This Friday at 9 p.m. on WSRE, “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” welcomes Innisfree hotel founder, chairman and CEO Julian MacQueen. On the corporate fast track in the hospitality industry, MacQueen walked away to start his own company. Later, he would go on to build and manage some of the most prized hotel properties on the Gulf Coast under the Innisfree umbrella. While the challenging economy has others just trying to hold on, MacQueen is in an all out building mode. Unlike most, he views the economic slowdown as an opportunity to expand his hospitality portfolio. Not limiting himself to the hospitality industry, he tells why he has become a large investor in a cutting edge medical technology company. For anyone who owns their own business or has the desire to, this is a must watch interview as MacQueen’s optimism and passion for his business is contagious. “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” is a half-hour, weekly series that is “personality-driven,” featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. The program airs every Friday night at 9 p.m. on WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast.
Having spent more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Innisfree founder, chairman and CEO Julian MacQueen has an extensive management background in hotel operations and development. Before forming Innisfree Hotels in 1985, he served as executive vice president of Family Inns of America, a regional chain of 27 motels. While there, he developed and constructed six properties and created a national sales and reservation system. After leaving to start his own company, MacQueen has remained an active participant in the success of the Innisfree hotel portfolio due largely to his hands-on approach, commitment to quality, and the loyalty and experience of his employees. He is a graduate of the University of South Alabama.
Other upcoming guests include: Larry Butler, Jim Morris “The Rookie,” Pam Bilbrey, Mark Whitacre “The Informant,” and Dr. Gaylon McCollough.
