Alum of the Month

March 2019

March 2019
Michael Waiser

(BA, Social Sciences, ’00)

Q & A:

  • What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
    Dr. Götz, the then director of the New College was my favorite person at Hofstra. He was always supportive, encouraging, and a positive influence on my success today.
  • What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing learned in that position?
    My first job was director of events at the famed Studio 54. I learned so much there, from coordination of timing, to people skills, to budgeting. It basically gave me the ground work I needed to go further in the event industry. This was where I discovered my true passion for hospitality.
  • What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
    Today I own an exclusive boutique catering company, working with a very high-end clientele. Most would consider us a mobile Michelin-starred restaurant that handles all aspects of event production and execution of events.
  • What advice would you give Hofstra students?
    Follow your dream and do what you are passionate about. However, understand there are no free lunches out there and SUCCESS is the result of hard work and dedication.
  • In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
    Awesome. It put me on the path to become my best self.
  • How did your idea for Michael Scott Events originate?
    As a teenager, I always worked in food service of one type or another, and eventually became involved in night life hospitality. I worked in the food industry for several years and then recognized where my talent and passion lay. Creating and executing took its natural path.
  • What unique qualifications separate Michael Scott Events from other luxury catering and production firms?
    I have built my organization strictly through word of mouth. I do not advertise. The Michael Scott Events team is like a family, and we all pride ourselves on our productions.
  • Michael Scott Events produces weekly events ranging from 5 to 1,500 guests. How do you handle working large events under great pressure?
    I have a great team, and there is always pressure. Our reward is our clients’ enthusiasm and their ongoing relationship with Michael Scott Events for those special occasions in their lives.
  • What do you find to be most rewarding about owning your own company?
    The camaraderie in my company and the reputation we have built, as well as the pride I feel after producing an event that is exactly what the client had envisioned.
  • How did you use the skills you learned at Hofstra University to establish Michael Scott Events?
    Hofstra taught me to have confidence in myself and to keep my eye on the ball. Today, confidence to take on and create a client’s vision is paramount. Focusing on the task at hand enables me to pay attention to the details, and it is all in the details!
Michael Waiser

Michael Waiser is the founder of Michael Scott Events, a leading luxury catering and production firm based in New York City, which specializes in providing off-premise fine dining experiences. Michael's beliefs in quality, honesty, and integrity were instilled in him through a strong upbringing. His company's credo – "Your Taste, Our Style" – exemplifies and embraces his commitment to these values. Michael began his professional exploration at the famed Studio 54, where he managed its food and beverage concession for the acclaimed production Cabaret, and for the newly re-opened club, Upstairs at Studio 54. This is where he discovered his true passions: special event production and culinary operations. He followed these passions to the Marriott-Sodexo Corporation as director of catering for ABC Television, where he recognized his desire to create rather than facilitate.

Michael attributes his success to the continual mentoring he received over the years. At each phase of his career, Michael was fortunate enough to encounter an industry legend, from whom he learned invaluable lessons. Now, as the owner of Michael Scott Events, he has expanded upon that knowledge to develop one of the most celebrated catering companies in the country.