Why Experiences Matter More Than Possessions: Insights from Stephen Galbreath a Hospitality Veteran
By: Steve Turk
In a world that often equates success with wealth and status, Stephen Galbreath, Chief Development Officer at Garfield Public/Private LLC, brings a refreshing perspective. After a career that has taken him across continents, overseeing projects from opulent resorts to transformative convention hotels, Stephen has come to value experiences over possessions. In his view, life’s true value is found in the memories we create, the places we visit, and the connections we make. Here, he shares how prioritizing travel, personal growth, and family time over material gains has not only shaped his career but also his approach to life.
Stephen’s journey began in architecture, where he quickly learned that the structures he created had the power to influence lives by the experiences they offered. He recalls that early on, he was focused on making buildings look impressive, but over time, he realized that what truly mattered was how people felt within those spaces. “What people remember most is how a place makes them feel,” he explains, noting that whether it’s a luxury hotel or a small convention center, the best spaces are designed to create lasting memories and authentic connections.
For Stephen, travel is a powerful tool for broadening perspectives and connecting with others. He and his family have embraced the concept of being “travelers, not tourists,” believing that a thick passport leads to a fuller understanding of the world and a deeper sense of empathy. He encourages everyone to get out and experience new places, cultures, and people, saying, “Being in hospitality, I’ve seen that people don’t just want to be surrounded by four walls—they want to experience the place they’re in. They want to connect.”
This philosophy has shaped his approach to hotel development as well, where he prioritizes creating spaces that feel authentically connected to their local environment. His projects often feature design elements that reflect the local culture, with amenities that invite guests to immerse themselves in their surroundings. For Stephen, these choices go beyond mere aesthetics—they’re about providing guests with an opportunity to experience something real and meaningful.
Family time, too, is a priority that Stephen doesn’t take for granted. After years of extensive travel for work, he now finds joy in the simple routines of being home for dinner or taking his kids to school. He considers these moments to be the most valuable, emphasizing that true success isn’t measured by possessions or titles but by the memories and connections we make along the way.
Stephen’s message to others is simple: focus on experiences over material gains. He advises young professionals to take their time, gain real-world experience, and savor life’s moments instead of rushing to climb the career ladder. “Life’s greatest luxury is time with the people you care about,” he says, encouraging others to find fulfillment in the present rather than constantly seeking the next achievement.
In a career spanning decades, Stephen Galbreath has built more than just structures; he has built a philosophy rooted in the power of experiences. In a world that often prizes possessions, his perspective is a refreshing reminder that life’s most valuable assets are the moments and memories that truly enrich our lives.
