SHL Alumni Spotlight: Francis "Bogie" Winn

Submitted by Francis “Bogie” Winn (SHL ’14)

My name is Francis “Bogie” Winn, and I am a School of Hospitality Leadership class of 2014 alumni.

Currently, I am a general manager with Aramark in Denver, Colorado. I oversee the food and beverage operations for Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre and 1^st Bank Center. Fiddler’s Green is a 17,000-person outdoor music venue. 1^st Bank Center has a capacity of 7,000 that hosts a wide range of live events.

I’ve been with Aramark for 14 years now and actually started my career with Aramark while at ECU and studying Hospitality Management. At ECU, I started as a student manager with Aramark, allowing me to work on campus, while working toward my degree and giving me the experience I needed to grow and develop. I worked my way from student manager to hourly supervisor to ultimately an assistant location manager before transitioning to Denver.

In Denver, I started my journey to GM as a concessions manager for the current Stanley Cup Champions, the Colorado Avalanche, the Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Mammoth. I also supported concessions for the MLS Colorado Rapids and the historic Paramount Theatre. I transitioned to Empower Field, home to the Denver Broncos, and supported our team at the Colorado Rockies. My journey through multiple venues allowed me to represent seven professional sports. I’ve been lucky enough to have helped with the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, Stanley Cup and NBA Playoffs. I was also lucky enough to help organize one of the last Warped Tour concerts and a record-setting 84,000 people for Garth Brooks at Broncos Stadium. I’ve also been lucky enough to be a part of a team that has helped change the landscape of technology and innovation in the sports and entertainment industry.

My time at ECU allowed me to take courses in hotel management, special events and food and beverage. Those courses helped me carve my career path and find a passion within the industry. Taking a wide range of courses and classes allowed me to gain insight into new areas and find out what direction I wanted to go with my career after graduation. The support I had from the SHL was tremendous, as I still stay in touch with many people and professors. Without the SHL, I would have never found the calling that has allowed me to do and see things that most people never get to do. I would have never imagined meeting the likes of John Elway, Peyton Manning, Joe Sakic, or many others when I took my first course at ECU. I’m proud to be a Pirate and wear my purple and gold in honor of my passion for my time at ECU. Go Pirates!

• Categories:
• School of Hospitality Leadership