341 - From Dishwasher to Hospitality Leader: An Inspiring Journey of Growth
From Dishwasher to COO: Leadership Lessons from Jason Reader of Remington Hospitality
In a recent episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll sits down with Jason Reader, Chief Operating Officer of Remington Hospitality, to discuss his incredible journey from dishwasher to COO of a multi-billion-dollar hospitality company. Jason shares his personal story, the challenges he’s faced, and the leadership principles that have shaped his career. In this episode, you’ll gain valuable insights into operational excellence, the power of listening, and how to empower others to succeed.
Jason Reader’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Transformational Leadership
Jason Reader’s career began in the most unlikely of places—washing dishes at a Perkins restaurant in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. While he may not have been particularly skilled at the job, Jason quickly recognized that every role offers valuable learning opportunities. This early experience set the foundation for his rise through the ranks of the hospitality industry. Over nearly three decades, Jason climbed the corporate ladder, eventually leading tens of thousands of employees across three Fortune 10 companies.
Despite his career success, Jason encountered a point where he felt disconnected from his work. After spending nearly 17 years in the corporate world, he realized that achieving success didn’t equate to fulfillment. This led him to a critical turning point where he decided to move from traditional corporate leadership to a more collaborative and servant-leadership approach. His transition eventually led to him founding Remington Hospitality, where he now focuses on fostering high-performance teams in the hospitality sector.
Throughout his career, Jason’s focus has shifted from individual achievements to empowering teams to reach their full potential. His leadership philosophy centers on listening, empathy, and creating emotional safety for employees—an approach that has helped him transform organizational cultures and drive success at Remington Hospitality.
About Jason Reader
Jason Reader is the Chief Operating Officer of Remington Hospitality, an organization specializing in managing a diverse portfolio of hotels. Jason has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked his way up from entry-level positions to become a senior executive at one of the leading hospitality companies. His leadership approach focuses on empowering employees, fostering collaboration, and ensuring operational excellence.
About Remington Hospitality
Remington Hospitality is a leading hospitality management company that provides exceptional service, operational excellence, and a customer-first approach. With a diverse portfolio that spans across multiple hotel brands, Remington Hospitality specializes in managing and operating hotels, focusing on delivering results that meet both the needs of property owners and guests. The company’s commitment to providing an outstanding guest experience while maximizing operational efficiency has helped it become a leader in the hospitality industry.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Key Episode Highlights:
Start from the Ground Up: Jason's rise from dishwasher to COO demonstrates the importance of valuing every role and approaching each task with a willingness to learn.
Boldness in Leadership: Jason highlights the significance of taking risks and proposing bold ideas, even when you’re not "qualified" by traditional standards.
The Power of Adaptability: Success in the fast-paced hospitality industry requires leaders to remain agile and ready to pivot when necessary.
Leading by Empowering Others: True leadership is about helping your team grow, and celebrating their successes is key to fostering an engaged, motivated workforce.
Listening as a Leadership Skill: Jason emphasizes the importance of listening more than speaking to truly understand your team’s needs and perspectives.
Conclusion
Jason Reader’s story from dishwasher to COO illustrates the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a people-first approach to leadership. His insights on team empowerment, listening, and operational excellence are invaluable for anyone looking to lead in the hospitality industry or beyond.
Explore more about leadership development and communication strategies at Doug Noll’s website.
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