Consulting Articles > Consulting Firms > Pinnacle Advisory Group Firm Profile: Careers, Salary, and Interviews

Key Insights:

  • Pinnacle Advisory Group Firm Profile highlights a hospitality consulting firm specializing in asset management, valuation, and feasibility studies.
  • Pinnacle Advisory Group careers include analyst, project coordinator, accountant, and director roles with strong exposure to strategy and financial analysis.
  • Pinnacle Advisory Group internships provide students hands-on experience in feasibility studies, valuation, and market research within the hospitality industry.
  • The Pinnacle Advisory Group culture emphasizes client service, small-team collaboration, and close mentorship from experienced consultants.
  • Pinnacle Advisory Group salary ranges from about $66,000 for entry-level roles to over $160,000 for director positions.

Pinnacle Advisory Group is a Boston-based hospitality consulting firm specializing in asset management, strategic planning, and real estate valuation. With decades of expertise, the firm supports hotels, universities, and investors in making data-driven decisions across development, operations, and investment. This Pinnacle Advisory Group Firm Profile explores its history, careers, culture, and salaries in detail.

In this article, we will explore Pinnacle Advisory Group’s background, practice areas, career opportunities, workplace culture, and more to help you decide if it is the right consulting firm for your path.

What Is The Pinnacle Advisory Group Firm Profile?

Pinnacle Advisory Group is a consulting firm focused on hospitality, offering services in asset management, feasibility studies, valuation, and strategic planning. The Pinnacle Advisory Group Firm Profile highlights its role as a trusted advisor to hotels, universities, and investors who need clear, research-backed insights to guide financial and operational decisions.

The firm is best known for its specialization in the hospitality sector. Unlike broader consultancies, Pinnacle emphasizes tailored solutions for hotel owners, operators, and stakeholders.

Key aspects of the Pinnacle Advisory Group firm profile include:

  • Headquarters in Boston with additional offices in Tampa, Providence, New York, and Washington DC
  • A client base spanning hotel groups, universities, and real estate investors
  • Services covering acquisition due diligence, operator selection, litigation support, and strategic investment analysis

For aspiring consultants, the firm offers a unique chance to gain deep exposure to both corporate strategy and asset management while working in small, collaborative teams.

What Is the History of Pinnacle Advisory Group?

Pinnacle Advisory Group was founded in 1991 by Rachel Roginsky and has grown into a nationally recognized hospitality consulting firm. The company’s history reflects decades of specialized expertise, with its professionals collectively bringing over 300 years of industry experience.

Since its founding, Pinnacle has consulted on more than $50 billion in hotel real estate projects. Its reputation stems from combining deep market knowledge with analytical rigor.

Key milestones in its history include:

  • Expanding from Boston headquarters to multiple East Coast offices
  • Advising on landmark hotel and university projects across the country
  • Establishing thought leadership in hospitality asset management and feasibility studies

What Are the Key Services and Practice Areas at Pinnacle Advisory Group?

The main Pinnacle Advisory Group practice areas include asset management, real estate valuation, and feasibility studies for hospitality clients. Its consultants provide strategic planning and investment analysis to help owners and investors maximize value across projects and operations.

Practice areas include:

  • Acquisition due diligence for hotel and real estate transactions
  • Development and capital planning support
  • Impact studies and litigation support with expert testimony
  • Operational reviews and group booking pace reports
  • Operator selection and negotiation guidance
  • Receivership services during distressed situations

These services allow clients to make informed decisions at every stage of the hospitality investment cycle.

Which Industries Does Pinnacle Advisory Group Serve?

Pinnacle Advisory Group serves the hospitality industry, focusing on hotels, resorts, and related real estate assets. Its consulting services also extend to universities and other institutions involved in campus hospitality and lodging facilities.

The firm’s work primarily falls into three categories:

  • Hotel and resort operations and investment strategy
  • University housing and hospitality planning
  • Broader real estate investment analysis with a focus on lodging assets

This industry focus ensures that consultants develop deep, specialized expertise valued across the sector.

Where Are Pinnacle Advisory Group’s Office Locations?

Pinnacle Advisory Group offices are located in Boston, New York City, Tampa, Providence, and Washington DC. These locations enable the firm to serve hospitality markets across the East Coast and beyond.

By maintaining offices in multiple major cities, Pinnacle ensures close proximity to clients and projects. This regional footprint also supports consultants in building networks within different hospitality hubs.

What Careers Are Available at Pinnacle Advisory Group?

Pinnacle Advisory Group careers include roles such as analyst, project coordinator, accountant, and director. These positions allow consultants to develop expertise in hospitality asset management, strategic planning, and financial analysis.

Career opportunities typically involve:

  • Analysts supporting feasibility studies and valuation work
  • Project coordinators managing client engagements and data analysis
  • Directors overseeing client relationships and high-level strategy

For aspiring consultants, Pinnacle offers a career path with strong exposure to financial modeling, corporate strategy, and hospitality operations.

Are There Pinnacle Advisory Group Internships for Students?

Pinnacle Advisory Group internships have been offered in the past, though availability may vary by year. Students pursuing hospitality management, real estate, or business often find these opportunities valuable for hands-on industry exposure.

