Leslie Wootton and Paul Kirschbaum

Leslie Wootton and Paul Kirschbaum are not just hospitality veterans—they are industry innovators. With nearly two decades of experience each, their careers have been defined by their commitment to excellence, passion for service, and an unrelenting drive to elevate the industry they love. Today, as partners and co-founders of 1033 Consulting, they are transforming the hospitality landscape, helping operators grow their businesses and thrive in a world that’s constantly evolving.

Leslie Wootton's career began in Austin, TX, where he quickly made his mark by being involved in over 60 restaurant openings and hiring thousands of staff, managing teams of over 400 employees for new stores. His journey through operations, organizational development, training, and human resources has taken him across the globe, from Yellowstone to Disney, from Dallas to London. His expertise in team-building and operational efficiency has made him a sought-after leader in the industry.

Paul Kirschbaum’s story begins in Northern Spain, where he started as a young apprentice before earning his bachelor’s from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and a diploma in restaurant management from Le Cordon Bleu in Adelaide, Australia. His experience spans roles as a private chef, executive chef, restaurant manager, and eventually a director of food and beverage. His consulting expertise is vast, from menu optimization and technology implementation to leadership training and cost control, visiting over 200 restaurants a year.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Leslie and Paul saw an opportunity. Eager to stay connected to the industry, they launched a podcast discussing hot-button topics like ghost kitchens, staffing challenges, and navigating local regulations. What started as a conversation soon became something much larger. A well-funded startup became their first client, and from there, 1033 Consulting was born. Their company, based in Virginia and Texas, expanded quickly, providing critical insights to restaurants and hotels, specializing in operational assessments and business growth strategies.

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In just three short years, 1033 Consulting’s growth has been nothing short of meteoric. After landing their first client in 2021, they steadily gained momentum, with significant growth by 2023, when sales more than doubled the previous two years combined. By the end of Q2 2024, they had already matched the prior year's success, with new client opportunities lining up for an even bigger 2025. Known for helping operators scale sustainably, 1033Consulting has established itself as a dynamic force in the consulting world. They have become known for helping operators scale from one or two locations to five or more, building the HR and operational infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth.

Partnering with the City of Danville, VA, and collaborating with the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association (VRLTA), they are now creating a hospitality and culinary center aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and students. As Danville prepares for a tourism boom with the construction of a new Caesar’s casino, Leslie and Paul are at the forefront, guiding local business owners to success.

In a candid Q&A session, Leslie and Paul discuss their journey in the hospitality industry, the unique approach they bring to their clients, and what drives their passion for helping businesses succeed.

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What inspired you to start the company?

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Leslie: In 2007, I hired Paul to work at a golf course steakhouse in San Antonio. Together, we designed the building, created the menu, and built a team to run the place. Like many restaurants, though, we struggled and eventually went our separate ways. Fast forward to the pandemic—were connected and asked ourselves, “What can we do to help these restaurants survive?” With our combined experience, we launched 1033 Consulting to support businesses through those tough times.

Paul: Back in our 20s, we made every possible mistake. That’s what drove us to want to help small businesses avoid the same pitfalls. Often, it's the little things that owners may not know, and we realized we could bring in fresh ideas and insights that could make a big difference—helping them grow, be more efficient, and, ultimately, more profitable.

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What makes 1033 Consulting unique?

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Leslie: Our core philosophy is putting people first, and then figuring out how that can translate into ROI. Hospitality is all about people. Any technology or operational improvements we suggest are really just tools to help elevate the team. We believe that when an owner-operator is truly engaged with their staff, that staff, in turn, will be motivated to engage with guests, creating a better experience for everyone. We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. When we meet with a client, we truly listen—to who they are, whatthey’re aiming for, and what challenges they’re facing. From there, we create a tailored plan. Whether that means designing an employee handbook, having Paul revamp their menu, or being on-site for eight weeks helping open a new location, we only provide solutions after we fully understand the business.

Paul: We don’t just tell people what to do—we show them how to do it. Success comes from collaboration, so we try to be a mirror for our clients, encouraging them to ask questions and engage with us deeply. That way, we can pinpoint their real needs. Often, the issue they think they have isn’t the real problem. For example, a client might come to us thinking their menu needs attention, but after digging deeper, we find out it’s really their staffing that needs help and direction. It’s all about asking the right questions to uncover the best path forward.

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What do you enjoy most about your work?

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Paul: What drives me most is helping people. The hospitality industry is changing rapidly, and I enjoy helping operators realize that it’s not just about the bottom line, but about taking care of their people. When you invest inyour team, success usually follows.

Leslie: What I enjoy most is really getting to know our clients, listening to their stories, and helping them navigate the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. It’s incredibly rewarding to help them build a culture that not only inspires their staff, but also creates long-term success for their business.

Leslie Wootton: Partner and Co-Founder
Paul Kirschbaum: Partner and Co-Founder