NEWH - Summer 2016 - 32

Q&A

One-on-one
with Helen Reed

Executive advisor for NEWH, Inc. and president of
Helen Reed Design

How did you become involved with NEWH?
I became involved with NEWH more than 16 years ago when
a chapter was being formed here in Richmond, Virginia. I had
heard many wonderful things about the organization, and I knew
it would be a great way of networking and forming relationships
with companies in the hospitality industry. I was impressed with
how much money the organization was raising for scholarships
and wanted to be a part of helping change a student's life. After
the fi rst leadership conference in Arizona, I knew I wanted to
work not only with my local chapter but also on a national level,
so I became involved with the NEWH, Inc. board of directors.
 
What has NEWH done for you, both personally and professionally?
NEWH has given me the opportunity to meet so many people
in our industry, forming lifelong friendships and business
partnerships. I have also gained valuable knowledge about
running a business and leadership and communication skills.
 
In your role as executive advisor, what do you have planned for
2016? What are you most looking forward to?
After 12 years on the executive committee, this is sadly my
last year. One thing I always look forward to is the executive
committee strategic planning session at Milliken, which took
place in April. With the guidance of Trudy Craven from Milliken,
we analyze the organization and set goals for the year ahead. I am
really proud to have been a part of it.
 
What were some of the highlights from 2015?
I think the greatest highlight was the NEWH leadership
conference. It was a huge success and people are still talking about
how much they learned. For our industry, I think 2015 was the year
that many companies got back on their feet and gained confidence.

32 www.newh.org

Tell us about your company and what's new?
My design fi rm, Helen Reed Design, has been busier than ever
this year. We have been working on amazing restaurant projects
all over the East Coast. I am also working on fabric designs
and wallcoverings that I hope to debut in 2016. My technology
company, uplined.com, was launched nationally last year and
it has taken off in the residential construction industry as a
paper-free platform to store information about your home.
Lastly, I have been fortunate this past year to receive several
commissioned projects for my photography and painting.
What is your business outlook for the next year or two?
My focus is to grow my business by working with talented teams
within our industry. I am currently working on plans for several
more restaurants and two hotels.
Latest travel highlight or plan?
I am looking forward to spending time in Florida over the
summer and early fall, and hopefully we will be headed out to
the West Coast toward the end of the year or early 2017.
Trend you are paying attention to in the industry?
I am always watching the field of technology and how it can make
our lives easier. I continue to learn more about sustainability and
how to make our projects more environmentally friendly for the
guest and also the people who work at the facility.
When you aren't working or at an NEWH event, where can we
find you?
Painting in my studio, working on a photography project, or
traveling with my partner Mike. ❙❘❚
http://www.uplined.com http://www.newh.org
NEWH - Summer 2016

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