Leadership - University

Why Does Coca-Cola Do It? Kim Hollis is One Answer!
By Peter Langlois

Being the major sponsor of ProStart and its Scholarship initiatives is great philanthropy on the part of Coke. Yet, more critically, it is a strategic contribution to the future of our industry. By stepping up to encourage high school juniors and seniors to pursue management and culinary careers in foodservice, Coke is reaching out to narrow the gap between our future labor needs and what we see already exists today, a shortage of highly-qualified talent. No business is as people-intensive as ours, so these efforts are vital. Is it worth it? Should your company do it? What is the payoff? I’m interviewing several past Coca-Cola Scholarship winners to validate just how worthwhile these efforts are. Here is the first in a series of interviews, which I believe validates just how much we all gain as an industry when we provide scholarships to deserving students. Here are the answers to my questions, in Ms. Hollis’ own words.

While obviously it was beneficial to receive a scholarship in terms of money, did doing so help you in any other way?

“Receiving the scholarships really validated my decision to make the hospitality field my career of choice. It was great to have the support of companies in the industry that are willing to invest in students who are going to work in the field. I felt this scholarship made all my time spent studying and gaining work experience through internships worth something!”

Tell me about your college experience and the degrees you obtained, and when you graduated.

“I attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and received my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management in May 2000. Purdue has the top Hospitality School is the nation and the HTM staff really took the time to work with me on an individual basis, especially Dr. Joe LaLopa and Dr. Ray Kavanaugh. They really encouraged me to apply for the scholarship. Even though I graduated from Purdue five years ago, I still go back to campus to speak to HTM classes as an alumnus and I remain in close contact with my professors.”

Describe your biggest takeaway from college?

“I felt as though the work experience in addition to the skill set I learned in the classroom really gave me an advantage in the workforce upon graduating from Purdue. The internships were crucial to my success. It really gave me the opportunity to apply what I learned in the classroom and vise versa. Plus, since the hospitality industry offers so many job avenues, I knew exactly what I wanted to do career wise once I graduated.”

What was your first job after graduation? How long did you stay there?

“I accepted a job with Levy Restaurants in Indianapolis, IN as a Suite Manager at Conseco Field House (Home of the Indiana Pacers). I spent two summers interning with Levy and continued to travel while in school working for them. Over my five years at Conseco, I was able to travel and work various events such as the NBA Finals, Kentucky Derby, MLB All-Star Game, etc. I was promoted to General Manager of Suites, a position I held for a two years before leaving in August of 2004.”

What are you doing now? What has been your greatest career achievement so far?

“In August of 2004, through the partnership of Levy Restaurants and Compass Group, I transferred internally and began working for Compass Group as a Regional Sales Director focusing on foodservice in the business and industry field. The greatest achievement thus far will have to be staying committed to this industry and being able to share the passion I have about the hospitality industry through my work. When you find a job that you really love, then it doesn’t become work. That statement really encapsulates my greatest career achievement.”

Describe why you would you tell companies that ProStart is an investment worth making?

“Investing in the future leaders of the hospitality industry is the safest bet a company can make. By the support of organizations such as Coca Cola, funding a scholarship really provides encouragement and motivation that will continue to push students towards achieving their goals. I believe that I have made an impact on this industry in my short five year career thanks to companies like Levy and Compass who believed in me and to organizations like Coca Cola who invested in my future by sponsoring scholarships.”