Fernando Melendez

Vice President of Service

Growing up Fernando watched his uncle rise through the ranks to vice president at Hilton Hotels and Resorts. Seeing his uncle’s success – and how much fun he had achieving it – was all it took to get Fernando hooked on hospitality.

Fernando immersed himself in the industry, starting his career as a manager at a private club in Detroit. He admits it wasn’t until he met his mentors, John and Nick Forte, that he earned his catering degree at Forte Belanger University. He’s always been skilled at taking care of his guests but credits the Fortes for turning him into a ‘service natural’. “They instilled a stellar ethic in me; I can’t turn it off!”

Since then, he’s been perfecting the service and high standards for which Forte is known. You’ll find him at every Forte event, effortlessly leading the team as they make every moment remarkable.

Favorite cuisine

French or Italian, they cook with their hearts and it shows.

On the weekend

I love to unwind with my girls and the best puppy ever, Murphy.

Known for

Being calm in the craziest of times. Life is what you make it but it’s also about how you deal with it.

Words of wisdom

Service isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.