Chip Wade

Chief Executive Officer, Union Square Hospitality Group

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In-Person Fee Range:

$20,001 - $30,000

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Virtual Fee Range:

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Traveling from:

New York

Chip Wade – CBS Interview

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Topics

Customer Service People of Color Business Speakers Diversity and Inclusion

Chip Wade

Chief Executive Officer, Union Square Hospitality Group

Add To My Favorites Check Fee/Availability

In-Person Fee Range:

$20,001 - $30,000

Fee Details

Virtual Fee Range:

Inquire for Fee

Traveling from:

New York

Why Book

As Chief Executive Officer of Union Square Hospitality Group, Chip is responsible for further enhancing and evolving the company’s culture, driving an even greater guest experience, and bolstering the excellence and growth of its businesses.
Chip joined the USHG executive team as President, in 2019, following a rich 30-year career in operational leadership in the hospitality industry. In 2022, he was named Chief Executive Officer.

Biography

As Chief Executive Officer of Union Square Hospitality Group, Chip Wade is responsible for further enhancing and evolving the company’s culture, driving an even greater guest experience, and bolstering the excellence and growth of its businesses. Chip Wade joined the USHG executive team as President, in 2019, following a rich 30-year career in operational leadership in the hospitality industry. In 2022, he was named Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to joining USHG, Chip spent 17 years in leadership with Darden Restaurants, where he oversaw all operating functions, drove best-in-industry people metrics, and enhanced financial performance for a number of Darden’s high-growth brands.

He also served as Chief Operating Officer for Legal Sea Foods in Boston, Massachusetts. In this capacity, he led all operations for the family-owned group’s 31 restaurants and oversaw the launch of the Legal Test Kitchen concept. Earlier in his career, Chip worked in development and human resources for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.

A Pennsylvania native, Chip got his culinary degree from Johnson & Wales College, his B.S. from Widener University, and his M.B.A. from The University of Texas at Dallas. In addition to his professional experience, Chip also serves on the following boards: Cracker Barrel, Johnson & Wales University, Share Our Strength, a national organization working to end childhood hunger and poverty in the United States, and Youth Villages, a non-profit offering services and support for families of children with emotional, mental, and behavioral problems. He is also a senior advisor for Junzi Kitchen, a Chinese fast-casual restaurant and concept based in New York.

Programs

Hospitality as a business differentiator

Operational excellence in the hospitality industry

Restaurant growth and management

Diversity, inclusion and belonging

Topics

Customer Service, People of Color, Business Speakers, Diversity and Inclusion,

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Chip Wade?

Chip Wade is an Emmy Award-winning television host, HGTV designer, engineer, and keynote speaker known for his expertise in home design, construction, innovation, and storytelling around purposeful spaces. He is also a third-generation craftsman and mechanical engineering graduate from Georgia Tech. In addition to his media career, he is the owner and lead designer of Wade Works Creative, a company focused on residential and commercial design, architecture, and creative production. His work spans television, design, and live speaking engagements where he connects creativity with business innovation.

What does Chip Wade speak about?

Chip Wade speaks on innovation, leadership, collaboration, design thinking, and creating purposeful environments in business and life. His keynote topics often focus on how creativity, teamwork, and intentional design can drive better outcomes for organizations. He draws on his experience in construction, engineering, and television production to show how blending aesthetics with functionality can improve decision-making, performance, and customer experience.

What audiences is Chip Wade best suited for?

Chip Wade is best suited for corporate leadership groups, design and architecture professionals, real estate and construction industries, innovation and technology conferences, and association events. He is also a strong fit for organizations interested in creativity, customer experience, and cross-functional collaboration. His message resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences because he connects practical building experience with broader business and leadership lessons.

What makes Chip Wade different from other business speakers?

What sets Chip Wade apart is his rare combination of engineering expertise, hands-on construction background, and national television experience. Unlike traditional business speakers, he uses real-world design and building projects as case studies to illustrate leadership, collaboration, and innovation. His ability to bridge technical problem-solving with creative storytelling makes his presentations both practical and visually engaging, especially for audiences who value tangible examples over abstract theory.

How do I book Chip Wade for an event?

To check Chip Wade’s availability or request a quote, call 973-313-9800, email info@eaglestalent.com, or visit EaglesTalent.com and complete the booking inquiry form on his speaker profile page.

What are Chip Wade’s speaking fees?

Chip Wade’s speaking fee varies depending on the event format, location, audience size, and specific program requirements. To receive an exact quote, contact Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau by calling 973-313-9800, emailing info@eaglestalent.com, or submitting a check availability request through his speaker profile page.

Can Chip Wade customize the keynote for my audience?

Yes. Chip Wade customizes his presentations based on the industry, goals, and audience of each event. He adapts his examples and messaging to reflect the organization’s challenges—whether that’s innovation, teamwork, customer experience, or leadership development. Event planners often work with him in advance to align his stories and frameworks with the theme of the conference or meeting, making the keynote more relevant and impactful.

What do audiences say about Chip Wade's presentations?

Audiences consistently describe Chip Wade as engaging, insightful, and highly creative. Event feedback often highlights his ability to make complex design and innovation concepts easy to understand while keeping audiences entertained. Attendees frequently note that his presentations are both practical and inspiring, with strong takeaways about collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership in fast-changing environments.