Meet HALA Board Member Aaron Peaslee!
AARON PEASLEE
Hotel Manager / Mondrian Los Angeles
HALA Board of Directors Member
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey and current position as Manager at The Mondrian Los Angeles Hotel?
My adventure in the hospitality world began at the Radisson in Santa Barbara during my UCSB days. A friend got me an interview at the Front Desk, and I fell in love with the job instantly. Meeting and connecting with people from all corners of the globe was exhilarating. From there, I moved to the Four Seasons as a Concierge, where I spent six years amidst a $300 million renovation. The luxurious ambiance and travel experiences there ignited my passion for the industry. After stints at the Fairmont in Santa Monica and several boutique hotels, COVID threw a curveball, but The Mondrian LA welcomed me back with open arms. Now, managing this iconic Sunset Strip property is a thrilling experience, every single day.
How has the hospitality industry evolved during your career, and what challenges and opportunities have you encountered along the way?a
The biggest transformation in our industry has been the embrace of technology. Despite this, the essence of our work and the people remain unchanged. There’s often talk about generational differences, but from my perspective, having worked closely with the Front Desk since the late '90s, today's young professionals are just as eager and capable. Building teams and watching careers blossom is the most rewarding part of my job. Given the right tools, everyone is ready to shine.
Can you talk about growing up in CA and how it helps you in your current role?
Growing up in California is like having the ultimate backstage pass. From snowboarding in the morning to surfing by evening, the diversity of experiences here is unmatched. This deep understanding of why people flock to our state fuels our tourism success. My California roots help me craft marketing messages that resonate deeply with our guests, making them feel the magic of this amazing place.
Can you talk about the current landscape/future of sustainable practices in hospitality?
Hotels are uniquely positioned to lead in sustainability. Guests want to make choices that matter, and a robust ESG program is high on their list. Having worked at the LEED Gold-certified Shore Hotel, I saw firsthand how guests seek out eco-friendly options. The Mondrian is on a similar journey, aiming for Green Key certification this year. It’s an impactful program that truly captures the essence of sustainability in hospitality.
Could you talk about your Board Member roles – Sunset Strip BID, HALA?
Volunteering on boards like the Sunset Strip BID has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to expand your network and learn from business leaders. These boards need our involvement to steer meaningful work, and it feels great to contribute to making the city a little better. It's all about collaboration and community.
Can you talk about the importance of HALA as an advocate for the industry?
The hotel industry has given me a wonderful career, a family, and a beautiful place to live. It's vital to me to protect and nurture this industry for future generations. You don’t necessarily need a college degree to succeed here, and we provide opportunities for diverse backgrounds. HALA plays a crucial role in safeguarding these opportunities, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant and inclusive.
What advice would you give to aspiring hospitality professionals who aim to reach leadership positions in the industry and make an impact?
I always tell my teams to focus on three things: honesty, kindness, and results. Honesty speeds up collaboration, kindness is essential, especially to those we outrank, and results speak for themselves. If you can deliver great results while being honest and kind, you're on the fast track to leadership and greater responsibility.
Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of the hospitality industry in Los Angeles?
I'm incredibly excited about the World Cup and the Olympics coming to our city. Los Angeles is a world-class destination, and these events will let us showcase our vibrant culture on a global stage. It’s going to be an exhilarating time to be part of LA’s hospitality scene.
Is there any recent news you’d like to share?
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm a new dad! Our first child, Aleksandra, was born on May 14 at 12:30 AM, weighing in at 9 lbs. 4 oz. She’s absolutely perfect. Fair warning: spend more than two minutes with me, and you’ll definitely be seeing pictures!