Laying the Groundwork

Forte Opening Solutions recently welcomed Hospitality Openings for a two-day visit designed to build relationships, exchange insights, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Building Connections

Hospitality Openings, led by owner Ben Friedman, brought their full team of 16 to spend time with Forte. The visit presented a valuable opportunity for both organizations to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s priorities, foster stronger connections, and open the door to potential growth together.

Why It Matters

In the hospitality sector, success often hinges on timing, precision, and trust. Projects are frequently bid years in advance, but when it comes time to execute, schedules can compress quickly. For suppliers, that means being able to adapt and respond with reliable solutions at speed.

Visits like this one are valuable because they allow both sides to align early, understanding expectations, exploring where processes and priorities intersect, and identifying ways a manufacturer can become a dependable resource. For Hospitality Openings, it was an opportunity to see how Forte approaches these challenges. For Forte, it was a chance to listen, learn, and begin shaping how we can best support their future projects.

From Team Building to Plant Insights

The visit began with a team-building day that allowed both groups to connect outside of a business setting. The following day was centered on business discussions and an in-depth exploration of Forte’s Marshfield, WI plant:

• Business conversations

  covered project planning, product needs, and service expectations, giving Forte greater insight into Hospitality Openings’ approach to the market and their priorities in delivering for customers.

• Plant tour

  provided a closer look at Forte’s capabilities, from advanced machining and production processes to finishing expertise and quality checks. Seeing these processes firsthand helped illustrate how Forte combines craftsmanship and scale to deliver consistent, reliable results.

Key Themes and Takeaways

Hospitality Openings shared how their projects are often bid well in advance, but can require tight timelines once released. Forte has demonstrated the ability to align with these needs, and the discussions underscored the critical importance of agility and dependability in the hospitality space.

Both groups also highlighted shared values — responsiveness, adaptability, and customer focus. These are qualities that not only support the success of individual projects but also lay the groundwork for a relationship that can evolve over time.

Recognizing Excellence

During the visit, the Hospitality Openings group expressed appreciation for the support they’ve received from Forte’s customer service team. Justin Meyer and Miranda Albrecht were recognized with standing ovations for their dedication to service excellence. Additional thanks went to Paul Sowake, Maria Leddin, Joe Carter, and Melanie Stuttgen for their contributions throughout the visit, with special appreciation to Ed Bullard for coordinating the event and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Looking Ahead

While this was an early step in the relationship, the visit marked a significant milestone. It created space for meaningful dialogue, provided insight into mutual priorities, and established a foundation of trust and understanding.

Looking ahead, both organizations are exploring ways to work together more closely — whether through expanded product solutions, streamlined project support, or continued collaboration on shared challenges. For Forte, the goal is clear: to be the kind of partner customers can count on when timing is tight and expectations are high.

As both teams move forward, the visit served as a reminder of what’s possible when people take the time to connect, share, and explore new opportunities together.