Name: Bill Troutman
Company: Rewards Network
http://www.rewardsnetwork.com/
Introduce yourself. What does your company do?
Rewards Network is a dining rewards program that gives restaurants the ability to offer rewards that are proven to drive traffic into their restaurant. The benefit of being a part of our rewards program allows a restaurant to associate itself with leading brands, such as airlines, call and savings programs, hotel rewards, and major retailers. Members then earn motivating rewards at these restaurants, such as frequent flyer miles, hotel points, cash back, college savings, and retail points. Rewards Network works with already established restaurants as well as ones that are just starting up to create a good dining experience.
Why is your service important in running a restaurant business?
Rewards Network specializes in four main values. These values are marketing, business intellect, reporting, such as customer engagement, and access to capital. By focusing on these principles, an experienced representative is able to lead restaurant owners in the right path for better business practices.
Why did you join the Tri-State Hospitality Network? What does it bring you?
I helped to start up Tri-State Hospitality Network along with Josh Laster in 2007. We noticed a need for a networking group among restaurant professionals and thus, we created a laid back group concentrated on the restaurant industry. We started off as a small group of only a few other people, but have gradually expanded over the years and we now have about 20 stable members. I think that being a part of TSHN brings credibility to one’s profession. As a result, clients will feel more comfortable working with me and other members of the group. TSHN provides a resource for other business. Hopefully, restaurants will continue to work with me and refer my business to other owners. I believe that TSHN speaks for itself and generates a revolving door of restaurant business. I now serve as President of Tri-State Hospitality Network.
Do you have any success stories?
I gained some clients due to my relationship with other members, such as Mike Czyzyk. I especially like it when my clients attend the owner lunch meetings. I think this creates, as well as, strengths a good relationship. I have been able to use TSHN as a good resource for prospective and current clients. In the future, I would like to see Tri-State Hospitality Network continue to grow in a positive way, gaining more members and credibility.
If you had to recommend one restaurant in the city, what would it be?
I would recommend the restaurant Tequilas on 16th and Locust. And if I were to suggest a client of mine, I would say Bistro Romano. Both are very good!
