Podcast Title: Going Big! with Kevin Gentry
Episode: Going Big with Hospitality: How Neal Wavra Built a Culinary Experience Rooted in Passion & Purpose
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Kevin Gentry
Guest: Neil Wavra

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of Going Big! with Kevin Gentry, host Kevin Gentry delves into the transformative journey of Neil Wavra, a visionary in the hospitality industry. Together, they explore how Neil built Field in Maine, a renowned restaurant in Marshall, Virginia, rooted in passion, purpose, and community connection. This episode offers a deep dive into Neil's personal and professional experiences, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his forward-thinking plans for the future of hospitality and the Virginia wine industry.

Neil Wavra's Vision and Definition of Happiness

[00:00 - 00:41]

Neil opens the conversation by sharing his profound definition of happiness:

“I think that's my favorite definition of happiness, is the joy that you derive in the pursuit of your purpose. It has nothing to do with kind of a fleeting delight. It has everything to do with work.”
— Neil Wavra [00:00]

He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's work with personal strengths and contributions, highlighting that taking risks in pursuit of one's purpose often leads to rewarding outcomes.

Background and Journey into Hospitality

[02:19 - 10:12]

Kevin introduces Neil's background, noting his roots in Chicago and his early exposure to the culinary world. Neil recounts his upbringing in a family where food and community were central:

“Every time we would do something, it would be oriented around some kind of food experience.”
— Neil Wavra [05:41]

Neil discusses his academic journey, from attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, to pursuing a graduate program in California. His passion for food deepened through internships and extracurricular activities like founding a gastronomical society. Despite an initial career in government, Neil's persistent love for the culinary arts led him to culinary school and ultimately a career in hospitality.

Building Field in Maine and Navigating COVID-19

[11:26 - 22:31]

Transitioning from working with industry giants like Charlie Trotter's in Chicago and BlackBerry Farm in Tennessee, Neil leveraged his extensive experience to co-found Field in Maine with his wife in 2016. Kevin highlights the uniqueness of their venture in the competitive Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Neil faced unprecedented challenges but saw opportunities to innovate. He introduced Mystery Wine Blind Tastings, where guests received a mystery bottle of wine to taste and discuss virtually:

“We would sell a bottle of wine. And we still do this to this day.”
— Neil Wavra [17:12]

This initiative not only maintained community connections but also reinforced the restaurant's mission to use food and drink to foster relationships. Additionally, Neil adapted the restaurant’s physical space by creating cabanas to accommodate socially distanced dining, ensuring continuity in serving their patrons.

Future Plans and Fable Hospitality Group

[22:31 - 26:54]

Looking ahead, Neil discusses the expansion of his enterprise into the Fable Hospitality Group, which includes the acquisition of Red Truck Bakery. His vision extends beyond farm-to-table to a farm-to-village concept, aiming to create a scalable model that supports local farmers and artisans:

“We continue to focus on those relationships with artisans and farmers and getting better at expressing what they're giving us.”
— Neil Wavra [23:09]

Neil emphasizes the importance of diversifying support for local farms, ensuring that their partnerships are sustainable and mutually beneficial. By developing a playbook for regional sourcing, Field in Maine aims to set a standard for hospitality that honors local production while fostering community growth.

Insights on Virginia Wine Industry

[26:54 - 31:11]

As a recognized expert in the Virginia wine industry, Neil shares his optimistic outlook on its growth and potential:

“We're discovering this over decades, and it's moving fast now, which is exciting.”
— Neil Wavra [27:38]

He traces the industry's evolution from Thomas Jefferson's early attempts to modern-day successes, highlighting the emergence of unique, place-driven wines that set Virginia apart on the global stage. Neil compares Virginia’s burgeoning wine scene to established regions like Priorat in Spain, underscoring the potential for Virginia to carve out its own identity through quality and regional distinctiveness.

Personal Reflections and Advice to Listeners

[31:11 - 35:24]

Towards the end of the episode, Neil reflects on his personal journey and offers heartfelt advice:

“You can take in a moment to appreciate where you are and to recognize that everything you're doing now is going to inform later.”
— Neil Wavra [32:02]

He advises listeners to embrace their purpose, focus on their strengths, and remain committed to serving others through their unique gifts. Neil’s words resonate with the episode's overarching theme of going big by staying true to one's mission and building meaningful connections.

Conclusion

Kevin wraps up the conversation by applauding Neil’s dedication to service and innovation in hospitality:

“You’re a model for hospitality.”
— Kevin Gentry [35:03]

Listeners are encouraged to explore Field in Maine in Marshall, Virginia, and stay inspired by Neil's journey of passion, purpose, and resilience. Kevin also teases upcoming episodes and events, further cementing the podcast's role as a beacon for aspiring leaders and changemakers.

Key Takeaways

• Purpose-Driven Success: Aligning work with personal strengths and community service leads to sustainable happiness and success.
• Innovation in Crisis: The COVID-19 pandemic presented opportunities for creative solutions, such as virtual wine tastings and adaptable dining spaces.
• Community and Sustainability: Building strong relationships with local farmers and artisans fosters a resilient and supportive community ecosystem.
• Vision for the Future: Expanding from farm-to-table to farm-to-village represents a scalable model for impactful hospitality.
• Virginia Wine's Potential: The Virginia wine industry is poised for significant growth, driven by unique, place-based wines and ongoing innovation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Neil Wavra [00:00]:
  “I think that's my favorite definition of happiness, is the joy that you derive in the pursuit of your purpose...”

• Neil Wavra [05:41]:
  “Every time we would do something, it would be oriented around some kind of food experience.”

• Neil Wavra [17:12]:
  “We would sell a bottle of wine. And we still do this to this day.”

• Neil Wavra [23:09]:
  “We continue to focus on those relationships with artisans and farmers and getting better at expressing what they're giving us.”

• Neil Wavra [27:38]:
  “We're discovering this over decades, and it's moving fast now, which is exciting.”

• Neil Wavra [32:02]:
  “You can take in a moment to appreciate where you are and to recognize that everything you're doing now is going to inform later.”

• Kevin Gentry [35:03]:
  “You’re a model for hospitality.”

Final Thoughts

Neil Wavra's journey, as shared on Going Big! with Kevin Gentry, is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance in building impactful ventures. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs to embrace bold ideas, forge meaningful connections, and continue pushing boundaries to achieve extraordinary results.

For more insightful conversations and strategies on transforming your leadership and organizational success, tune in to Going Big! on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube. Stay connected through social media and visit TenXStrategies.com for additional resources and content.