Ed Ponder

Reentry University
Vice President Education Director,
Training Operations & Special Programs

Veteran hotelier, Ed Ponder is well known and highly regarded for his commitment to excellence and success in managing, motivating, and maintaining exceptional hospitality service.

As a result of Ponder’s exceptional front-line leadership, his affiliated hotels and staff were consistently honored with some of the industry’s most distinguished facility and service distinctions and prestigious awards including:

• Mobile – “Five-Star” and “Four-Star” ratings

• Conde Nast Traveler – “Gold List”

• US News & World Report – “Best Hotels” ranking

• Travel & Leisure Magazine – “World’s Best”

Mr. Ponder has served in corporate and independently owned properties, including convention hotels, boutique hotels, and resort properties. His front-line leadership roles have encompassed serving in multiple positions including Hotel Manager, Operations Director, Director of Food & Beverage, Director of Guest Service, and Chief Concierge.

After more than thirty years of leadership at hotel properties, Ponder stepped away from his profession to fulfill his passion and entrepreneurial dreams. He then launched Rednop MG LLC, a Customer Service Evaluation & Training company which enables him to influence and impact the people in his community and the hospitality industry as a whole. At Rednop, Ponder develops and delivers customized educational and motivational curricula to enhance the performance of his client’s employees and the experience of their customers.

Rednop’s ever-growing client list includes:

• American Airlines

• The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Miami International Airport

• AMPM Housecalls

and many more…

Ponder has served multiple terms as President of The Southern Florida Concierge Association, he is the Founder of The National Alliance of Independent Black-Owned Restaurants, and continues to serve on various community, hospitality and tourism-related committees. Ponder is the recipient of numerous annual and lifetime achievement honors.

Outside of the Hospitality industry, Ponder credits his success to his faith and is an ordained Deacon at his local church.