BIO:
Liz Grzechowiak landed in aviation because of a job opportunity shared by a friend. Now she’s happy to be in such an exciting and invigorating work environment. With more than a decade of corporate management experience, Grzechowiak served as an executive within the retail, hospitality and marketing sectors in Operations, Communications and Public Relations. Grzechowiak’s wealth of experience includes her current role as Assistant Director of Concessions and Business Development at the Metropolitan Airports Commission, as well as the previous Regional Director of Operations for Leeann Chin Inc. and Director of Operations/Marketing Director for Phamous Restaurant Group. In these roles, Grzechowiak has successfully developed and designed marketing collateral, sales strategy, ad copy and campaigns; while cultivating a rich network of business representatives, clients and international vendors. Within the Operations marketplace, she has organized, developed, executed and maintained numerous initiatives, projects and programs, while creating and commandeering training programs for Leeann Chin, alongside Caterpillar Lounge, Anemoni Sushi & Oyster Bar, Azia Restaurant, Thanh Do Restaurants, Temple Restaurant, A25 Sushi and Thom Pham’s Wondrous Azian Kitchen.
Why did you chose aviation as a career?
Funny thing is, I didn’t plan for aviation as a career path, but rather landed here because of a job opportunity shared with me by a friend. I recall seeing her work related pictures and posts on her facebook page and always admired her access to such an incredibly exciting and assumedly invigorating work environment. Now here I gratefully am!
What is the best business advice you received from a mentor?
Don’t be intimidated to make risky choices early in your career. Find a niche, work hard and success will find you.
What are the biggest problems the aviation industry faces?
There is so much unknown about where technology will take us and what business to business transactions of the future look like.. will it help or inhibit our industry?
What advice would you give newcomers to aviation?
My perception thus far is that this industry relies heavily on the relations we have with our peers and our business partners. I LOVE the openness of the industry to share best practices and willingness to reveal insights to successes and failures. It has been a whirlwind getting to know the concessions leaders, but they have made themselves available and have gone out of their way to listen, collaborate and innovate. Build and nurture relationships everywhere!
What are three things most people don’t know about you?
–I happen to be related to Pocahontas, Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. Talk about a mix!
-My happy place is on the dance floor.
-I have to hold myself back from jumping in our tenants kitchens. After 15 years of restaurant operations, it’s one thing I miss.
