Passion, Perseverance, and Leadership Built Through a Lifetime in Hospitality

Peter Strebel’s remarkable rise, from a teenage desk clerk on Long Island to Chairman of Omni Hotels and Resorts (Retired) and currently Chief Sales Officer Pinnacle Live, reveals a leader shaped by passion, perseverance, and unwavering customer focus. He shares how hospitality captured his heart early, guiding him through sales roles, major brand leadership at Cendant, Wyndham, Omni where he mastered operations, strategy, culture-building, and commercial transformation. Peter’s experiences across franchise organizations, global stakeholders, and public‑company environments taught him to honor every perspective by treating each stakeholder as a customer.

He reflects on mentors who shaped his discipline, strategic mindset, and belief in quality, from tough but caring leaders to iconic hoteliers who modeled excellence. His insights on culture highlight Omni’s family‑owned spirit, where caring for associates first fuels the guest experience and drives lasting financial success. Peter also shares deeply personal lessons on work‑life balance, acknowledging regrets while embracing renewed purpose in nurturing relationships today.

He is proudest of initiatives like Say Goodnight to Hunger and direct‑trade coffee sourcing, programs that pair hospitality with humanity, creating impact far beyond the hotel lobby.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• "Begin and end with the customer."
• "You can’t measure it, you can’t manage it."
• "Never lose sight of where the cash register is."
• "Happy associates make happy customers."
• "Ask what you can do to make your company better."

Closing Reflection

Peter Strebel’s journey reminds us that passion, integrity, and genuine care for people define extraordinary leadership. His story inspires every professional to love the work, honor the customer, and commit to making their company, and community, better every day.