Meet Bill Hansen | Founder and CEO of Bill Hansen Hospitality Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bill Hansen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always possessed the heart of an entrepreneur from my childhood years when I sold Christmas wreaths and mailing labels door-to-door in my hometown of Holland, NY. After graduating from Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration and then becoming a Naval Officer I knew I was destined to own my own business because I was never a good employee. After my time as a naval officer, I moved to Miami and worked as a food manager for a major corporation. One of my bosses introduced me to the first club I managed. This stepping stone led me to discover my passion for catering and the rest is history. Since a young age when I was selling wreaths and mailing labels, I always knew I wanted to work for myself and hold myself accountable. I loved the idea of making something of myself without having to depend on someone higher up calling the shots.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am in the business of selling experiences, not just food and beverage. Bill Hansen Catering & Events Production is a catering and events company that challenges the boundaries of imagination and has become South Florida’s full-service event design and production company. I’ve acquired several catering firms, partnered with a high-end event rentals company, grown our exclusive catering venues list and launched a new luxe brand extension to cater to the upscale client market. We provide our clients with a top-tier concierge service based on our decades of experience with different Miami vendors.

Our brand is complete with expert team members with sophisticated know-how, warm, personalized service and paramount commitment to their clients’ happiness while also exceeding even the highest expectations. We strive to delight our clients and guests with passion,  innovation, teamwork, and quality. Treat your team members and clients with love and kindness. Maya Angelou said that people will not remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. So, we focus on making people feel good and leaving a lasting impact. This is how we provide the best service.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would stop by my private restaurant, Alluva in Park Grove for lunch and then tour Villa Woodbine (Bill Hansen Catering is the exclusive catering firm for the venue). Next, I’d take them to Visit Touching Miami with Love in Overtown to witness the work Trina Harris and her team accomplish with disadvantaged children. A few popular spots to visit would be Marlins Park, Hard Rock Stadium and Seminole Hard Rock. I’d also take them on a tour the Redlands and see the other face of South Florida. Largo Resort and Chateau on the Ocean in the Florida Keys are must visit when traveling south. On the itinerary is also a peaceful afternoon at Living Sculpture Sanctuary in Davie.

For breakfast I’d take them to the new News Café in the Tony Hotel. For eats a few top spots to visit include Bakan in Wynwood and Talavera in the Gables, KYU in Wynwood, Amara on the Bay and Carbone on South Beach. Other interesting places to experience include the Britto Palace, the Rubell Museum, Calle Ocho and Coconut Grove.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife Terry who stood beside me through the ups and downs, the victories and defeats, the late nights, the early mornings, the nights with no sleep. She helped keep the Leo in me grounded and focused. The love of my life for over 40 years and counting.

Website: https://www.billhansen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billhansenluxurycatering/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bill-hansen-catering/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BillHansenLuxuryCatering/

Image Credits
Credit: Bill Hansen Catering & Event Productions