Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Heimlicher.
Ann, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I founded my company Boston Spot-Lite in 1987. I graduated with a degree in Marketing but when I moved to Boston I could not find any marketing jobs so I decided to go out on my own. I was pregnant at the time so I needed to be able to make my own hours.
I had travelled extensively while growing up and used to rely on concierges to gather information. I saw a need to connect concierges to restaurants in Boston. I started with wedding albums that I made into albums that featured a color photo, a description of the restaurant and a dinner menu. These were great so concierges could show their guests a sneak preview of the restaurant and their price points.
I then continued to build my business and worked as a concierge at most incoming conventions at the Hynes, World Trade Canter, Bayside Expo and convention hotels. I was sending thousands of visitors to restaurants, on tours and more. This became so successful that larger businesses took over so I reinvented myself again and co-founded the Greater Boston Concierge Association (GBCA) and work as a concierge at the Omni Parker House and the Colonnade Hotel. I served on the board of the GBCA for eleven years as Director of Operations. I was still working with all concierges with the albums, newsletter, dinner parties to introduce concierges to the restaurant owners, etc.
Fast forward – I still serve on the membership committee for the concierge association. I am also on the membership committee and special events committee for the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay. I am a member of the Friends of the Public Garden. Newbury Street League, Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Fenway Business Alliance and more. So with that being said I have created a Dining and more guide that reaches the Concierge, Local and Visitors Market. I have a web-site that receives 1,000’s of hits each month, work with many networking groups and have a solid e-mail and Facebook readership.
Our goal is to educate people from all over the world to make sure they visit our amazing city
Has it been a smooth road?
A couple of larger companies took over my business and I was not politically connected enough to stop them.
In today’s world the biggest challenge is keeping up with the ever changing technology. Trying to balance a grass roots marketing company and integrating the new technology platforms.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a concierge, connector, promoter, media sponsor for many charities, niche marketing specialist. As the saying goes, it is not what you know, it is who you know. In my industry I can answer almost any questions you may have or be able to direct you to someone who can help you. We educate the concierge and locals about many of the fine thing Boston offers.
My company has an outstanding reputation amongst my peers.
Having been in business for 31+ years really sets me apart from others via connections.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is a great city. It is small and easy to navigate. Since it is so small you need to keep up a good reputation as everyone know everyone.
As with any city it does take time to get in to the loop but hard work and diligence are key.
The city could make it a bit easier for restaurant to get their licenses. This is the biggest stumbling block I hear from restaurant start up’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bostonspotlite.com
- Phone: 617-247-0001
- Email: info@bostonspotlite.com
- Facebook: @bostonspotlite.com
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Kevin Greene
August 14, 2018 at 5:58 pm
Ann has been providing a wonderful service in Boston for years. She has an unparalleled reputation in Boston’s hospitality community which is well deserved.
Cherie Allen
August 14, 2018 at 6:05 pm
Ann you are the best.
Thank you for all you do to educate people on our great city of Boston and Cambridge.
Bonnie O'Hare
August 14, 2018 at 7:48 pm
Ann what a wonderful article, you deserve all the recognition. I learned so very much about your history and all the things you have accomplished. I feel honored to know you.
Keep doing what you are doing, never stop.
Ken Cronin
August 14, 2018 at 10:15 pm
Ann you’re the Best.
Paul Phillips
August 15, 2018 at 12:47 pm
What a great article. You are the best for sure.
Sandra Frezza
August 15, 2018 at 4:11 am
Ann you are fantastic! I can say I knew you when. I remember when you first started the Albums for the hotels. You have come such a long way and have accomplished so much. So glad to call you a friend!
Alan Saltman
August 15, 2018 at 3:29 pm
Ann, excellent article and well deserved! We had worked together for many years and it was always a pleasure to see you in action. As an ambassador to Boston you are simply the best. As a former “concierge of the year” I work hard but you worked harder. Without you my work would have been just a job. Thank you!
Eileen Cremin
August 15, 2018 at 9:35 pm
Ann, great article. You have been so kind and helpful to me. Keep working it!
Susan George
August 28, 2018 at 9:01 pm
Annie,
You still are the “Best of the Best”.
Thank you for your heartfelt and dedicated commitment to Boston
and the hospitality Industry throughout the decades.
It has been an honor and a pleasure to know you all these years
as a colleague and more importantly as a friend.
Thank you for all you do.
You Go Girl!