Kevin Kalstad « Hospitality.BlogNotions - Thoughts from Industry Experts

Kevin has been in the Hospitality and "People" business for 30 years, and is currently a Franchise Partner with Gecko Hospitality. See full bio

Madigan Pratt

Hospitality industry veteran Madigan Pratt has spent more than 25 years providing strategic counsel to independent hotels, luxury resorts and some of the Caribbean’s top destinations and tourism boards. See full bio

Alan A. Lew

Alan A. Lew is a Professor in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation at Northern Arizona University where he teaches courses in geography, urban planning and tourism development. See full bio

Linchi Kwok

Linchi Kwok is an Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management at Syracuse University, where he teaches hospitality management courses and conducts research in hospitality management, social media, and organizational behaviors. See full bio

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Kevin Kalstad

Kevin has been in the Hospitality and “People” business for 30 years. He started washing dishes [like many of you did] for Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlors in Portland Oregon. Kevin worked his way up the ranks, and became an Assistant Manager within a few years. After his stint at Farrell’s, Kevin went to work for Bob Farrell at Pacific Coast Restaurants, and quickly became a General Manager at the company’s premier location at The Riverplace Marina in downtown Portland.

After his time with Pacific Coast Restaurants, Kevin entered into the world of private clubs, at the historic Multnomah Athletic Club. He oversaw four full service restaurants, and bars. While at the “MAC” Kevin was part of team that helped the outlets become self-sufficient by driving sales, and focusing on great food and service.

Kevin’s next role landed him with the Tacoma based Ram International. He led a major renovation and concept change at the Ram’s location in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Kevin also oversaw the Ram in Salem, which housed the first Big Horn Brewery that Ram operated. Kevin and his family moved with the Ram to Spokane, Washington to oversee a Ram, and also CI Shenanigan’s as an Area Manager. Both of the stores also featured a Big Horn Brewery as well. Just two years later, Kevin and his family moved again with the Ram to Indianapolis, Indiana to be a Regional Manager. The first Ram and Big Horn Brewery in Indiana housed the former location of Planet Hollywood on Illinois Street in downtown Indianapolis. This Ram opened on the Weekend of the 2000 US Grand Prix in Indy.

Kevin left the business world for 5 years, and entered the world of “Non for Profits” at his local church in Noblesville, Indiana. Kevin acted a Business Administrator, overseeing all financial, and business dealings of the church. While in his role, he oversaw a 45,000 square foot addition to the church that included a 900 seat auditorium. Kevin served on the school board of the church’s newly formed Elementary School during this time as well. Kevin’s wife Tammy still serves on the churches staff to this day, overseeing all the youth and children’s ministries.

As Kevin entered back into the business world, he landed with HMSHost, as General Manager at the Indianapolis Airport. As General Manager of the branch, Kevin oversaw 11 concepts, 150 associates, and an $11 Million budget. The concepts included Starbucks, Dick Clark’s, Chick Fil A, and Fox Sports. Kevin also oversaw operations at LaGuardia’s Delta terminal for several months while hiring and training a new General Manager for the branch.

Kevin’s next role took him into the world of Hotels. Kevin was appointed Director of Restaurants at the 622 room Marriott Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Circle City Bar and Grille, Champions, Starbucks, In Room, and Private Dining were all in Kevin’s area of responsibility. Being the state’s largest hotel, it hosted hundreds of large conventions and groups each year. The Hotel was connected to the Indianapolis Convention Center via a sky bridge.

Kevin’s final role, before becoming a Franchise Partner with Gecko Hospitality, was that of General Manager with Ruby Tuesday. Kevin worked in Dayton Ohio and Fishers Indiana while with Ruby Tuesday.

Kevin has been married to his best friend Tammy for nearly 25 years. They have two grown children and one grandchild all residing in Indiana.

Kevin is excited to lead Gecko’s growth into the Pacific Northwest, overseeing the Oregon and Washington region. Kevin’s diverse background and life experiences will benefit both his candidates and clients. Give Kevin a call today, or shoot him an e-mail with how he can serve you and your needs.