Howard Wein's experience in managing billions of dollars in revenue provided him with valuable insights into the hospitality industry. This experience, combined with his MBA in hotel management, equipped him with the necessary skills to design a successful business model for Barclay Prime. His understanding of large-scale operations likely influenced his approach to creating a luxury boutique steakhouse, ensuring it was efficient, profitable, and catered to the needs of its target market.

Asked on the following book summary:

resource preview

Contagious: Why Things Catch On

Why do some products and services become popular with consumers, while others seem to fade along the sidelines? Three important factors play a role in...

Start for free ⬇️

Download and customize hundreds of business templates for free

Go to dashboard to download stunning templates

Download

book summary Preview

View all chevron_right

Question was asked on:

With lots of hospitality experience under his belt, when Howard Wein moved to Philadelphia in the spring of 2004, he had his own successful resume that was the envy of many people. With his MBA in hotel management, he had created a successful campaign for Starwood Hotels and their W brand. And as their Corporate Director of Food and Beverage, Howard had managed billions of dollars in revenue. However, while he had enjoyed that time of his life, he was ready to downsize and find something on a smaller scale that would work just as well. With that in mind, he moved to Philadelphia and helped design Barclay Prime, a new luxury boutique steakhouse.

Questions and answers

info icon

Howard Wein's story reflects the themes discussed in the book 'Contagious: Why Things Catch On' in several ways. Firstly, his success with Starwood Hotels and their W brand demonstrates the power of creating a product or service that resonates with consumers, which is a key theme in the book. Secondly, his decision to downsize and create a new luxury boutique steakhouse, Barclay Prime, shows the importance of innovation and finding a unique market niche, another major theme in the book. Finally, his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and his ability to generate significant revenue highlight the role of expertise and effective management in making a product or service 'catch on'.

Entrepreneurs trying to replicate Howard Wein's success might face several obstacles. Firstly, they may lack the extensive hospitality experience and the specific skill set that Wein has. To overcome this, they could gain experience in the industry and seek relevant education. Secondly, they might not have the same network and reputation that Wein has built over the years. Building a strong network and reputation requires time, patience, and consistent high-quality work. Lastly, they may face financial constraints. To overcome this, they could seek investors or take out business loans.

View all questions
stars icon Ask another question