Daily Inspiration: Meet Holly Carpenter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Carpenter.

Hi Holly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The idea of Carpenter Hospitality Consulting did not form overnight. It formed over months – maybe even years – and morphed over time as I thought about it and formed an idea of what this dream company would be (if I ever got the courage to start it).

Fast forward to the fall of 2021, I saw “the writing on the wall” as I sat in one of my meetings for the previous company I worked for and had to explain to leadership why we needed sales managers. At that moment, I realized had reached a point where I felt like I was in an emotionally abusive relationship with my job. It broke my heart because I put so much into the job (and the company) throughout my four years with them. I helped create what a true sales team looked like, made strategic updates to menus and packages, and implemented the right CRM for the business. Feeling defeated, I decided to take a trip to Idaho to visit a good friend and take time to decide what my next career step would be. I took that time and advice to mull over the different paths in front of me. Some available jobs didn’t pay appropriately but had growth opportunities; some available jobs were the same position I had been doing for the past 10 years and didn’t feel challenging enough.

Then towards the end of my trip, I mentioned the idea of starting my own business. Time and time again, people would tell me I should consult other companies because of my experience and contacts but the thought of going out on my own terrified me. I’m a single mom and homeowner with bills and responsibilities. As I explained this, my friend stopped me and said: “Of all the opportunities you spoke about, starting my own business is when your eyes lit up and your voice changed to excitement”. We sat down right then and there to start manifesting what Carpenter Hospitality Consulting would look like.

When I left Idaho, I created a plan with how I would start CHC as a side gig in June of 2022 and let it eventually become something I did full-time at some point. Then on November 18, 2021 (my birthday) I was called into a meeting with the other sales managers in our company and was told they were eliminating all Sales Managers. We all had the opportunity to stay with the company as a Front of House manager for one of the restaurants but that didn’t sit right with me. I took it all in and then left the meeting to have a drink (…ok maybe 3) and knew that it was the right time. I sat down and started creating a plan to start CHC in February 2022 FULL TIME.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, there will always be bumps in the road when starting something new. The thing that comes to mind first, as we celebrate our one-year anniversary, is that it’s taken me a whole year of owning/operating this company to realize the sweet spot of doing what makes sense for our company and making sure it aligns with what I am passion about and truly want to be doing.

I started this company thinking I would offer certain services or operate a certain way, but then I had to quickly realize how to adapt and change those services/procedures/offerings to something that makes sense for not only Carpenter Hospitality Consulting – but ME as well.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I got my start at 16 when my Dad drove to the local IHOP and told me to get a job. After realizing I didn’t want to be an elementary school teacher (which was my dream when I was younger), I fell into majoring in hospitality. I have held a range of positions including Wedding Sales Manager for the historic Hotel Northampton and Catering Manager at Gaylord Opryland, where I served on the evaluation and reopening team during the 2010 Nashville Flood.

Most recently, I was Senior Catering and Sales Manager for A. Marshall Hospitality, opening their upscale steakhouse – Deacon’s New South – while also managing a team of four sales managers for the family-friendly, Puckett’s Grocery. With over two decades of experience in all facets of hospitality, I am well known for my incredible sales and management skills in my adopted hometown of Nashville, TN (and beyond).

I like to say I am a natural-born planner, growing up with my mother who is the queen of throwing a great themed party and making lists! I didn’t realize until I got older how making a list kept me organized and on top of everything. I am also great at task management and setting up automation which is a huge factor in clients’ sign to work with CHC.

My personality for sure is what sets me apart! I don’t think I have ever met a stranger. I am that person that will strike up a conversation with anyone and ask questions to learn about them. I’m that person that goes to an airport to catch a flight and ends up with 3 new contacts between getting a drink at a bar, talking to someone when waiting to board a plane, and chatting to the person sitting next to me on the plane (but not in the annoying “let’s be besties” on the plane). My parents say when I was younger I used to talk to trees if that gives you a visual

I listen to what people have to say – ask questions. I like to connect people who can work together or partner on a project.

The thing I’m most proud of would have to be my son – Jameson. He’s the reason I get up every day and work as hard as I do. I want to be the image of strength for him. On days that I want to give up, he gives me that smile or hug or says “mommy” and I am reminded why I am doing this.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Many ways! To support me: engage with me on social media (@carpenterhospitalityconsulting), read my online blog (https://www.carpenterhc.com/blog), or join my email list!

Work with us: let us help you out with your hospitality & sales needs! We offer sales consulting, and project consulting, and can even lead your overall sales teams. We have three packages to choose from – email us at hello@carpenterhc.com today!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carpenterhc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carpenterhospitalityconsulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carpenterhospitalityconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carpenter-hospitality-consulting/ 

Image Credits
Riley Summers, Kinzley Communications