In this episode of the Future Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Clay Bassford, founder of Bespoke Sound, a sonic identity studio helping hotels and resorts design how they’re heard—not just seen. We explore the growing importance of sonic branding in hospitality, how music and sound shape guest experiences, and Clay’s journey from musician to entrepreneur. Whether you're a hotelier, designer, or creative thinker, this conversation will expand the way you think about brand experience—one song...
Jun 09, 2025•36 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Alicia Zur-Szpiro and Saar Shai, co-founders of Wanderland London and seasoned creatives with backgrounds in game design, toy invention, and kids’ publishing. As the first Kids & Teens Hospitality Consultancy, they’re redefining family travel with insights from their Global Kids Hospitality Report and innovative ideas for engaging younger guests. https://www.kidshospitality.org/ https://www.wanderland.london/ https://longitudedesign.com/
Jan 20, 2025•46 min
Today we're joined by Eric Moeller, founder of Freewyld, to talk about his journey from a career in construction to navigating the wild west of short-term rentals and building a standout hospitality brand. During our discussion, Eric shares how Freewyld was born, why branding is so important, and what's next for his company. https://freewyld.com/ https://longitudedesign.com/
Jan 15, 2025•41 min
In this episode we talk with Julie Purpura, Owner of Avenir a full-service hospitality design studio based in Chicago. Julie and her team have designed projects such as Cyrus Hotel, Trilogy Hotel, and other exciting hotel brands throughout the US. During our chat we learn about the early days of Julie’s design career, discuss the ideal blend of design and brand, and how Julie has filled her studio with exceptional talent. https://www.avenircreative.com/ https://longitudedesign.com/
Oct 29, 2024•28 min
Hoteliers and brand agency owners, Dustin Myers and Jeremy Wells, recount their two-year journey from branding experts to hotel owners of The Ozarker Lodge in Branson, MO, and The Parker Hotel in Parker, CO. In this "behind-the-scenes" podcast, they share their story from start to finish—the highs and lows, the obstacles and challenges they overcame, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Discover how their newfound experience in the hospitality world helps them better serve their cli...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In today’s episode, we sit down with Lauren and Lee Gonzalez of L and L Hospitality; the team behind several outstanding boutique hostels such as The Local, in New York City and Lolo Pass, which opened in May 2021 in Portland Oregon. During our discussion, we learn about the unique opportunities and challenges that come with owning a hostel, and how they navigate that together as business partners and sisters. We also learn more out how they create unconventional comfort and a strong sense of pl...
Jan 24, 2023•34 min
In today’s episode, we connect with Jeremy Selman — Former President and Co-Founder of Sydell Group, and a veteran advisor and entrepreneur, who’s led the development of several iconic lifestyle hotels and real estate brands. During our interview, Jeremy reflects on the last 20 years of his career, shares the importance of team-building, and talks about the importance of friction in the creative process — and how it can ultimately lead to better outcomes.
Nov 22, 2022•43 min
In this episode, we meet up with Sana Keefer – Creative Director & Founder of ASI ASI, owner and operator of the Eastside Supper Club in Boyle Heights LA, and a hospitality consultant for brands such as LINE Hotel, NoMad Hotels, Soho House, and The Standard. During our chat, we find out more about Sana’s early career, how she made the transition from residential to commercial, why she believes there are no shortcuts to creating exceptional experiences, and find out more about her latest ende...
Nov 11, 2022•40 min
In today’s episode, we sit down with Will Spurzem, Founder + Head of Design at Boundary Works, a design + development group creating new experiences in the blurry spaces between home/office/hotel/nature. During our chat, you’ll hear about Will’s background as Senior Design Director at Autocamp, hear about his recent leap into starting his own firm, and learn about what he believes are essential components of creating great outdoor hospitality experiences. https://www.boundaryworks.design/ https:...
