Today we’d like to introduce you to Milo Frank – The h.wood Group’s Employee of the Year.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2014, I was in my final year of college studying to get my degree in Communications at Cal Lutheran University. At the time I was going to school while taking care of my mother who was battling Stage Four breast cancer. This was her third time with breast cancer. Often times I had to miss classes to take her to doctor appointments.
A month prior to graduating, I met with Adam Koral and asked if there was a way for me to get involved with the company, but SHOREbar specifically. Not only was it my favorite place to go every weekend, but being from Santa Monica it felt like a good fit.
On May 16th, I graduated from Cal Lutheran University. On the morning of May 17th, my mom passed away. I stood there as she took her last breathe. This was really the first time I felt completely lost and on my own. My life was in shambles.
I met with Adam Koral and John Terzian a few more times that Summer. The Nice Guy had just opened, Bootsy Bellows was known as the best club in LA, and they were just opening Blind Dragon LA. They gave me an opportunity to host and throw a few events at SHOREbar. I spent the next few months persistently bothering them about any upcoming positions available company-wide, but had no true experience in hospitality.
In the beginning of 2015, Adam and John took a chance and brought me on full time to handle the Membership program at SHOREbar, which is a concierge service we offer to our local community. It was my job to get to know all of our Members and VIPs and act as their concierge all over the world. The program grew from less than 40 to more than 100 paying members in my first year.
As time went on, my role changed and evolved. I spent each day in the office learning how to operate all facets of a hospitality business and nights spent bouncing from Delilah to Nice Guy to SHOREbar. More importantly, I dedicated myself to the company.
In December of 2018, I was given the Employee of the Year Award, which has been extremely humbling. The h.wood Group team is amazing and always so supportive. More than anything I’d say receiving that has sparked a new sense of focus and dedication.
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?
It would be safe to say that the road has been everything but smooth. Keeping so many venues relevant and consistent each week is an ongoing hustle. The slow times are never fun, yet it’s a reminder to stay grounded and work harder. Together.
In nightlife, you really sacrifice your own personal well-being for the business. I have lost relationships with friends and girlfriends because of it. It’s a very unique lifestyle, and some might not understand what you are working towards. It’s important to stay grounded and focused on the bigger picture.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Today, the h.wood Group is a full restaurant & hospitality company with a wide array of restaurants, lounges, and clubs. We also have a whole branding and events aspect of the company where we throw major events all over the world from Coachella to Cannes to The Super Bowl. Most recently we threw Drake’s New Year’s Eve party at Delilah.
This year we’ve really established our Marketing division which is what I handle. With that, it is my job to come up with new and original ways to market a venue, concept or product. A lot of brands now approach us to help target a specific demographic and a “cool factor” that really has no price point.
Everyone in our group is very detail oriented and take pride in being overly hospitable to our friends & clientele. When you walk into The Nice Guy, we like knowing if you prefer being at a booth or lounge table. If you go to 40 Love for the big game, we want to know how you like your burger cooked. And we feel that this separates us from other groups.
We are now having over 11 venues in Los Angeles including Delilah, Poppy, The Peppermint Club, Petite Taqueria, and Harriet’s Rooftop Lounge at the new ONE Hotel. We also recently opened our new sports bar concept, 40 Love & ultimate barbeque destination, SLAB.
In Fall of 2018, we opened Blind Dragon & Mason at the Found Hotel Chicago, the first two venues that we fully operate outside of Los Angeles. In the next few months, we will be opening Mason Santa Monica & Alice at the new ONE Hotel West Hollywood.
We will also be expanding to other markets with the opening of Mason and Lower Mason in San Francisco, The Institute San Francisco, The Nice Guy Aspen, Bootsy Bellows Dallas, and more. We are very excited for the future of The h.wood Group.
What were you like growing up?
I was a dedicated student-athlete growing up. It was literally my whole life. I woke up every day and worked at my craft, came home and finished my homework. Never went out, never partied. So, it’s pretty ironic that this is what I do now. But I think sports really instilled a work ethic and drive that can’t be taught.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9229 W. Sunset Blvd. Suite 900
Los Angeles, CA 90069 - Website: www.hwoodgroup.com
- Phone: 310.859.1011
- Email: milo@hwoodgroup.com
- Instagram: @milofrank
Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.
