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Step into the world of Theo F. Wilderman — a veteran of the hospitality industry, a lover of the open road, and a storyteller with a heart full of humor and humanity. The Art of Serving isn’t just a book — it’s a guide to mastering people skills, finding joy in chaos, and turning every shift into a story worth telling.
I will always have love for that chaotic but charming island. I saw a lot of crazy but beautiful things there during my time there. Puerto Rico only has a population of about 3.2 million souls now, but when I lived there from 1998–2012, there were about 3.8 million. It’s only 35 miles by 100 miles long. At one time, PR was considered to be in the top 10 most populated places on Earth, per square kilometer/mile. They often compared it to Hong Kong, Singapore, and such places.
Due to natural disasters (like Hurricane Maria in 2016, and a big earthquake in 2017) and political corruption of government officials, PR has had a major diaspora. Up to 600,000 people left the island due to a shaky economy and lack of opportunities.
This experience really changed me as a person. I am much more of a humble person, and I learned about friendships, hardships, and being a better human being. The importance of this is, all the people who were forced to leave their homes moved all over the USA and the world.
I learned from my musician friends, mainly David Martinez from the band “Hijos De La Canya” (Sons of the Sugar Cane), that PR is extremely important to the Latin music scene because they know the people move off-island eventually, and this becomes a good marketing tool for the bands that are up and coming. By the way, check out Hijos De La Canya on YouTube. They are a punk rock band.
My journey in hospitality took root on the vibrant, often chaotic yet undeniably charming island of Puerto Rico. From 1998 to 2012, I had the privilege of working at two of its most renowned establishments: the majestic El Conquistador Resort and the legendary Caribe Hilton. These weren't just jobs; they were immersions into the heart of world-class service, set against the backdrop of breathtaking vistas and a unique island culture. The experiences gained within the walls of these famous hotels, and throughout my time in Puerto Rico, profoundly shaped my understanding of hospitality, resilience, and the sheer beauty of human connection.
From the sunny coasts of Fajardo to the nightlife of Old San Juan, Theo spent over a decade working and living on the island of Puerto Rico. At the height of its population — once compared to Hong Kong and Singapore in density — the island was alive with culture, conflict, and character.
The Art of Serving is a candid, insightful, and often humorous guide for anyone navigating the high-stakes world of the hotel, restaurant, and hospitality industry. Drawing from over two decades of firsthand experience in fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, and frontline customer service roles, Theo F. Wilderman offers real-world advice on how to master the delicate art of dealing with people — especially when they’re tired, irritable, or just plain hungry.
With a focus on practical techniques, professional attitude, and emotional intelligence, this book serves as both a training manual and a survival guide for young workers, new managers, and even business owners looking to improve their service and boost profits. But beyond the lessons, The Art of Serving is also packed with relatable stories, humorous anecdotes, and hard-earned wisdom, making it an entertaining read as much as an educational one.
OUR STORY MENUBite-sized wisdom served from real experiences in hotels and restaurants.
Hospitality isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life full of empathy and respect.
Expect the unexpected. Laugh along with stories from the service trenches.
Learn efficient, down-to-earth tricks to thrive in hospitality and beyond.
Immerse yourself in a sophisticated and inviting ambiance. The carefully curated decor sets the stage for intimate dinners, celebrations.
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