Michael Schwartz is a veteran of Cleveland’s hospitality scene. Known for shaping some of the city’s most recognizable nightlife and entertainment venues, like Good Night John Boy and The Boneyard, he began in the late ’90s with Warehouse District staples like Liquid and Fusion, launched with partner Terry Barbu. In 2013, he and Bobby Rutter rebranded as Forward Hospitality Group.
Personal Style: Team members who are learning and actively engaged, not simply completing tasks, give an organization long-term strength, he says. “You have to be persistent and not expect things to happen in a snap of a finger.”
Tale of the Tortoise: Rather than chasing fixed revenue targets, Schwartz prefers a flexible approach that allows space for real-time insight and adjustment. “If you get too regimented in what you’re trying to do, you make mistakes. I’d rather be the tortoise than the hare.”
Fresh Start: Schwartz starts each day with intention. “I take the first half hour to be a little reflective and just be alone. I might be listening to a podcast, but I just think about how I’m going to go about my day and how I’m going to be the person I want to be.”
Radical Honesty: Schwartz tries to create a culture where honesty comes first. He believes transparency builds trust, and that starts with surrounding himself with a strong, capable team. While some information may need to be timed thoughtfully, he avoids withholding
details or softening difficult news.
Guiding Light: At the heart of Forward Hospitality Group’s culture are four core values: great work ethic, creativity, positive energy and a team-first mentality. “If I was to pick the most important quality, it’s caring about the people around you more than yourself, being humble.”
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