STEVE FORTUNATO

Growing up, I was the kid who didn’t belong and felt out of place.

I endured relentless bullying, struggled with deep insecurity, and spent years trying to prove my worth.
Those experiences shaped me profoundly, ultimately fueling my life’s passion: creating spaces where everyone feels genuinely valued and connected.

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That drive led me to found roomforty, a catering company rooted in the principles of empathy, generosity, and authentic human connection.

As someone who never felt valued, leading a company centered around making clients feel valued on their special occasions, I experienced firsthand the impossibility of giving value to others, while simultaneously trying to get value for yourself. I saw this conflict not just in me, but everywhere.
I discovered that true hospitality—going first in valuing people deeply—had the power not only to heal my past wounds but to build meaningful relationships in every area of life. Today, through speaking, writing, hosting retreats, and my work at roomforty, I teach leaders how to embrace what I call the Host Mindset^TM.

It’s a transformative approach rooted in generosity and authenticity, designed to foster genuine relationships, drive business performance, and create lasting bonds in an evolving world.

I’m profoundly grateful to live in Santa Cruz, with my incredible wife, Nicole, and our three kids—Sofia, Dario, and Giovanna. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me surfing, fishing, gardening, outdoors with my family, or simply enjoying life in Northern California.

Steve blends personal stories with thoughtful insights to show how generosity and kindness can create stronger, more meaningful connections-whether in business or everyday life.

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In addition to his work in hospitality, Steve is also an author. His new book, The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality, dives deep into his philosophy of hospitality, emphasizing the power of generosity and human connection.

The book reflects his decades of experience and offers a call to reimagine hospitality as it was always meant to be, a vehicle for building relationship and creating lasting positive impact. Steve’s leadership style is rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning, integrity, and cultivating a cohesive company culture. As a native Californian and a 30-year resident of Los Angeles, he’s deeply connected to the community.

His work reflects a blend of humility, excellence, and an urgent desire to make people feel valued. Through his many ventures, Steve continues to challenge the norms of hospitality, making it not just an industry, but a way of life.When he’s not busy leading his companies or writing, Steve enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife have three children, and together, they share a love for surfing, the outdoors, and enjoying the beauty of Northern California.

Owns and operates one of the most successful and longest running (18+ years) hospitality brands in Lost Angeles
Published the best selling book – The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality
Shared a keynote stage with the founder of Zillow
Catered incredible moments for incredible people such as President Bill Clinton, Jay Z, John Legend, Scott Marlette, just to name a few.
Opened Fig House, which has become one of the premier event spaces in Los Angeles.