From Finance to Family business: One WomanS Leap into the Restaurant Industry
kassidy Angelo, a 25-year-old managing director at Gioia Hospitality Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, took an unconventional career path. After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in American Studies, intending to pursue law school, Angelo found herself drawn to the fast-paced world of finance. However, a unique opportunity to partner with her father, a seasoned restaurateur, led her to a surprising and fulfilling career shift. This is the story of how Angelo navigated the challenges and rewards of joining a family business, leaving behind a promising finance career to build a new dining experience from the ground up.
A Shift in Plans: From Law to Finance
Angelo’s initial career trajectory pointed towards a legal profession. However, after graduating from georgetown, she opted to explore opportunities in finance, securing an internship at JPMorgan in New York. This experience quickly evolved into a full-time analyst position in Miami. While the role provided valuable financial literacy and client interaction skills, angelo ultimately found herself seeking something more.
“working in finance is always a great opportunity to seize,” Angelo explains. “It helped me become more financially literate and gave me a lot of experience working with all types of people.Ultimately, you’re in a client service role… I learned to work as part of a team and how to correspond effectively with high-net-worth individuals.” Despite these benefits, the pressures inherent in the finance world prompted her to consider choice paths.
The Unexpected Offer: A Partnership with Family
The turning point came when Angelo’s father, an attorney turned triumphant restaurateur, proposed a partnership. He envisioned creating a new,world-class dining experience,daniel’s steakhouse,in Fort Lauderdale,and wanted Angelo to be a part of it. This presented a unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned entrepreneur and forge her own path.
“My dad already owns several other successful restaurants, so he doesn’t really need to build this brand for himself,” Angelo notes. “Working with him, I can gain hands-on experience alongside someone who has already mastered the art of entrepreneurship.”
Navigating the Father-Daughter Dynamic
The prospect of working with family wasn’t without its concerns. Angelo recognized the potential for blurring the lines between personal and professional relationships. Before leaving her position at JPMorgan, she and her father engaged in a crucial conversation about expectations.
“We had a long conversation about expectations and how we wouldn’t only build a strong professional relationship but also maintain the personal closeness we had created throughout my life,” Angelo recalls. This proactive approach laid the foundation for a successful partnership, allowing them to navigate the complexities of working together while preserving their close bond.
The Allure of Building Something New
The decision to leave a stable finance career for the uncertainties of the restaurant industry was a critically important one. Though, Angelo was drawn to the challenge of building something from the ground up. She realized that gaining experience in all facets of restaurant operations – from initial planning to opening day – would be invaluable.
“If I were going to pursue a career in the restaurant industry, learning the ins and outs of an opening would be the best way to truly understand the business,” Angelo explains.“I viewed it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only to work with my dad, but to build something from the ground up.”
leveraging Financial Expertise in a New Industry
Angelo’s background in finance proved surprisingly relevant to her new role.The analytical skills and attention to detail honed during her time at JPMorgan translated well to the demands of the restaurant industry.
“I entered the restaurant industry with less experience, but more authority than I had as an analyst,” she says. “Having worked with senior management at JPMorgan, I had the confidence to run the restaurant.”
Furthermore, her prior experience taught her the importance of constructive criticism, self-awareness, and building confidence – qualities essential for success in any entrepreneurial endeavor. angelo quickly immersed herself in the day-to-day operations, learning to handle everything from greeting guests to managing events. She now mentors a team member and dedicates six days a week to overseeing the restaurant’s operations.
The Rewards and Challenges of Family business
Working with family has proven to be a deeply rewarding experience for Angelo. the close relationship with her father provides a unique level of support and understanding.
“One of the biggest pros is the amount of quality time I get to spend with my father,” she shares. “He understands my day-to-day,where my head is at,and where I may be struggling,and he’s always in my corner — not just as a resource,but as a true partner.”
However, the lines between work and personal life can sometimes blur. Family dinners and vacations often evolve into discussions about business strategies and improvements. Despite this,Angelo views it as a small price to pay for the opportunity to collaborate with her father and build a thriving business together.
A Calculated Risk with Significant Rewards
Angelo’s journey from finance to the restaurant industry demonstrates the value of taking calculated risks and pursuing opportunities that align with one’s passions. While a career in finance offered stability and prestige, she recognized that her true calling lay in entrepreneurship and the unique opportunity to build something lasting with her father.
“Taking the unknown route can sometimes be the most rewarding,” Angelo reflects. “I never like to say never to going back to finance, but I truly believe I’ve found my calling in the hospitality world, and doing it alongside my dad makes it even more meaningful.”
Angelo’s story serves as an inspiring example of how diverse skill sets and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career paths. It highlights the power of family partnerships and the rewards of building a business rooted in shared values and a commitment to excellence.
