Scott Samuels
CEO & Founder
913.333.3190
scott@horizonhospitality.com
Before founding Horizon Hospitality in 1998, Scott held senior management and executive positions with industry leaders such as ClubCorp, Hilton Hotels, The Levy Restaurants, and Dean & Deluca. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and also studied at the University of Paris and the Culinary Institute of America.
Scott’s career began at the historic 1,800-room Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, eventually leading him to oversee the $40 million food and beverage department at the 2,200-room San Francisco Hilton. While with The Levy Restaurant Group, Scott played a key role in opening two restaurants at Disney World’s Pleasure Island and was instrumental in the re-opening and concept development of the food and beverage operations at the $1 billion McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
Additionally, Scott launched Dean & Deluca’s prototype retail/food concept in Kansas City, where he was integral to its design and concept development. At ClubCorp, he served as General Manager of several City and Country Clubs.
Scott has proudly served on the boards of several organizations, including:
- Missouri and Kansas Search/Staffing Association
- The Dream Factory – a charity for children experiencing life-threatening illnesses
- University of Kansas Hillel
- All in for Skin – a charity benefiting the fight against Melanoma Cancer
Recognized by Ingram’s Magazine as one of Kansas City’s top business executives, Scott has also been a featured author in The Wall Street Journal and other leading hospitality trade publications.
Originally from the Chicago area, Scott lived in Overland Park, Kansas for 23 years before relocating to Boca Raton in May 2021. He and his wife, Maddy, have three adult children. In his free time, Scott enjoys boating, snow skiing, playing pickleball, traveling, and walking his three King Charles Cavaliers.