Many of our airport concessions partners are invested in retail and food and beverage offerings but one partner took a different path to success.
Allen Forrest, CEO of The Forrest Group, knew the challenges of entering the airport so he approached it differently. He prides himself on a multifaceted approach to enhancing customer service with his company offering services in logistics, airport advertising, airport retail, travel, and food and beverage.
Most recently, The Forrest Group are involved with the first of two Google Pixel automated vending machines to Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. O’Hare is the first airport anywhere to offer these one-of-a-kind interactive kiosks with an array of merchandise including phones, pads, accessories, plus a wireless charging station. Forrest and his team are charged with replenishment, on-site troubleshooting, and cleaning of the kiosks.
“When we were approached to debut the first Google Pixel kiosk in an airport, we were excited to be part of bringing this innovative retail experience to our airport customers,” said Sherain Thompson, URW Assistant General Manager at O’Hare. “To make the offering a success, we needed a reliable partner who can ensure these kiosks are reliable and stocked so our customers can enjoy all they have to offer. We are proud to partner with the Forrest Group to deliver this outstanding experience.”
Forrest began in airports in 2016 and credits receiving his Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification for opening doors throughout the industry. Before earning his first contract he began the ACDBE certification process, researched and pitched business partners.
Even though Forrest says “he heard a thousand no’s,” his tenacity paid off. He advises anyone starting in the business to do their homework, think outside the box, and never give up.
“Going down the road less traveled has been a blessing,” he said. “There is a lot of competition in food and beverage, so I found other things to do within the program. Having an idea and helping it grow is something you can be proud of and humbled at the same time. It’s important to find that one thing you can take anywhere.”
Forrest gained broad experience in other industries before entering the airports business, serving in the U.S. Navy as an operation specialist before beginning his civilian career in the music industry A decade later, he sought to explore airports and has expanded his company and services ever since.
Forrest has been recognized as a Forbes ‘Next 1000’ honoree and dedicates time to the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) where he is Vice President of Public Relations for the LA chapter of the national advocacy organization.
Forrest looks forward to continuing to build partnerships at O’Hare International Airport and airports across the country and we’re grateful to partner with him!