Internships provide:

  • Experience in feasibility studies and market research
  • Opportunities to support valuation and investment analysis
  • Mentorship from experienced consultants in small teams

Aspiring interns should monitor the firm’s announcements and apply early, as positions are competitive and limited.

What Is the Culture Like at Pinnacle Advisory Group?

The Pinnacle Advisory Group culture is client-focused, emphasizing high-quality service and small-team collaboration. Employees often describe the environment as professional, close-knit, and supportive, with opportunities to learn directly from senior consultants.

Cultural characteristics include:

  • Small project teams of 2 to 3 people
  • A focus on delivering strong client outcomes
  • High expectations balanced with mentorship from leadership

While the emphasis on client service can be demanding, the firm provides valuable exposure to hospitality strategy and asset management.

How Much Is the Pinnacle Advisory Group Salary by Role?

The Pinnacle Advisory Group salary ranges from approximately $66,000 for accountants to over $160,000 for directors. Analyst salaries average around $73,000, while project coordinators earn over $100,000. These salaries are competitive within hospitality consulting but lower than those at top strategy firms.

Typical salary bands:

  • Accountant: $66,000
  • Analyst: $73,000
  • Project Coordinator: $106,000
  • Director: $163,000

These figures reflect opportunities for steady progression within a specialized consulting niche.

What Is the Interview Process at Pinnacle Advisory Group?

The Pinnacle Advisory Group interview process typically involves three rounds, often conducted in a single day. Candidates can expect conversational interviews that assess prior experience and problem-solving ability, rather than traditional case interviews.

Common elements include:

  • Behavioral questions about teamwork and client service
  • Scenario-based questions relevant to hospitality and strategy
  • Friendly, professional interviewers who value preparation and curiosity

Applicants should be ready to demonstrate both analytical skills and an interest in hospitality consulting.

What Exit Opportunities Do Consultants Have After Pinnacle Advisory Group?

Pinnacle Advisory Group exit opportunities include roles at other consulting firms, hospitality companies, and real estate investment firms. Consultants often leverage their expertise to move into corporate strategy or asset management positions within the hospitality sector.

Potential pathways include:

  • Hospitality companies seeking internal strategy and finance talent
  • Other boutique or mid-sized consulting firms
  • Broader financial services or corporate advisory roles

This breadth of opportunities makes Pinnacle a strong starting point for career growth.

Is Pinnacle Advisory Group a Good Consulting Firm to Join?

Pinnacle Advisory Group is a good consulting firm for candidates seeking specialized experience in hospitality and asset management. Its small-team environment, strong mentorship, and client focus make it appealing for those who want hands-on consulting exposure.

Strengths include:

  • Deep specialization in hospitality and hotel real estate
  • Opportunities to work closely with senior consultants
  • A professional yet collaborative culture

Potential challenges include lower salaries compared to MBB and a narrower industry focus, but for those passionate about hospitality consulting, it can be an excellent fit.

How Do Advisory Firms Like Pinnacle Make Money?

Advisory firms like Pinnacle make money by charging fees for consulting services, which may include project-based billing, retainer agreements, or hourly consulting rates. Their revenue depends on the scope and complexity of services delivered to clients.

Examples of revenue streams:

  • Feasibility studies and valuation projects
  • Ongoing asset management contracts
  • Strategic planning and litigation support services

By offering specialized expertise, advisory firms create value that clients are willing to pay for.

Who Are the Top Advisory Firms Besides Pinnacle Advisory Group?

The top advisory firms besides Pinnacle include global players known for management consulting and the Big 4 advisory firms. These firms serve broader industries but also maintain hospitality practices.

Examples of categories include:

  • Global management consultancies with diversified services
  • Big 4 advisory firms offering strategy and transaction support
  • Boutique firms specializing in niche industries like hospitality

This context helps candidates understand how Pinnacle fits within the wider consulting landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between consulting and advisory firms?
A: The difference between consulting and advisory firms is that consulting firms often deliver end-to-end project execution, while advisory firms like Pinnacle Advisory Group focus on specialized expertise, such as hospitality consulting, asset management, and hotel real estate consulting.

Q: Who are the Big 4 advisory firms?
A: The Big 4 advisory firms are Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. These global leaders provide services across audit, tax, and consulting, offering broader scale compared to boutique firms like Pinnacle Advisory Group that specialize in hospitality consulting and asset management.

Q: What is the best degree to break into consulting?
A: The best degree to break into consulting is usually a business, finance, or economics degree, though many consultants also come from engineering or hospitality backgrounds. For roles at firms like Pinnacle Advisory Group, strong quantitative skills and knowledge of hotel real estate or asset management are especially valuable.

Q: How long do most people stay in consulting?
A: Most people stay in consulting for three to five years before pursuing exit opportunities in corporate strategy, private equity, or industry roles. At Pinnacle Advisory Group, consultants often gain specialized experience in hospitality industries that supports long-term career growth.

Q: Can you make 7 figures as a financial advisor?
A: Yes, it is possible to make 7 figures as a financial advisor, but it typically requires decades of experience, a large client base, and a strong reputation. While Pinnacle Advisory Group salary levels are competitive in hospitality consulting, they are structured differently than financial advisory compensation models.

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