Name: Richard Dobransky
When were you hired? 11/2018 Advisor – 07/2019 President
First position title: President
Current position title: President
Company: Morrissey Hospitality Companies
The Nitty Gritty:
What drew you into your chosen field?
It was an accident, but early in my career, I operated a “teen disco” inside a Detroit catering hall. It was very successful, and it showed me that I wanted to be part of the planning and execution of events or experiences rather than just attend them. This was confirmed when I spent what I thought was summer at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and turned it into a career.
What drew you to this position at Morrissey?
As I was advising ownership in 2018 and recollecting my time spent with Bill in 2013, I knew that we had the bones to become a billion-dollar company. My last three positions were executive-level positions at companies that grew from where we are today to billion-dollar companies. I know that hard work and being relentless in our growth will give us all the opportunity to be on the ground floor for this to happen.
How would you describe your position and your role?
I am more of a coach who actively participates in the successes and failures of our team. COVID-19 was even more proof that we could weather the storm by keeping everyone focused and on the same page. We created many bonds during this period of adversity, and my role is to continue strengthening those bonds in times that will be less adverse. It’s not to say it won’t be a challenge, but I am confident that we have the capabilities to meet these constant growth pains.
Have you worked within the hospitality industry previously? If not, what drove you to change industries? If so, what about hospitality keeps you engaged?
I truly enjoy our industry because while the ways we provide hospitality continually evolve, the premise never does. The relationship between our guests and us is all about goodwill.
Describe a situation where you felt pride in yourself, your work, or your team.
There have been many times when at the end of an event or a month, you are filled with pride as you know that you enabled the team to be able to act and think as one. It’s a balancing act, but alignment makes everyone feel like a part of the team. Helping to foster creativity and innovation, while maintaining a sense of structure is what I feel most proud of.
Why have you stayed with this company?
I feel that I am in the right place at the right time. I am deeply appreciative of the support of our ownership and clients. Staying the course with all stakeholders to create the best possible conditions for success is why.
What lessons have you learned from working with Morrissey?
I have learned to spend more time focusing on the team and not the goal. Of course, you cannot lose sight of the goal; however, instead of worrying about tactics, I prefer to focus on whether we are moving together strategically. I want each individual to use their natural abilities to push the limits, and me becoming very transparent and empathetic are two skills that I have greatly improved upon during my three years with Morrissey.
What energizes you at work?
It depends on the day – sometimes chaos and sometimes doing nothing. Too many leaders spend so much time always having to be on the go and solving some sort of problem. If you show up each day to put out fires and sense that’s an accomplishment, then you spend much less time preventing fires and determining better outcomes.
Morrissey Hospitality is known for the ways they help their communities. Are you involved in any community service or volunteer work?
Professionally, there are many opportunities to participate beyond writing checks. My goal is to increase my level of community involvement, especially focused on creating awareness at the high school and community college level that working in hospitality can be an exciting, meaningful, and professional career, not simply a part-time or summer job to bide your time waiting for something else.
Just For Fun:
What are your other interests (family, hobbies, school)?
I love to travel, especially internationally. I simply cannot get enough of exploring new places and banking those experiences. From my first flight at eight years old to California, I always had the constant desire to travel. I am very interested in Medieval and Religious history, which comprises most of my pleasure reading time.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Either a captain of a ship or an airplane pilot. I wasn’t Greek, so being a captain was out; however, I have been on a few cruises and have logged too many millions of miles as a passenger!
What is your bucket list/dream vacation?
A cruise around the world. I really want to spend time in Africa. The ultimate destination would be Antarctica.
What is your favorite food?
Korean, hands down.
What is one thing that you’re currently trying to make a habit of?
Better eating habits and not eating at my desk.
What is your favorite thing to do in Minnesota?
Pontooning on a large lake or anything to do with lakes.
What is the first concert you ever went to?
J. Giels Band, Cobo Arena in Detroit.
What was your worst style choice?
The Silk Shirts/Platform Shoes in the late ’70s or the Double-Breasted Suits in the early ’90s. None of that worked for me, though at the time, I thought it did.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Time manipulation
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Tough question! Either “experience over materialistic things” or “travel as much and as far as you can.” Both open your eyes to new things you never experienced before and add dimension to your life.
For more information visit us at https://www.morrisseyhospitality.com/
