Alexander Lipin, 37, Leads Miami Hospitality Collective to New Heights

Co-founder and operations director scales boutique catering company into trusted partner for major brands

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:25pm

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Alexander Lipin, 37, is the co-founder and director of operations and strategy for Hospitality & Culinary Collective, a Miami-based catering and events company that has rapidly grown over the past few years. Lipin, who was raised in a family with hospitality industry roots, has built H&C Collective into a trusted partner for high-profile brands like Lexus, Royal Caribbean, Adidas, and American Express, all while maintaining a focus on hospitality and team development.

Why it matters

Lipin's leadership in scaling a boutique catering company into a major player in the Miami hospitality scene highlights the growth and evolution of the city's culinary and events industries. His ability to balance operational excellence, creative programming, and a people-first approach provides a model for other entrepreneurs looking to build successful, mission-driven businesses in the competitive events space.

The details

After studying hospitality management at Florida International University and gaining experience with hotels, cruise lines, and a large catering company, Lipin co-founded Hospitality & Culinary Collective in 2018 with business partner Catherine Vallin. Under their leadership, H&C Collective has rapidly expanded, serving over 50,000 guests at a recent Untitled Art activation during Art Basel 2025 with a team of 250 staff, three full kitchens, six staff shuttles, and five trucks.

  • Lipin co-founded Hospitality & Culinary Collective in 2018 at the age of 29.
  • In 2025, H&C Collective served over 50,000 guests at an Untitled Art activation during Art Basel.

The players

Alexander Lipin

Co-founder and director of operations and strategy for Hospitality & Culinary Collective, a Miami-based catering and events company.

Catherine Vallin

Lipin's business partner and co-founder of Hospitality & Culinary Collective.

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What’s next

Lipin and his team are currently searching for a new commissary kitchen to support the continued growth of Hospitality & Culinary Collective.

The takeaway

Lipin's leadership in scaling Hospitality & Culinary Collective into a major player in Miami's hospitality and events scene demonstrates the potential for mission-driven, people-first businesses to thrive in the competitive catering and events industry. His focus on operational excellence, creative programming, and team development provides a model for other entrepreneurs looking to build successful, high-growth companies in the events space.