Meet the Major: Hospitality with John W. Griffin, Jr.

John W. Griffin Jr. brings more than 32 years of hospitality leadership experience to his role as Chair of Hospitality Management at Brightpoint Community College. A retired U.S. Air Force Captain with an MBA, Griffin has managed multimillion-dollar operations, led teams of up to 300 employees and worked with nationally recognized brands, including Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Subway. Today, he draws on that extensive experience to help students develop the practical skills, industry connections and confidence needed to succeed in hospitality management. Passionate about workforce development and exceptional customer service, Griffin is helping prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals for exciting careers in a growing industry in Central Virginia.

Question: What is happening in hospitality right now that you find especially exciting?

Griffin: Hospitality is always evolving, and one of the most exciting changes is the advancement of technology. Artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming how people plan vacations, make reservations, order food and experience hospitality services.

As technology continues to shape the industry, hospitality professionals need to adapt. Computer skills are becoming just as important as customer service skills. Whether you're working in lodging, food service, tourism or entertainment, knowing how to use technology to improve the guest experience is essential.

We're also seeing hospitality expand into unexpected places. Travel centers, theme parks and other destinations are finding new ways to serve guests throughout their journeys.

What's exciting to me is preparing our students for these changes and giving them the skills to succeed in an industry that's constantly growing and evolving.

What first made you interested in this field? Was there a particular person, experience or moment that inspired you?

Griffin: My interest in hospitality really started with my family, especially my grandmother. I grew up watching her cook and thinking, "I believe I can do that!"

Cooking was a big part of our family and community. We prepared meals for church events and baked cakes to sell at the local store to raise money. I became fascinated not only with cooking but also with the business side of it. Believe it or not, I found that more interesting than playing sports!

Another person who inspired me was my high school food occupations teacher, Ms. Aretha Updyke. She helped me discover the creative side of culinary arts.

I remember entering a statewide competition where I created an Easter-themed display made entirely of sugar. I placed third in Virginia! I was amazed that something I enjoyed making could earn an award.

Those experiences sparked my passion for hospitality. My grandmother gave me the foundation, and Ms. Updyke helped me see the possibilities.

What skills will students develop here that they may not realize employers are looking for?

Griffin: One of the most important skills in hospitality is being personable. You have to genuinely enjoy working with people and making them feel welcome.

Great customer service is about anticipating someone's needs before they even ask. It's about being approachable, communicating clearly and creating an experience that makes people want to return.

At Brightpoint, we want students to develop those interpersonal skills alongside the practical knowledge needed to manage and operate a business.

You can learn the technical side of hospitality, but understanding how to put the customer first is what really sets you apart. That's a skill employers will always value.

What are some careers connected with this certificate that students might not immediately think of?

Griffin: There are so many opportunities in hospitality that people don't immediately consider, especially here in Central Virginia.

We're seeing growth in hotels, tourism, gaming, entertainment and recreation. With developments like the casino in Petersburg, along with regional sporting events and tourism attractions, there's increasing demand for skilled hospitality professionals.

People often think of restaurants and hotels, but hospitality also includes parks and recreation, sporting events, theme parks and entertainment venues.

What's especially exciting is that these opportunities are right here in our community.

Our certificate program can be completed in less than a year, making it an appealing option for students entering the workforce and working professionals looking to advance their careers.

We're also exploring opportunities for students to gain paid, hands-on experience while completing their coursework. That combination of education and practical experience can help students move more quickly toward their career goals.

I recently spoke with a manager in the local casino industry who was interested in having employees complete our certificate program. That's the kind of connection we're building between Brightpoint and local employers.

What's one moment in your career when you thought, "This is why I do this?”

Griffin: One experience that really stands out happened when I was working in Washington, D.C., in the 1990s.

We were responsible for providing 25,000 boxed lunches for an event at RFK Stadium. People had traveled from all over the country to attend.

It was a massive undertaking, but what made it special was knowing we were helping bring people together. We weren't just preparing meals. We were making thousands of people feel welcome.

I remember thinking, "This is what I want to do. I want to continue making people happy."

That experience reinforced why I love hospitality. It's about serving others and creating moments that matter.

Throughout my career, whether working with major hospitality companies or providing food services at military facilities, that passion has stayed with me.

There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing you've made someone's day better.

What could be next for someone who chooses this field of study?

Griffin: I believe hospitality can be life-changing because there are so many different directions you can take.

My advice is to explore the industry and discover what interests you most. Maybe it's food service, hotel management, travel, tourism or entertainment. There's a place for so many different talents and interests.

At Brightpoint, we can help students find that direction and take the next step toward their goals.

One of the things that makes our program special is our connection to local employers. We want to bring industry professionals into the classroom, offer mock interviews and introduce students to career opportunities they may not have considered.

Sometimes all it takes is one conversation with an employer for a student to realize, "That's what I want to do!"

And these opportunities aren't limited to recent high school graduates. They're also for adults who want to advance in their current jobs or explore an entirely new career.

You don't necessarily need to start with a four-year degree to build a successful career. Brightpoint can be that launching pad, helping students develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to move forward.

That's what excites me most: helping people discover possibilities they didn't know were there.

This interview took place in November 2026.  It is a part of the new Meet the Major digital series featuring the people who drive Brightpoint's academic programs and are shaping the future of our region's workforce.  Brightpoint started a Hospitality Management, CSC in fall 2026.  The 12-month program includes classes and an integrated internship, giving students hands-on, practical experiences and industry connections.