Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Babin.
Hi Mike, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised on the East Coast in New Jersey, and our family relocated to Arizona during the late 1990s, moved back to NJ and then settled down for good in AZ again back in 2006. Here in the desert ever since, and content on staying here due to everything the state has to offer. Went to grade school and high school in North Phoenix at Pinnacle HS, and attended the business school at Arizona State University in Tempe from 2010 to 2014. My background consists of hospitality and service industry, having helped run bars and restaurants throughout school into my early adulthood. Along with a background in golf club operations between Troon Country Club and the Estancia Club, both located in North Scottsdale, where I took on the role of Outside Service and Pro Shop Assistant. I became an avid golfer as a result and have played just about every course in the Phoenix metropolitan area… personal favorites include The Boulders, Rancho Manana, Troon North, We Ko Pa, etc. I then transitioned into bartending and managing some of the most successful nightlife concepts in the state. Old Town was home for many years from 2012 all the way into 2026, through the chaos of COVID and how it shaped the entertainment district before and after… and am now looking forward to a new chapter and exploring another field. Throughout my working years, I also acquired an addiction to domestic and international travel. I’ve now traveled to nearly 40 countries including Canada, Egypt, Greece, Iceland, Portugal, Japan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and more. I really got into traveling during my early and mid twenties and haven’t slowed down since. I look forward to completing every continent soon and can’t wait for my future adventures.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My main struggles have been school and work related for the most part like anyone else, alongside building a network of good friends that surround you. It’s been a difficult road this past year to be honest, versus prior years, due to a career change and getting situated in a difficult economy. It was all consistent year over year for the last decade but now everything is new and not working out as quickly as I’d like, but I remain patient and resilient throughout this entire process. I’d say another struggle was getting through school and having to constantly re-motivate myself and to teach myself discipline when there are endless distractions here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Hospitality manager in food and beverage with over a decade of bartending experience. I’ve bar managed and floor managed and worked just about every position in a bar and restaurant. I’m beyond comfortable in a high volume and fast paced environment, as that’s what I’m used to. I’m proud that I have remained loyal and constantly try to help others, whether they are employees, customers, or guests. I enjoy providing services to people so they can have a better experience with their friends or any group they may be with. I’ve been able to build and retain an extensive network of clients and regulars over the years, dating back to the early 2010s, as a result of my customer service skills and being as personable as I can be. Guest and staff retention have always been important to me and it remains a major priority to me anywhere I go or work.
What’s next?
I am currently exploring a few different fields outside of hospitality and the service industry, with the nearest term goal being to acquire my insurance license relatively soon. I’m also entertaining other sales positions that have presented themselves in the last few months. My other long-term plans consist of opening amazing new concepts in the state, that I could potentially help in their first year of business, if I do choose to continue the service industry. My other passions are fueled by photography and travel, and plan on continuing those hobbies regardless.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebabin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.babin3
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-babin-821b9b37