Oct 27, 2022•30 min
In today’s episode we get the chance to talk with Ethan Orley, Managing Partner BNA Associates, and Oliver Hospitality; an award-winning Nashville-based concept, development, and management company focusing on hotels and food & beverage, with specific expertise in independent lifestyle brand development. During our discussion, we chat about the excitement and challenges of developing independent hotels, how it’s possible to make smaller properties work, and the importance of managing with a ...
Aug 29, 2022•41 min
In this episode, we speak with Danny Collins, founder of 37 North Expeditions; a company that curates exceptional outdoor experiences that blend social interactions, physical activity, and outdoor education. During our discussion, we get to hear about Danny's interesting background, experiences that have impacted his journey along the way, and his view of the future of hospitality and travel. https://www.37northexpeditions.com https://longitudedesign.com
May 25, 2022•44 min
In this episode, we speak with Atit Jariwala – Founder & CEO of Bridgeton a real estate company specializing in boutique hospitality investment, development, and operations. Bridgeton is dedicated to innovation in hospitality through expressive design, uncommon experiences, and exceptional service. During our chat, we'll discover the secret to Atit's success, the challenges he's overcome along the way, and how he and his team create an incredible experience at each of their properties.
Nov 23, 2021•51 min
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with O'Shannon Burns, Ecosystems Steward at Regenerative Travel; a collection of independent resorts and hotels committed to providing immersive experiences while making a social and environmental impact in their local communities. During our conversation, we'll learn more about regenerative travel and how our industry can help foster the ideas of regeneration in the minds of travelers – and together, make the future of travel and tourism even br...
Nov 12, 2021•38 min
In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Stephen Chan — Co-Founder at Eagle Point Hotel Partners, Partner at Sightline Hospitality, and Vice Chairman at the Independent Lodging Congress. During our discussion, we'll hear about the challenges and opportunities that have formed Stephen's path, his perspective on the value of independence as a property, and his team's approach to creating a unique narrative and story for each of their properties. http://eaglepointhotels.com/ https:...
Sep 14, 2021•41 min
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Phil Hospod, Founder & CEO of Dovetail & Co. – hotel owners, developers, and operators who are mixing their expertise in real estate and hospitality to create incredible spaces that leave a lasting impression. During our conversation, we'll learn about the history of Dovetail + Co., the importance of staying agile in an industry like hospitality, and how Phil - and his team of hospitality all-stars - have collaborated to create some ...
Aug 18, 2021•30 min
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Jenna Fishel – VP of Revenue Management at First Hospitality: a premier hotel operator, specializing in full service and select-service properties. During our chat, we find out about Jenna’s journey in hospitality, her approach to Revenue Management, and how First Hospitality is uniquely equipped to provide their clients with industry-leading results through their proprietary FirstAnalytics system. http://firsthospitality.com -- Future Hosp...
Aug 04, 2021•28 min
In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Michelle Jaime, President and Creative Director at The Vanguard Theory — a creative studio that collaborates with like-minded artists, craftsmen, and designers. During our chat, we’ll find out how Michelle was able to develop her knowledge and skills early in her career, hear about some of the unique projects she’s been a part of, and explore the term “Host Culture” and how this concept guides her to design more sustainable hotels.
Jul 27, 2021•32 min
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Goodrich – Principal at Goodrich; an interior design and branding firm based in NYC. Matt is an award-winning interior designer and strategist known for projects that feature rich narrative content and foster interaction and human connection. In our conversation, we’ll hear about Matt’s past journey as a designer, lessons he’s learned while building his own agency, and find out what excites him about the future of hospitality.
Jul 01, 2021•39 min
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Romie Mooshtuk – Chief Wellness officer at Evolution Hospitality, Founder of "brainSHIFT at Work”, and an expert on brain and mental health. During our discussion, we’ll learn more about her unique role at evolution hospitality, how she’s helping to improve the American workforce through her efforts at BrainSHIFT, and learn about the importance of mindfulness and wellness in the workplace.
