Brendan Collins ’17 Wins HTM Department’s 2026 Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Brendan Collins is director of capital markets for JLL Hotels & Hospitality. Previously, he spent several years at HREC Investment Advisors, where he advised clients across the country on hospitality acquisitions and dispositions. He also serves on the HTM Leadership Board and is an adjunct professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. 

Collins was presented with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award at the 2026 HTM Annual Awards Dinner in April. The award recognizes rising alumni leaders early in their careers who have had outstanding personal and professional success and show strong promise. 

We spoke to Collins about his background and his journey so far.

What sparked your interest in working in the hospitality and tourism industry, and what has kept you there over the years? 

I grew up working for a family-run catering company out of our kitchen, and somewhere in the middle of all the chaos, I was hooked. After a few summer jobs and internships, I knew hospitality was the path I wanted to pursue.

Why did you choose Isenberg and the Hospitality & Tourism Management program? 

I only applied to schools that offered a hospitality program, including all the popular names. But it was a meeting with Rod Warnick in the old Flint Hall during a summer visit before my senior year of high school that ultimately solidified my decision. His enthusiasm for the program and genuine care for his students was immediately evident, and that left a lasting impression on me.

What are some of your strongest memories from your time as a student at Isenberg? 

I was part of the HTM Career Day Committee, and I remember how much work went into planning each event. The day itself was always a bit chaotic, but I vividly remember the celebrations afterward. There’s something especially rewarding about finally being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of the people you worked so hard alongside.

When you were a student at Isenberg, did you envision yourself working on the investment and finance side of hospitality, or did that path develop later? 

That path evolved over time. My goal was always to become a hotel general manager, but after a few management internships, I began to realize that hotel operations might not be the right fit for me. Heading into my junior year, I decided to add a second major in economics, with a focus on real estate.

Were there particular professors, courses, or experiences that had a lasting impact on your professional development? 

Rod Warnick has been a mentor of mine ever since that summer visit before my senior year of high school. Throughout my time at UMass and continuing to this day, I’ve always leaned on Rod for guidance and advice. That’s what made it especially meaningful to have him introduce me for this award. It was a full-circle moment that I’ll always appreciate.

You currently serve on the HTM program's board. What motivates you to stay involved with Isenberg and support the next generation of hospitality leaders? 

I was thrilled to get involved. As a student, I was actively involved through the Career Day Committee and HTM Ambassador Program. Once I entered the workforce, I wanted to find ways to stay connected and give back to the program that had given me so much.

As someone who works closely with today's hospitality industry, what advice do you most often share with students preparing to enter the field? 

Networking is incredibly important, especially in my line of business, but it doesn't always come naturally. Even for someone like me who comes across as extroverted, putting yourself out there can be difficult. It's a skill you have to continually work on, and growth comes from getting outside your comfort zone. Whether it's attending an event you don't feel like going to or agreeing to sit on a panel, I try to remind myself to just do it. The more I push myself into situations that might initially feel uncomfortable, the more confidence I build. Each experience opens the door to new opportunities and pushes me to grow in ways I wouldn't have otherwise.

What does receiving this alumni award mean to you personally and professionally? 

It was incredibly surreal. I remember attending alumni events as a student, meeting all these successful professionals and thinking, “How will I ever get to their level?” or “I just want to fast-forward to where they are.” But that's not how it works. It's easy to look at the end result of someone else's journey and feel discouraged or experience imposter syndrome. It's something I still deal with today. I've always set lofty goals for myself, even back when I was a student, so receiving this award was especially meaningful. It gave me an opportunity to take a step back, reflect on the journey I've taken to get to this point in my career, and appreciate how far I've come. I'm so accustomed to looking ahead, thinking about the next goal and what I need to accomplish to get there, that it was nice to pause for a moment, recognize the progress I've made, and enjoy where I am today.

When you reflect on your journey from Isenberg student to industry leader, what are you most proud of? 

The relationships I've built, the bonds I've developed with mentors, and the confidence I've gained by continually putting myself in challenging situations. All of those experiences have played a significant role in getting me to where I am today.

How do you hope to continue making an impact on the hospitality industry in the years ahead? 

I hope to continue making an impact by staying involved, giving back, and helping the next generation of hospitality professionals find their path. The hospitality industry has given me so much, both personally and professionally, and I feel a responsibility to pay that forward. Whether that's mentoring students, creating networking opportunities, participating in industry events, or simply being a resource for someone navigating their career, I want to remain accessible and involved.

If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your Isenberg student self, what would it be? 

Rome wasn't built in a day. Slow down and enjoy the journey. Don't stress about not being where you want to be just yet. Get in front of people, build relationships, attend the event, and ask a million questions. Every conversation and every opportunity you take opens a new door to explore.