Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Hertel.
Hi Nick, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Started as a dishwasher at 14 in Portland, OR. Worked in some facet of the Hospitality industry through high school and college. After college, I had the opportunity to travel extensively through Europe during which I decided to become a chef.
I worked my way through some 5-star/5-diamond resorts, Michelin starred & James beard winning restaurants such as Charlie Trotters, Mary Elaine’s, and Alinea. Took some time after all the fine dining and extensively traveled the world for a couple of years.
Had some really great opportunities after that all over the country but chose Nashville and never looked back. Here in Nashville, I worked the majority of the time with Strategic Hospitality before joining the RPH team!
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?
Life is a struggle but we have the opportunity to make it enjoyable or not. The hospitality industry in general is a day-to-day job of pleasing other humans that may or may not be amenable to appreciating what you have to offer at the moment.
In general, I have had a wonderful life full of obstacles that one must overcome in some facet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Food and Beverage Director.
My background is culinary but I have worked and managed all facets of the hospitality industry.
Working in a number of world-class restaurants surrounded by the best of the best. Collaborating dishes, wine pairings, steps of service, etc. I obtained my level one Sommelier during this time to further my knowledge of what the world’s beverages have to offer.
How do you define success?
Understanding that you control your destiny, take responsibility for your actions. It is not giving up, perseverance creates grit and grit achieves success. Learning never stops, take time each day to converse with someone with opposing views or read about something you know little about.
Overcoming your fears and you cannot keep what you do not give away.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@ellason2nd.com
- Website: www.ellason2nd.com
- Instagram: @ellason2nd
Image Credits
Nashville Guru and Hereafter Photography
