The Department of Hospitality Management was honored to have two award winners during this year’s Celebration of Excellence. The award winners spent time on campus meeting with students and faculty along with attending an awards reception. We are so fortunate to have great alumni like Jill and Phil! Read below to learn more about Jill Mason and Phil Perkins.
Jill Mason
Jill Mason has always called Kansas home and there was no place like the Little Apple to begin her entrepreneurial career. Upon graduating from Kansas State with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Mason landed a job as a special events planner for the Kansas City Chiefs. After spending time in Kansas City, Mason relocated to Los Angeles where she was responsible for planning and executing events for the LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Absorbing all that the big city had to offer, she was involved in large and unique events such as VIP parties for the Emmy’s and Grammy Awards, NBA playoff games and annual celebrations like the Kentucky Derby.
In 2012, Mason decided to return home. She returned to Manhattan to help begin the catering department of a brand new corporate hotel and conference center. A few years following, Confetti & Cashmere was born. The business was founded on custom hand-crafted party items along with soirée styling. In early 2015, Confetti & Cashmere opened their brick and mortar store in historic Downtown Manhattan. The boutique focuses on upscale trendy paper products, custom made items and gifts and provides event and gala coordination and rentals.
Philip Perkins
Philip Perkins started in the hospitality industry in 1992 with his summer internship with Taco Bell Corporate. In 1993, he started full-time as an assistant manager of Taco Bell for three Kansas City metro area locations.
From 1995 to 2004, Perkins served as General Manager for eight different stores in Kansas City, opening two more during his tenure. Along with his general manager title, he also served as a training manager and as a facility capital expense manager for three years. After 11 years with Taco Bell Corporate, Perkins became an Area Coach for Paul Hoover, a Taco Bell franchisee in the Kansas City metro area.
In 2014, still under Paul Hoover, Perkins shifted his role from the Taco Bell franchise to become a market manager for the Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers franchise. In this role, he oversaw the building and opening of nine new restaurants across four states. He is responsible for everything from being a voice during the construction process to hiring and training new staff. After the restaurant becomes established, he continues to oversee marketing, local advertising, daily operations and all financial accountabilities.
Perkins received his bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Kansas State in 1993.