SPECIAL REPORT
With an inherited love for hospitality , Edward Staros turned his intensity and determination into a storied career .
By JEFF WEINSTEIN , EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ed Staros ’ high school grades suffered because he couldn ’ t finish tests fast enough , but his love for the hospitality business didn ’ t let anything get in his way of realizing his dream of becoming a hotelier . So he leveraged a fortuitous introduction to the dean of nearby Florida State University ’ s hospitality program to plead his case for entrance into the school . His persuasiveness got him accepted and his resolve earned him a place on the dean ’ s list every semester .
That ’ s the kind of determination , focus and organization HOTELS ’ 2019 Independent Hotelier of the World award winner has summoned throughout his career and certainly over the past 36 years as one of the original leaders and legends of the fabled Ritz-Carlton brand .
“ I just knew my love for hospitality was there . It was in my blood ,” says Staros , who for the past 20 years has run The Ritz- Carlton Resorts of Naples , Florida , most recently as vice president and managing director . This post came after Staros helped the luxury hotel company get on its feet in the 1980s , working alongside two of his mentors , Horst Schulze and Colgate Holmes , and helping create legendary credos such as “ ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen .”
“ I had 100 % confidence ,” a 70-year-old Staros says today . His father , who ran a concessions business on Long Island , New York , beaches for years , introduced him to hospitality . “ I loved my father ’ s energy — he just had a work ethic like no other human being on the planet . I have emulated that all my life and it really has helped me in my career .”
Staros was initially seduced into the business as a youngster watching the magic of concession workers managing 300 hotdogs on the grill , while at the same time making families happy with their service . But what really excited “ Eddie ” was going to business meetings with his father in Manhattan , which exposed him to the niceties and luxuries of The Plaza and Waldorf Astoria hotels . “ I just fell in love with serving the public . I fell in love with watching dad keeping so many people happy ,” he recalls .
EARNING HIS STRIPES Fast-forward to 1972 , when Staros took his first hotel job in San Francisco , working for Hyatt 60 hours a week and volunteering for banquets and reservations on his days off . “ All I was doing was emulating my father ’ s work ethic … I was thrilled .”
During 11 years with Hyatt , Staros was continually recognized for his intense level of curiosity and desire to learn about every aspect of the business . He was even asked by Hyatt legend Darryl Hartley-Leonard to become an executive housekeeper to further his credentials and , naturally , Staros asked to take over the worst housekeeping department in the system . And , naturally , he delivered exceptional results .
By July 1976 , Hyatt sent Staros to
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34 hotelsmag . com November / December 2019