In this episode, Gianluca Sardo, president of the Glass House, shares the journey of building a premium event space in New York City from the ground up, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the importance of team building, creating a culture of excellence, and the role of private equity in driving growth. Gianluca emphasizes the need to sell an experience rather than just a venue, and outlines future aspirations for the Glass House, including brand strengthening and potential expansion.

What you'll learn:

The Glass House was built from a vision during a challenging time.
Launching during the pandemic required strong conviction and adaptability.
Building a team is crucial for success in the hospitality industry.
Hiring for culture and mindset is more important than just skills.
Creating a premium experience involves attention to detail and consistency.
Private equity can provide valuable insights and accountability.
The future involves strengthening the brand and expanding operations.
Repeat clients are essential for sustained business growth.
Innovation and reinvestment are key to staying competitive.
Every year presents new opportunities and challenges in the event space.

Connect with Gianluca via https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianlucasardo/