Plating Up Profits

Bill Hansen, a 55-year catering veteran, is recognized as a giant in the catering profession. Bill is a Cornell hotel school grad, former U.S. Naval officer, owner of several Miami catering and hospitality companies, and since 1990 an instructor at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where he is building a catering and events lab on campus for students. Bill and his team have won numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Catersource and BizBash Caterer of the Year. In 2023, readers of the Miami Herald voted Bill Hansen Catering and its exclusive venue Villa Woodbine the “Best of Miami-Dade.” Turning 79 years old in 2025, Bill is not retired but re-fired. He is a man of faith, courage, conviction, passion, and empathy. His mission with this book is to motivate others to rise to the top of their chosen professions.   Sara Perez Webber is the editor-in-chief of Catering, Foodservice & Events (formerly Catering Magazine). She has written hundreds of articles about the catering and events industries, interviewing top caterers, chefs, and event planners from across the U.S. Sara is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C. For 30 years, she’s worked as an editor and writer for magazines, books, and digital media outlets. With a background that includes editorial positions at various travel publications, Sara continues to write freelance travel articles. She lives in South Florida with her husband and three sons.