"Conversations with Alumni" - Stephen Rushmore '96

Camila Carmona '27 had the opportunity to intervew Stephen Rushmore ‘96, CEO of Hospitality Valuation Services.

Stephen Rushmore '96 has been the CEO of Hospitality Valuation Services (HVS) for 10 years, a company that provides consulting services and solutions for thousands of clients in more than 140 countries.

Although Stephen graduated as a Hotelie, he didn't initially pursue a career in hospitality. As a lifelong computer programming enthusiast, he transitioned into the dot-com industry in 1996, spending six years in Boston as an engineer building enterprise business applications. This path came to an abrupt halt in 2002 when the tech industry imploded, and Stephen faced his first professional setback: being laid off.

After a few months of contemplating his career options, Stephen had a long conversation with his father, the founder of HVS, a company that had been a significant part of his life for years. At that time, HVS was in the early stages of becoming a global entity. Realizing the potential, Stephen found a mutually agreeable starting role within the company. He assisted in scaling HVS internationally and leveraging his programming expertise to develop centralized information-sharing business applications to streamline operations.

For current Hotelies at the Nolan School of Hotel Administration aiming to navigate the dynamic hospitality and consulting industry, Stephen Rushmore offers the following advice for lifelong learners:

1. Cultivate Mentorship: Seek 2-3 mentors from people you admire, and don't be shy about asking anyone, regardless of their success or stature. Stephen himself cold-called a CEO of a major tech company, who agreed to mentor him with the caveat that Stephen needed to be the proactive one in the relationship. A good mentor, especially one who can help you focus on your strengths, can save you years of professional development.


2. Engage in Peer Networks: Stephen highlights the significance of peer networks. Whether through involvement in professional clubs, student organizations, or sports teams aligned with your interests and career aspirations within the Hotel School, seek out opportunities to connect with peers and always stay active in these networks. The bonds and relationships you develop can last a lifetime.


3. Establish Clear Goals: Stephen emphasizes the importance of setting and sharing goals to maintain accountability and track progress. Stephen prefers to write and rewrite his goals every week, which helps him accomplish more than he initially believes possible and provides the satisfaction of crossing items off the list. Regular check-ins with mentors offer opportunities to track progress and create accountability. This practice facilitated Stephen's navigation of his years at Cornell and continues to benefit him today.

Stephen Rushmore attributed much of his personal and professional growth to the classroom environment at Cornell. He emphasized the significance of group teamwork and the collaborative nature of Hotel courses, which foster group learning and skill development among Hotelies. Rushmore particularly underscored the crucial importance of effective listening. Active listening, whether in academic settings, professional environments, or daily interactions, helps Hotelies understand diverse perspectives, foster empathy, and strengthen relationships.

Rushmore concluded with the sentiment that the relationships you develop and the hardships you endure both in and out of the classroom at Cornell will fuel your personal and professional growth, no matter where you end up after graduating.