Note from the Author – I think transparency and consistency is key to building something great. I share because I love when people share with me. It is in the foundation of my soul and why I am building Northern Hospitality. I am asking you to let me help in some of the most private moments of your life; whether it be assisting in the everyday tasks so you can achieve that work/life balance we strive for, or planning one of the most intimate days of your life – your wedding…or screw it, maybe we are planning your divorce party – whatever it may be, it is extremely important that you are comfortable with who you relying on.
Hi there! The name is Amanda, nice to meet you! I am a gypsy soul with solid roots in Upstate New York. When asked who I am, I can never really articulate it. My friends might say “she’s loud…she’s vivacious…she loves a good party…she loves being the one to plan the party, especially with a good theme…she dreams big…she talks to anyone…and she always creates good memories.”
I wanted to bring my whole self into my work (not discredit my career path, it is dynamic and has truly positioned me to be able to start NoHo.) I have learned a lot along the way, but in the midst of “surviving” I forgot my dream; which is to host people at my own bed and breakfast and venue space – nothing grand, but nevertheless MINE.
Throughout my 20s as a single mom, I was focused on survival and my goal was placed on the backburner, even though I thought about it constantly. It all started in the mailroom of State Farm Insurance with the other misfits of the company. The cube life was my life; I learned what production, policy, and procedures were all about and was able to make some lasting friendships, which were – quite honestly- the only reason I survived five years there. We were a well-oiled machine on a good day and on a bad day – well, if you want some good stories, just ask! Nevertheless, it was the starting off point.
I left State Farm for an industry that I keep near and dear to my heart – Food and Beverage/Hospitality. While working all my full-time jobs, I always worked in a restaurant or pizza shop (or both at the same time!) This opportunity was different and I started to grow. I began as an administrative assistant for a local restaurant equipment company and within a year and a half I was promoted to sales and started crafting my skills working with people. I loved creating relationships with the restaurant/bar owners, providing them with products and services that fit their needs, and being a go-to person. I learned so much there from meeting deadlines, working within budgets, and managing time to marketing and selling; I finally found my jam!
From there, I remained in sales but moved into the manufacturing side of things – I worked for a draft beer dispense company. This was no longer the cube life; this was the road life! I was a territory sales representative selling everything from the top of the keg to the glasses and I covered all of New York down to Yonkers. I was 25, confident, and sure I would succeed in the role. I was 1 of 4 women on the team nationally. This opportunity changed my life forever and I am forever grateful. I worked with so many different people, honing in on my people skills and cultivating relationships with everyone from the draft line installer to the owner of the distributing company, and everyone in between. I worked hand in hand with restaurant owners and managers, averaging $2-million dollars in sales a year. I really learned what it meant to hustle and what end of quarter and end of year really means for businesses. However, I was never home; my friend Cristina was pretty much raising my son – going to parent/teacher conferences and hauling him to his extracurricular activities. I had to take a look at what I was doing and how it really didn’t work for a single parent.
I left my position and had that whole “figure out my life” moment; I wanted to take over the world, I was going to get into Real Estate, I signed up for Cosmetology school, I was waitressing…that “figure stuff out” period doesn’t really work when you have a mortgage and a family to provide for. It was a tough life lesson – I don’t come from money and money doesn’t grow on trees. Back to the planning board.
A short stint at a construction company led me to where I am now – Director of Business Development and Marketing for a non-profit that advocates, educates and promotes masonry construction. (Isn’t it funny where you land when you think you are heading one direction but you end up in another?) This role has also been so pivotal – thinking outside the box, creating video content for advertisements, cultivating relationships – this opportunity has taught me what it means to build something from the start. There wasn’t anyone in my role before I was hired and I have been a part of the process from conception. (I also learned there is literally an association for everything; there is even an association for associations!)
There you have it – the story behind my resume and how it all has helped me create something near and dear to my heart. It might be all the therapy, self-help books, and Instagram quotes I turn to when I want to figure life out, but with planting my roots in Upstate New York and being an advocate for a great party with amazing memories, it just seemed so natural to name my company
Northern Hospitality Welcome – with open arms!
