Today we’d like to introduce you to Orin Abrams.
Hi Orin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Leaving a Ph.D. program in Social Psychology at the University of Virginia in 1982, I began bussing tables at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe’s renowned fine dining Summit Restaurant, where I quickly moved up through the ranks from Waiter to Captain-tableside flambe. I left Harrah’s to pursue f & b management training at San Francisco-based Spectrum Foods in 1987. Then it was on to Southern California, where I began my career in Hospitality Management, growing lease operating Capistrano’s Restaurants inside Embassy Suites Hotel from one to five locations in California & Texas. Having a proven track record, knowing that “I can do this”, when an opportunity presented itself, I went for it. At Your Service Hospitality, Inc. was born in 1997 and I never looked back. AYSH operated f & b at the Shilo Hilltop Suites in Pomona CA, and the Residence Inn by Marriott in Oxnard, CA. In 2000 I formed The Clubhouse at Anaheim Hills, LLC, adding the City of Anaheim to my list of landlords, operating their golf course f & b for them. After a graceful transition from both AYSH & CH in January of 2022, I felt ready to put my experience and passion back to work, knowing that I had high value to add others who may be able to benefit from lessons I’d learned through my decades-long journey. I have always loved teaching and mentoring others, and the thought of doing so within the industry and profession I loved, was a very exciting vision for me. So, in December of 2022, Abrams Consulting Services was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While I’m always learning and there’s always more to learn, there are very few challenges I’m faced with today around which I haven’t had similar experiences upon which to draw upon. The road hasn’t always been smooth and it wasn’t easy getting to where I am in business today, but I still get to draw upon what has always gotten me through the most challenging of times, integrity. Integrity got me through nine eleven, integrity got me through the recession of 2008, and integrity got me through COVID, and much more. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, and one that comes to mind in this moment is prioritization. I often assist clients who are dealing with what feels to them like overwhelming challenges from multiple directions. Assisting in setting clear and manageable expectations and intentions, trusting that while it’s never an overnight quick fix, targeting reasonable priorities, implementing clear action plans with slow and steady measurable outcomes proves effective.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart from others is my learning orientation towards life, my extensive & varied experience and my uncompromising dedication. I’ve spent over 40 years in most every Hospitality f & b role, including but not limited to: busser, waiter, captain, wine steward, dishwasher, cook, manager, director of catering, food & beverage director, vice president & principal/owner. While I’m always learning and there’s always more to learn, there are very few challenges I’m faced with today around which I haven’t had similar experiences upon which to draw upon. In terms of dedication, I’ve never met anyone who works harder than I do. I’m late if I’m not early and I’m inadequate if I’m not the best. When I assess a challenge, I quickly understand what’s required, then I do more. I am most proud of and excited about how I get to use my integrity, experience, and dedication in all I do. For example, early on in new projects, I often like to start by getting to know staff and management and hearing about their challenges and their opportunities. Through showing respect for their points of view, I often gain valuable insights and their buy-in to being part of improvements. I’m also proud and excited for how I get to have the privilege and honor of helping people.
When I hear challenges or make recommendations for improvements, I love to see it ‘click’ in the minds of the professionals I advise as they begin to understand the logic and usefulness in what I have to offer. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am in business today, but I still get to draw upon what has always gotten me through the most challenging of times, integrity. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, and one that comes to mind in this moment is prioritization. I often assist clients who are dealing with what feels to them like overwhelming challenges from multiple directions. Assisting in setting clear and manageable intentions, trusting that while it’s never an overnight quick fix, targeted reasonable priorities, clear action plans, and slow and steady measurable outcomes prove effective. What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that Abrams Consulting Services can be your integrity-filled, experienced-based, dedicated partner in turning challenges into opportunities or in improving your already thriving operations, and we can have fun and become friends doing so.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I welcome partnering with Hospitality professionals who may benefit from specific f & b expertise, especially as it relates to coordination with the property’s overall goals. I can be very valuable to other Hospitality consultants who would like to supplement and more fully round out the menu of services and specialties they can bring to the table for their clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abramscs.com/
