Ernie Loeb '59, C.E.C.
Class Year:
1959
Degree:
A.O.S.
Major:
Culinary Arts
Biography:
In 1958, Erinie Loeb's culinary knowledge was put to the test by none other than CIA founder Frances Roth. Having just returned to the U.S. from graduate studies at the Ecole-Hotelier in Lucerne, Switzerland and work in Paris, Ernie decided that he wanted to add a CIA degree to his résumé. But with the extensive experience in the front and back of the house he had gained from working in professional kitchens and growing up in the business, he felt that he didn't need to go through the full program.
"Mrs. Roth was a close friend of my aunt and uncle, and they introduced me to her," Ernie says. "I explained that I only wanted to attend the CIA for one year, and she said that, unfortunately, the school only had a two year-year-program. So I negotiated. I told her that she could give me a test to evaluate my skill. She gave me one with about 100 questions, and I got 100% right. After that, Mrs. Roth said she thought I didn't even really need to be there, that I could be a teacher myself. But I didn't want to be a teacher; I wanted the CIA degree.
"After I graduated, I asked Mrs. Roth for her opinion on what I should do next," Ernie says. "She said that with my background, I should go into management." Evidently she was a good judge of talent. Ernie launched a 47-year career in hospitality management, holding leadership positions at country clubs, resorts, corporations, and hotel companies, such as Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, and Sheraton. He leveraged the skills he gained from both the CIA and Boston University , where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, to achieve his impressive string of successes in the industry.
"Mrs. Roth was a close friend of my aunt and uncle, and they introduced me to her," Ernie says. "I explained that I only wanted to attend the CIA for one year, and she said that, unfortunately, the school only had a two year-year-program. So I negotiated. I told her that she could give me a test to evaluate my skill. She gave me one with about 100 questions, and I got 100% right. After that, Mrs. Roth said she thought I didn't even really need to be there, that I could be a teacher myself. But I didn't want to be a teacher; I wanted the CIA degree.
"After I graduated, I asked Mrs. Roth for her opinion on what I should do next," Ernie says. "She said that with my background, I should go into management." Evidently she was a good judge of talent. Ernie launched a 47-year career in hospitality management, holding leadership positions at country clubs, resorts, corporations, and hotel companies, such as Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, and Sheraton. He leveraged the skills he gained from both the CIA and Boston University , where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, to achieve his impressive string of successes in the industry.
All the while, his son Leonard '88, was watching—learning. "My son was like my shadow," Ernie says. "He followed every step I took. When he was 11 or 12, he said, 'Dad, I want to work.' So I said, 'OK, you start with pots and pans.' He had to stand on a step in front of the sinks to wash the dishes, but he did it. He learned the hotel business: how to receive, how to order, all of it. He's now a general manager for Brinker International."
With his son carrying on the family tradition, Ernie is taking his life in a new direction. He's planning to leave the hospitality profession and begin a career in the energy sector. "Hospitality has been a great career, but I'm ready to try something new," he says. "That's me—I have a high energy level." At 71, Ernie is grate ful for his good health and has no plans to retire. "You are what you are. Business is my excitement." Turns out Frances Roth had Ernie Loeb's number all those years ago.
With his son carrying on the family tradition, Ernie is taking his life in a new direction. He's planning to leave the hospitality profession and begin a career in the energy sector. "Hospitality has been a great career, but I'm ready to try something new," he says. "That's me—I have a high energy level." At 71, Ernie is grate ful for his good health and has no plans to retire. "You are what you are. Business is my excitement." Turns out Frances Roth had Ernie Loeb's number all those years ago.
©Copyright 2007. The Culinary Institute of America
