Will Connolly is an active member of CBRE Hotels in Victoria, focusing exclusively on the hospitality and leisure sector. With close to ten year’s industry experience, Will has the added value of three generations of family involvement in the hotel industry.

Well known to many hotel groups, bodies / associations and industry professionals, vendors and purchasers, Will has been instrumental in many successful business and property transactions throughout his career. These transactions range from smaller, privately owned venues to larger ‘group owned’ establishments.

Will is one of the most active agents in Melbourne, who appreciated and understands it’s continually evolving hospitality scene. He has a strong knowledge of food and beverage operations along with the Victorian gaming industry and will be a valuable addition to the national pubs brokerage team.

Will joined CBRE in 2016, assuming the role of Manager, adding further strength to the world’s leading hotel experts. 

How did you get into the hotels industry?

My family has been in the hotel industry since the 1950’s. My grandfather started off as a hotel broker purchasing various hotels (pubs) of his own throughout Melbourne. My father also started off as a hotel broker before purchasing his very own hotels spanning from St Kilda to Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

I then started my cadetship at a small hotel agency to grind my teeth.

I guess you can say its in my blood and I was bound to follow the same path!

What are some of your career highlights from your time in the industry?

I’m still very young in my career so I do hope my most major highlights are yet to come! The hospitality industry is one of the most exciting areas you could ever wish to be a part of. Everyday someone is thinking of a new offering or a new experience they can introduce which they believe will change the game. As corny as it may sound, I certainly do get major satisfaction at being able to assist in someone’s dream of securing an operation of their own and then seeing them enjoy the success they deserve.

I can also say quite confidently that my biggest highlight so far has been the opportunity to work with CBRE Hotels and be a part of a true team environment.

What are the biggest issues facing the hotel industry at the moment?

I believe the lack of specialized skill sets in the hospitality industry is having a major effect on the quality of offering being provided by some operations. It seems that some believe that they can match it with a twenty year experienced, fully trained chef and expect to deliver the same quality.

Perhaps it is the amount of cooking shows on television at the moment!

How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?

As I’m relatively young (29 years old), and have been in the industry for some six years, the most significant change in the industry I have seen is the gradual change in generation of operators. I’m personally starting to see a similar age demographic to myself enter the hospitality industry in an ownership sense and as a result, introduce new ideas and bold concepts that continue to set the bar at new levels.

What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?

I come to work every day excited by a new concept or offering that is being introduced by various operators. Rather than in the next 2-5 years, I would love to see change everyday!

What is your favourite hotel and holiday destination?

Can't go past the Hotel Beacon in the Upper West Side, Manhatten, NYC. I've been lucky enough to stay there twice and heading back there soon!

See also:

Best Western Plus Brooklands Hotel Sold by CBRE Hotels