Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Hansen.
Bill, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Graduated from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, served as a Naval Officer managing clubs and military hotels in Monterey, California… moved to Miami in 1975, ran restaurants, cafeterias and a production bakery for Burdines (Macy’s now), formed my own business in 1980 and served the rich and famous at the Miami Club in downtown Miami… leased Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove in 1983. A historic mansion, I am still there having catered thousands of weddings and corporate events over the years. Our firm caters all over South Florida — 500+ wedding and events per year… 40 full-time team members, 200 on calls. 38 years so far in business and going stronger than ever at 72 years young… as Zig Ziglar used to say, “I’m not retired, I’m re-fired!”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Could have filed for bankruptcy in 1971 but paid everything off over a few years. Like all businesses we’ve had our ups and downs, but mainly ups. We were adversely impacted by the Zika virus which required (for the first time ever) having to layoff team members. For five years straight, we grew by 25% or more… 2017 is the first year in six, that we have not grown by that amount. But, I have truly been blessed that overall the ups are much greater than the downs.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bill Hansen Catering and Event Production – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We were voted BizBash Catering of the Year in 2015, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year in 2016 and in 2018, I will received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Catersource… our profession’s informal organization.
I have written two books, hundreds of professional magazine articles, conducted over 20 catering boot camps across the country, have spoken at scores of national industry meetings, served as an expert witness in at least ten legal cases, have taught Catering Management at Florida International University since 1990 and have consulted for caterers all over the country.
At my company, our mantra is to “delight our guests” with passion, quality, teamwork, innovation while making a profit. We own our 10,000-square foot commissary in Opa Locka free and clear… I am proud of my team who are like family to me.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up outgoing, entrepreneurial, chubby, loved sports, only child and had lots and lots of friends.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2167 South Bayshore Drive
Villa Woodbine
Miami, Florida 33133 - Phone: 305 338 1897
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
