Meet Rob Wright | Managing Partner of Prospect Park and the Warwick Restaurant Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rob Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rob, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance for entrepreneurs is a touchy subject as many of us are low key “control freaks” so taking that time to balance life and work is truly a balancing act. In my early 30’s there was no such thing as having a life. I can recall travelling 9 months out of the year on my corporate job in order to raise capital for my entrepreneurial endeavors in my 40’s.

Once in my 40’s I worked around the clock to get my hospitality concepts off the ground and now in my 50’s I can see the harvest. Family, health, and hobbies play a vital role in my weekly routine. My family means the most to me and I ensure any activities they are involved in I am present to support. Losing my sister to cancer was a eye opener 5 years ago and encouraged me to slow down, enjoy life, time with loved ones, and take better care of my body.

In order to have that balance I surround myself with an amazing management team who are driven like me to reach company goals even when I’m not around. The running joke is you “pay for sanity” and with a competent management group you are allowed to take one step back and balance life, work, etc.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m originally from Detroit Michigan and migrated to the Houston area in 1982. As a graduate of University of Houston my first career path was in insurance with Fortune 100 company State Farm Insurance.

In 2000, I took the invaluable tools gained from State Farm Insurance and started my own independent adjusting business Braylon Enterprises. I contracted my claims services back to large insurance carriers including State Farm, Farmers, Nationwide Insurance, and more. During that same time I was involved in concert/party promotions.

After 13 years in the dual capacity as an Insurance professional & entertainment maven I opened Sugar hill Lounge in 2011. In 2014 me and my partnership team raised the bar and started a new hospitality venture Prospect Park Sports bar. Prospect Park is a hub for all the big sporting events as well as celebrity meet & greets and more. I like to think I bring that corporate mindset gathered from the insurance industry into the entertainment sector. We are ranked in the top 15 in gross sales in the entire city of Houston this past year which is tremendous considering being in a pandemic. My new partnership group Variety pack LLC are proud to announce our newest endeavor Warwick Houston a elevated dining experience in the heart of the Galleria area opening April of 2022.

When I mentor younger professionals today who have that entrepreneurial spirit I encourage them to get the experience under a corporate umbrella, learn work ethic, how to be on time, communicate effectively, and most importantly take supervision respectfully.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well….A Rob Wright weekend you better get “your popcorn ready”! Friday early lunch people watching at City Centre, happy hour and cigars at Prospect Park of course, Dinner in the river oaks district. Saturday brunch at La Lucha, dinner at Turners in the galleria and a early turn in to get ready for Funday Sunday. Sunday is three words…CHAPMAN AND KIRBY all day a perfect place to meet Houston’s most influential tastemakers and professionals in a diverse environment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out goes to my brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. When I entered the organization back in college I wanted to surround myself with successful men and this organization did just that. Although each of us may may excel in different fields the competitive nature of the bond motivates you to reach the for top in any endeavor/career path.

Website: Warwickhouston.com

Instagram: robwright1906

Facebook: Rob Wright