [21:42] The scoop on workforce issues we’re experiencing and when it will recover [25:55] What’s happening with the labor participation rate [27:00] Advice for business owners looking to hire the right people [28:05] Why owners need to listen to their workforce and adjust to new styles of leadership [28:40] A key indicator that your company culture isn’t up to par [35:08] Why WSU offers a safe environment to build great relationships   Links: Website: https://wahospitality.org/   Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:  https://www.cougsfirst.org/   

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