A Leadership Journey Shaped by Early Responsibility, Passion, and Lifelong Learning

Eric Jacobs describes entering hospitality at eight years old when his mother returned to work and his father assigned nightly dinner responsibilities. Early jobs, delivering newspapers, working in kitchens, and starting a tent rental company at sixteen, instilled discipline and a strong work ethic. He pursued culinary arts intensely and later attended UNLV, earning a football-related scholarship that merged business studies with his passion for hospitality. The passing of his father during college shifted his path toward management training with Stouffer Hotels. Eric recounts a wide range of hotel roles, from food and beverage to sales and catering, before moving into franchise development during the rapid expansion of the 1990s.

He reflects on pivotal leadership lessons, including a moment at age thirteen when his father challenged him to choose between leading and following. Eric describes influences from teachers, coaches, and later corporate leaders who helped shape his approach. He notes that passion sometimes caused him to move too quickly, and mentors encouraged him to “slow down” and listen. He emphasizes accountability, character, empowerment, and learning from mistakes. Eric also discusses his deep commitment to fighting human trafficking and serving vulnerable communities through nonprofit work.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “You have two paths, one, you can lead, or you can follow.”
• “Make sure you do what you love.”
• “People want autonomy… they want to know that they have the ability to make decisions.”
• “Without risk, you don’t learn.”
• “If you see something, say something.”

Closing Reflection

Eric’s reflections highlight how early responsibility, meaningful mentors, and intentional choices shaped his leadership path. He emphasizes that character and accountability guide successful teams and that empowering others fuels long-term growth. His commitment to listening, learning, and adapting demonstrates how leaders evolve over time. Eric also underscores the impact of serving communities and standing up for vulnerable individuals. His journey shows that staying open to opportunity and embracing discomfort can lead to purpose-driven work across an entire career.