Meet Chris Adams, CEO and founder of Ellis Adams Group
Chris Adams and his international luxury hospitality consulting firm Ellis Adams Group (EAG) have opened hundreds of hotels partnering with Marriott International to transform locations for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W, Westin and Renaissance among others all over the world. He has worked on everything from the acclaimed Italian steakhouse Davio's in Atlanta to the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, and is heavily involved in the continued evolution of Marriott's beverage program. Chris is a disruptor of the hospitality industry and has climbed the ladder from pool attendant at The Ritz-Carlton to transforming Ritz-Carltons.
How do you prepare for all the unknown obstacles when running your business?
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Change is typically very difficult for most. Being adaptable and nimble is a necessity as obstacles arise.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as an entrepreneur?
Failing does not make you a failure, and be a student of leadership. Truly understanding and practicing the art of leadership is worth its weight in gold.
Do you have a morning routine or ritual to get your day started on the right foot?
My team takes their cue from me. Starting my day by getting myself into the right headspace is a necessity. Not everyday is a great day, but if I can take time in the morning to get my perspective in the right place, I can ensure my day starts with great decision making and not driven by emotion.
How did you conquer those moments of doubt that so often affect entrepreneurs or stop many with great ideas – what pushes you through?
One of my mentors has a quote I love to lean on, it simply states “easy never changed the world.” If you truly believe in what you are doing, and you are pushing into your purpose, then giving up isn’t an option.
What are your responsibilities as a business owner?
You have multiple responsibilities as a business owner. Casting a vision, leading your team, managing the business, etc… Ensuring you balance each with the appropriate amount of focus and energy is important. You can’t allow one item to pull you down or distract you from the whole.
How well versed were you in the planning and strategic growth of your business? Did this come easy to you?
If you are casting a vision, surrounding yourself with amazing talent and leading them, then be prepared for your organization to evolve in directions you weren’t planning. Allowing for an organic shift in your company can be scary when it doesn’t fit into your initial plan. Take that as an opportunity to re-evaluate and allow your brand to evolve naturally.
How important is company culture and what is your top tip to get it right?
This is arguably the most important piece of your company for long term success and growth. The hospitality industry is struggling from a labor shortage, and this is a direct result of a lack of culture. Your team must know that the culture you have put on paper is brought to life daily. Not just when things are going well, but when times are tough. How we make our team feel daily will directly impact how your guests feel. Live what you say you believe!
Any new product launches we should know about?
Absolutely! We have a new website launching that pulls the user into a more immersive experience, and a beverage app we are launching that puts brands and bartenders in the driver seat to drive revenue and guest experience just to name a few.
How does technological advancement speak to the strategic direction of your business?
In hospitality, we have traditionally been slow to adapt to tech trends. It will be paramount to change that narrative moving forward. Our ability to weave technology into the guest experience, not removing the human aspect of our industry, but to enhance it is a must. This is a priority for our company and a topic we are driving home daily.
Is word of mouth working to your advantage?
Word of mouth is akin to relationships. Our brand has been fortunate to grow as much as it has primarily on relationships, or word of mouth. Do not take lightly the power of a relationship, good or bad.
What impact would you like to have on women around the world through your business?
I have two daughters and a better half. Our ability to contribute in any way in the support and uplifting of women we will do, no questions asked. We take great pride in having diversity within our company, and that includes having women in senior leadership roles. Providing respect, opportunity, and confidence must be in the DNA of our organisation.
Thinking about the future, do you have any strategic partnerships or upgrades in the pipeline?
Definitely! We just signed a partnership with a large hotel management company and will be partnering in hotels across the country, providing lifestyle and luxury leadership as well as food and beverage guidance. This is one of a multitude of partnerships / projects we have in the works.
