Name: Bill Wright
Title: President
- The word “FUN” is top-of-mind when thinking of the Hard Rock brand. What would you identify as the most fun part of your position?
The most fun part of my position is interacting with our team members and guests —watching our team members deliver first-class service and enjoying the smiles of our guests as they receive it. Also, having first-class events and concerts, as well as a beautiful property here in South Florida.
- Seminole Hard Rock is an international destination situated in sunny South Florida. What are the top five “must-do’s” for anyone who travels to the resort?
Wow, that’s a tough question, but I would probably start with a cocktail at our new L Bar, located directly across from the front desk, to get the trip started with some fun. The guest favorites are the classic “Old Fashioned” served with large format ice and with a recipe dating back to the 1800s. Also, the “Mai Tai” has been really popular; we serve the original recipe of Trader Vic’s. From there, I would spend the afternoon at our newly renovated pool area to enjoy some South Florida sun. After freshening up in the room, I would head to our two great fine dining restaurants to complete a surf and turf meal, starting with our new award-winning Japanese restaurant Kuro. My two favorite appetizers are the Hamachi Pepper Sashimi and Seared Salmon Sashimi; both are excellent! From there, it’s off to our signature steakhouse Council Oak. My favorite steak is the 30 oz. Long Bone Cowboy Ribeye. After dinner, it’s time to hit the gaming floor to play tables or slots and get lucky to conclude a great experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
OFF THE CLOCK
- What do you like to do on your time off?
I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and family whenever possible. I have three children and a new grandson. I also like to cycle. I try to get a 20-mile ride in at least two to three times per week. Living in South Florida has also allowed us to hit the beach whenever possible and attend sporting events and concerts. Thus far, we have been to games for the Florida Panthers, Miami Marlins, FAU Owls, Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins. Concert-wise, we have seen great shows at Hard Rock Live, most recently, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, Smokey Robinson and Frankie Valli. We have also seen Maroon 5 and The Who while they were in town.
- Do you have a hobby? If so, tell us about how you started your craft.
My hobby is photography. I started taking pictures when I was in junior high school and have continued to this day. My favorite photography is sports and travel. I have had the opportunity to be the Liberty Bowl football photographer for five years, most recently, this past December at the West Virginia and Texas A&M game. I also had the chance to shoot the Nebraska and Miami game this fall. As far as travel photography, my most recent trip was to Colombia.
- Where do you like to go for vacation?
Other than traveling to see my family or an Ohio State football game, I enjoy vacationing internationally. My most recent trip was to Cartagena, Colombia, and before that was to Phuket and Chiang Mai, Thailand. I enjoy learning about new countries and cultures and experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes. I have been fortunate to have been able to travel to over 20 countries thus far and am planning some trips for next year, hopefully, to Prague, the Czech Republic and Scotland.
