Hospitality is our Destination, sponsored by Baird Private Wealth Management
Each spring, Colorado Mesa University celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit with Entrepreneurship Day (E-Day). This annual event showcases the university's commitment to fostering innovation and connecting students with industry leaders.
2024 Entrepreneurship Day, sponsored by Baird Private Wealth Management, featured a keynote address by Phillips Armstrong Jr., founder and CEO of Destination Hospitality Group. With over 25 years of industry experience, Armstrong exemplifies the transformative power of genuine human connection and hospitality.
Armstrong's keynote, titled "Hospitality is our Destination," explored the profound impact of authentic customer hospitality and its relevance in today's world.
Born and raised near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Armstrong's journey in hospitality began at the age of 14 as a busboy at a local Italian restaurant. Today, his Destination Hospitality Restaurant Group encompasses a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants and extends to private event catering and consulting services, all rooted in a culture of prioritizing employees' well-being.
In addition to Armstrong's address, E-Day included sessions highlighting CMU student entrepreneurs, bridging classroom theory with real-world experience. Attendees had the opportunity to hear about students’ innovations and entrepreneur endeavors. The elevator pitch competition was a true highlight of E-Day, where student entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to attendees. The audience voted for the best business plan, and the winner received a cash prize for seed money, supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors.
For more information about E-Day, visit www.supportingcmu.org/event/2024-entrepreneurship-day.