Q+A: WILL HODGSON:

House of Blues general manager: ‘It’s so simple, but so important: Hire good people’

General Manager Will Hodgson stands inside House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Aug. 29, 2016.

Will Hodgson is general manager of House of Blues Las Vegas, having recently moved to Southern Nevada from Houston, where he had a similar role with House of Blues Houston. “I’m so excited to discover Las Vegas,” he said. “I’ve only scratched the surface about what this city has to offer. I am looking forward to seeing more.”

Do you have any recent news you’d like to share?

There’s a lot going on. In regards to work, I’m really looking forward to Santana, Billy Idol and Heart — the three current resident artists at House of Blues — returning in the fall. We also recently launched a new menu at Crossroads Restaurant & Bar, featuring some old favorites but also some new items. Coming soon, we are investing some significant capital to elevate nightlife at Foundation Room and create the ultimate VIP experience.

What is the best business advice you’ve received?

It’s simple, but so important. Felix Mussenden, executive vice president of House of Blues Entertainment, told me: “Hire good people.”

As a general manager for a big business with 500 employees, it is incredibly important to hire people who are engaged and invested in what they are doing. They need to understand the overall big picture, care about providing stellar guest service and be respectful to guests and co-workers.

If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be?

Professional sports. I’m excited about the reality of an NHL team coming to town, but an NFL team would be amazing.

What has been your most exciting professional project?

My most exciting professional project, other than taking on the role of general manager here, is building two new venues in Austin, Texas — a musical amphitheater and a 2,500-capacity club. I worked on all facets of the projects, from securing funding to working with architects on the design to the actual production during the construction period and then, the reward of producing our first show.

How will you use your experience at the House of Blues in Houston in your new position?

It is essentially the same business, only at a larger venue. However, my time in Houston prepared me for the challenge of taking on a much bigger facility with the element of being a part of a casino.

You have a background in software, event ticketing and investment banking. How does that play a role in your job?

Coming from the financial analyst side (I majored in economics and math, too), I am able to understand profit and loss statements, balance sheets and how they work together. That helps dramatically in terms of making business decisions. It isn’t just about operating, but also about looking at things from a capital investment perspective.

What are your plans for growing House of Blues Las Vegas?

We are working on booking new concerts and residencies, which is a big part of my plan for growth. We also are going to make significant capital investments from a look and feel perspective. We’re excited about the potential for redoing a large portion of our Crossroads Restaurant and making it fully accessible from the casino floor, as well as expanding our beer and cocktail program.

What are you reading?

“The Renegade Server,” by Tim Kirkland. I saw him speak in Houston at a seminar and enjoyed what he had to say, so I got his book. Essentially, Kirkland took being a server a step further than most, tapped into guest emotions and turned his role into more of an entrepreneur.

What do you do after work?

I go to the gym and then take my 12-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Jake, on a walk. Technically, there isn’t really an “after work” for me since my phone is on 24 hours a day. I answer emails until I go to sleep and first thing when I wake up.

Blackberry, iPhone or Android?

iPhone 6+ with a cracked screen; it’s very punk rock.

Describe your management style.

I am a big-picture manager and pride myself on steering clear of micro-managing. I believe in people and hire those with ambition who light their own fires to excel in their positions. I look for people who want to do well for themselves, not just for me or the company.

I also believe in making decisions as a group — the more opinions, the better. I like to get others’ input and make them a part of the decision-making process, part of the solution and, ultimately, the success.

I’ve refined my management throughout the years because I have come to learn you can’t manage everyone the same way. Each person is different and needs to be managed differently. I’ve gotten better at understanding how to best communicate with people on an individual basis.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

The company is always looking for new locations throughout the U.S., and has shown an increased interest in moving the brand abroad. I see myself continuing to grow within the company and being a part of the expansion, or becoming a part of the multi-unit management team, in a position like a regional vice president.

What is your dream job, outside of your current field?

General manager for a professional sports team. It taps into the skills I have acquired throughout my career, as well as my passion and love for sports.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

Costa Rica! I love surfing and the surf there is out of this world.

Whom do you admire?

My mother. She was a chef growing up and later managed an ultra-fine-dining restaurant outside of Boston. She taught me about surviving in the food and beverage world. In addition, she has overcome a lot of obstacles and I admire her courage.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Currently, it is people who talk about the weather and how hot it is. We know.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I hadn’t turned gray so young. Other than that, I want to be more open to taking risks business-wise. I think I can always benefit from rolling the dice a little bit more.

What is something that people might not know about you?

I have played guitar for 20 years. I spent a lot of time doing open mics in my past.

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