From Dishwashing to Diamond Service

My dad was the CFO of a national sit-down restaurant chain. As a young lad, I was thrown into the world of culinary chaos, washing dishes before I even hit the ripe age of 14. Little did I know, this humble dishwashing gig would set the stage for a remarkable journey through the hospitality industry.

A Journey Through the Hospitality Industry - A Personal Tale

Richard Healthy in 2011

Fast forward a few years, and I found myself honing my skills as a bartender at The Little Nell in Aspen. For those not in the know, The Little Nell is a prestigious establishment boasting 5 stars and 5 diamonds - a title shared by only 16 other restaurants in all of North America. Talk about exclusivity!

During my tenure at The Little Nell, I had the privilege of serving a diverse clientele, ranging from political families to A-list celebrities (and even B-list ones like Carrot Top, who, let's be honest, is in a league of his own). I quickly learned that there's a certain art to catering to the whims of the rich and famous - an art that requires a delicate balance of skill, charm, and the occasional ability to read minds.

But here's the twist: despite rubbing shoulders with the upper echelons of society, I discovered that I actually prefer serving others rather than being served. There's something deeply satisfying about anticipating a guest's needs and providing them with an unforgettable dining experience. It's a form of high-stakes hospitality, where every interaction is a chance to make a lasting impression.

Perhaps it's this realization that has soured my taste for dining out. The thought of being on the receiving end of service, rather than the one providing it, just doesn't hold the same allure. After all, once you've experienced the thrill of creating memorable moments for others, it's hard to go back to being a mere spectator.

I learned about care not from my mother, who, as a terrible housewife, refused to cook, clean, do laundry, or take care of her kids, but from my experiences and training in the hospitality industry. Today, as I take care of my sister and mother's daily needs, the echoes of my time at The Little Nell ring through my head, reminding me of the importance of care and service in our lives.

So, the next time you find yourself dining out, spare a thought for the unsung heroes of the restaurant industry - the ones who take pride in serving others and who, like me, have discovered that true satisfaction comes not from being served, but from serving others.