Brett Friedman on Building A Global Events Empire

Join host Steve Turk on the Hospitality Mentor Podcast as he dives into the inspiring journey of Brett Friedman, founder of A21. Discover the stories behind Brett's rise in the hospitality industry, from humble beginnings as a pizza delivery guy to leading one of the largest culinary events agencies in the world. Learn essential tips on creating successful events, building a passionate team, and the importance of loving what you do. Plus, get a sneak peek into Brett's exciting upcoming projects including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the LA Wine and Food Festival.00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast00:31 Special Announcement: Hospitality Unlocked Book00:56 Introducing Brett Friedman02:25 Brett's Early Career and First Job03:41 Growing Up in Miami05:06 Transition to Hospitality and Early Ventures07:08 Working with Alonzo Mourning10:19 Founding A21 12:56 Partnership with South Beach Wine & Food Festival17:15 Post-COVID Transformation and Future Plans19:39 The Importance of Control in Event Management20:27 Building a Sustainable Company21:31 Passion and Team Culture24:37 Advice for Aspiring Event Leaders25:01 Challenges and Rewards of Event Production29:49 Upcoming Projects and Initiatives34:55 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth36:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts