Over the last several years, as technological advancements have made giant leaps forward, many businesses have begun to rely on these new tools in unprecedented ways. For as beneficial as things such as cryptocurrency and AI have been and will continue to be, they also serve to highlight one of the most invaluable tools in any field: authentic human passion. One of the industries where the value of such passion is palpably felt is the service industry, where traditional human interactions remain essential to success. 

Joshua Meldrum has worked in the service industry for years and has seen how the industry has changed over time, firsthand. He started as a busser and barback in Ohio while in high school, then went on to serve, cook, and even bartend. Today, he lives in Las Vegas, one of the restaurant capitals of the country, and is a vital part of the service industry there. 

The Origins of Joshua’s Service

Joshua started working in his dad’s nightclub as well as his relatives’ restaurants at a young age. Crucially, this was never something that was forced upon him, but rather a door that was always open. As such, he came to the service industry on his own terms and of his own accord, and ultimately fell in love with it. As he says, “It’s one of the things I’m very passionate about, and I enjoy it a lot. There’s always something to learn and always grow, every day. There are new challenges to overcome constantly, and every day is different from the last.”

A key part of being a valuable member of the service industry is having the kind of principles and discipline necessary to be truly great at serving others, and for Joshua, his Uncle Tom and relatives Greg and Amy had the largest impact in this aspect. As Joshua details, “They have faced an astronomical amount of challenges, problems, and issues while doing business and always find solutions in some capacity. The way they handle themselves and operate businesses, restaurants, and correlate it to their personal lives and relationships is fascinating.”

Evolving With Technology

For so many people, the idea of new technological advancements is often seen as in opposition to human work. However, Joshua doesn’t see technology as something that is encroaching upon his work in the service industry, but rather as useful tools that are helping to strengthen his abilities and compensate for weaknesses in the sector. 

For example, with the rapid decline in alcohol consumption across the board, alternative restaurant models and businesses have become more lucrative than traditional bars in recent years. However, with options readily available, such as stocks, cryptocurrency, real estate, and even sports betting, technology has afforded Joshua the unique opportunity to ride the financial ebbs and flows of the industry. 

The Details Matter

A key factor that sets Joshua apart from many of his peers is his attention to detail. He was taught and trained since he was young to be highly vigilant and aware, learning from how his relatives did business, operated their restaurants, and focused on even the smallest details. One of his guiding mantras in work and in life is: “Details just aren’t details, that’s the product and that’s the service we provide. It is the details that separate us from everyone else.”

Moving Forward

In the years to come, one of Joshua Meldrum’s goals is to own a nightclub and bar of his own. As he’s grown as a worker and an individual, especially since relocating to Las Vegas, he has realized his potential to own numerous businesses and different kinds of restaurants. He aspires to continue charting his own course, blending the classical values instilled in him by his family and the opportunities afforded to him by new technology.