Dennis Deslongchamp grew up in the westside of Denver watching his grandparents Jake and Carmen Trujillo operating a grocery store they owned called Jake’s Grocers.
As he watched his family operate a successful family-owned business, Deslongchamp became motivated by his grandparents’ hard work. “A lot of my background comes from my grandma and grandpa. He always showed me if you work hard, you can get what you want,” Deslongchamp said.
Deslongchamp, who is French and Hispanic, took the lessons he learned from his grandparents and turned it into a successful career. Today, he serves as the president of the Denver Concessionaires Association, which works to promote and enhance the positive experience at Denver International Airport (DEN) and to increase the comfort and convenience for the traveling public. The association is made up of concessionaries at the airport and works to identify and advocate for the common interests of all the concessionaires at Denver International Airport.
“(The airport is) an unbelievably challenging place to work. There are always challenges whether with TSA or construction,” said Deslongchamp. “We are able to make it a little easier, and the thing that motivates me is I want the best concession program in the world.”
Deslongchamp began his career in 1994 when the airport first opened, initially serving as the general man- ager of Aviator’s Club. He later held the position of Vice President of Skyport Development before founding Airport Hospitality Services, LLC, where he currently serves as president. Airport Hospitality Services is the Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise partner in several locations at Denver International Airport including La Casita, Elways, Villa Pizza, and XpresSpa.
“It has been a ride,” Deslongchamp said. “When I (started at) the airport, I never thought I’d be here. But the opportunities that have been afforded to me has been a fantastic experience. And without the (Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program), I would’ve never been able to do it.”
Outside of his professional life, Deslongchamp married his wife Stella (Peterson) Deslongchamp who has served on several boards including the Colorado Lottery Board, Open World Learning, Latina’s First Foundation, and the Children’s Museum of Denver’s Board of Directors. Stella was the first Latina to chair the Colorado Lottery Board, and Deslongchamp said she motivates him. The Deslongchamp couple have also volunteered time together for the Latina Safe House.
“We’ve been fortunate that we’ve been given so much in our lives and had successful careers. We feel (giving back) is the right thing to do to help others along their paths as well,” Deslongchamp said.
Looking ahead, Deslongchamp said the airport’s growth is one of the biggest opportunities for concessionaires.
“Who would have thought Denver would be this big of a city and have this big of an airport. Being a Colorado native, it’s fascinating,” said Deslongchamp. “It’s exciting, and it makes you proud to be part of the airport since day one.”
