L
ars Conrad is part of a
growing community of
young professionals who
are bringing new ideas and
energy to South County. His passion
and profession is luxury hotel and
hospitality management. And where
better to pursue that passion than
San Martin’s world-famous CordeValle
golf resort.
Lars, 26, was born in Strasbourg,
located in Eastern France near its
border with Germany. He is very
proud of his European heritage.
“I loved growing up there,” Lars said.
“It’s a very cosmopolitan city with a rich
history that blends French, Alsatian and
German cultural influences. Strasbourg
has this central role in European affairs
as a capital of the European Union, seat
of the European Parliament and other
organizations.”
Strasbourg had a big influence on
Lars’ choice of education and career.
“It’s a gorgeous region known for
really great food, wine and hospitality.”
By his own admission Lars is a very
goal-driven person. It’s a trait he attri-
butes to his mother, Gabrielle, who
works in Human Resources manage-
ment; and his father, Hubert, a doctor.
But it was a twist of fate that set Lars on
his current course.
“Things might have gone quite
differently for me. Originally I planned
to join the French Navy with the idea
of becoming an officer, maybe a career
officer. So I tested and was accepted,
but then I got injured and couldn’t go.”
Undaunted, Lars chose a different
path, heading to Paris where he earned
an MBA in hospitality management. He
went on to work at resorts in Ireland,
France, Switzerland, and even Marlon
Brando’s private island just north of
Tahiti in French Polynesia. A few years
ago, he was exploring new options
in Europe when he heard about an
internship opportunity in the U.S.
“When the opportunity came up
to work in California as a food and
beverage manager in training, it just
made sense. I’d always wanted to
spend some time in America and
knew it would be a good career step.
I thought, ‘I’m in!’”
Lars was hired as an intern at
CordeValle and found “it was absolutely
a good career move right from the
start.” After his one-year internship,
CordeValle’s executive team asked him
to stay on as an employee and helped
him renew his visa.
CordeValle is a 1,700-acre private
resort nestled in San Martin’s rolling,
oak-studded hills. It is managed by
Rosewood Hotel Group and owned by
high tech billionaire and philanthropist
Hasso Plattner. The resort’s 7,360-yard
championship golf course was designed
by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and hosts
international competitions.
“Many of our members are local and
from Silicon Valley. They like the fact
that this is a true retreat away from the
hustle. Here they can breathe and enjoy
the beauty and the quiet.”
“CordeValle is known for its highly
personalized service, and Rosewood
sets the standards for us to operate as a
luxury resort,” Lars said. “They provide
guidelines and then it’s up to us to
adapt them to the local region in the
way we manage our operations.”
Il Vigneto is CordeValle’s signa-
ture restaurant, which offers casual
yet refined dining. Lars oversees the
wine program and organizes themed
wine dinners and tasting events. He
is pursuing sommelier training and
certification to extend his knowledge
of wines, spirits, and cocktails. In
addition, he works closely with the
banquet staff and Chef Alexander
Lamotte, formerly with French Laundry
and the Four Seasons in San Francisco.
“I sell what I’m passionate about.
Making wine selections is a series
of questions. ‘Do I like it? Will our
members like it? How can I best intro-
duce different varietals and new local
and international selections into our
collection alongside familiar favorites?’
I encourage people to try new things
and have fun exploring wine and food
pairings.”
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
april/may 2019
In 2017, Lars applied for a Wine
Spectator restaurant award, and the
following year, Il Vigneto was honored
with the Best of Award of Excellence,
which recognizes restaurants for their
commitment to offering exceptional
wine programs and high levels of
wine service.
“It was a huge honor that wouldn’t
have happened without the collabora-
tion of our team. They have great pride
of ownership and work hard to make
sure everything is always done the
proper way.”
Lars is not only very focused but
confident about his career path, and
will do his utmost to master each new
position to reach his ultimate goal of
becoming a Resort or Hotel Manager
within 10 years.
“Rosewood Hotel Group has many
wonderful opportunities. I’m fortunate
to have been hired and received
training at CordeValle. Their trust in me
has inspired my loyalty.”
A Morgan Hill resident, Lars
describes his home town as “a nice
community. Clean and safe. I like the
energy and atmosphere in downtown
Morgan Hill.”
In his spare time, Lars hikes and
bikes on local and regional park trails
and trains for triathlons.
“This is a beautiful area. I love to
run the trail systems at Henry Coe Park
and Mt. Madonna, and bike the Uvas
loop. Mission Peak is also on my list.”
While he’s enjoying California life,
Lars said he misses home.
“My girlfriend Manon lives in Paris
and she’s building her career too. We’ve
been dating for quite some time and
I’m hoping she’ll be able to visit soon.
My parents try to come once a year and
it’s always good to see them and show
them around.”
As for the future, Conrad has a plan
that works and it’s clear he intends to
keep working the plan. “I believe in
hard work, not luck. That’s what
brings opportunities.”
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