Apr 20, 2021•35 min
In this episode, we speak with Corey Weathers, Co-Founder, and CEO at ROAM Beyond — a concept that brings mobile living experience and refined off-the-grid lodging unlike any other. Using environmentally conscious materials, designed in modern and interesting ways. During our conversation, we learn about Corey’s background and how this idea came to life, lessons that he’s learned along the way, and the exciting future in store for ROAM. https://www.roambeyond.travel https://longitudedesign.com
Apr 01, 2021•40 min
Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Billy Skelli-Cohen, Co-Founder at Àterre a new brand that blends the warmth of a second home, the ease of a guest house, and the delight of a hotel under one roof, inviting guests to live while traveling. During the conversation, we learn more about the vision for Àterre, how Billy and Liran Wizman came up with the idea, and what the future holds for this exciting new hospitality brand.
Mar 24, 2021•26 min
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Damon Lawrence, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Homage Hospitality Group. A new hotel brand that aims to inspire innovators through redesigning the hospitality experience. During our discussion we get to hear about Damon’s own journey in hospitality and how Homage came to be, we find out how Damon has overcome challenges after challenges, and hear about some exciting new things in store for Homage. https://www.anewkindofhospitality.com h...
Mar 15, 2021•34 min
In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Tom Parker, Co-Founder of Fettle — a boutique interior architecture and design firm that specializes in hospitality. During our discussion, we’ll find out how Tom and his business partner, Andy, started Fettle and how it’s evolved over the years, we’ll learn about how they successfully manage the tension between great design and budgetary constraints and also hear about some exciting projects they’ve been working on that will be opening soon...
Mar 09, 2021•33 min
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mona Lewicka, Director of Connections and Partnerships at The Transformational Travel Council — a transformation design organization aimed at changing the way travelers engage with the world around us. During our conversation, we’ll learn about what Transformational Travel is and why it matters, find out how the TTC started and their vision for the future, and also discuss how even an otherwise mundane business trip can become a transformati...
Mar 02, 2021•41 min
Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Ben Rafter, President, and CEO of Springboard Hospitality — one of the largest boutique hotel management companies on the west coast, with 36 hotels and resorts in 11 states. During our chat, we get to hear the interesting story about Ben's journey in hospitality and what led him to where he is now, how he and his team are creating more custom-tailored local guides at their properties, and the important role that technology and data play in the guest e...
Feb 24, 2021•31 min
In this episode, we chat with Patrick Thompson — Principal at Patrick Thompson Design – an award-winning, Detroit-based design studio specializing in hospitality, retail, residential, higher education, and workplace environments. During our chat, we’ll see what Patrick’s formative years were like as a young designer, find out how he and his team are impacting people’s lives through well-designed spaces, and learn why he’s chosen to make Detroit his home again. https://patrickthompsondesign.com h...
Feb 09, 2021•39 min
In this episode, we chat with Dury Kim — Regional Director Of Revenue Management at Real Hospitality Group – one of the fastest-growing hotel management companies in the United States. During our discussion, we find out about Dury’s career and what led her to her current position at Real Hospitality, talk about the lessons and insights her team has learned over the last year, and discuss how technology and data have played a vital role in the success of Real Hospitality’s portfolio. This is an e...
Feb 04, 2021•33 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Colin and Ronan Hannan. Brothers and Principles at Proven Partners. PROVEN is an international real estate and hotel consultancy that specializes in independent hotels, resorts, and resort real estate. Together, they bring over 35 years of experience and insights as developers and owners. In our conversation, we’ll discuss their background and how Proven Partners came to be. We’ll dive into their approach to creating a holistic, sustainable, and immersive experie...
Jan 25, 2021•40 min
In today’s episode, we chat with Zach Kupperman, founder of Kupperman Companies, the development and investment team behind the award-winning boutique hotel, “The Drifter Hotel" in New Orleans, LA. We’ll learn about Zach’s journey in hospitality and real estate, the vision that led to the opening of The Drifter hotel, his commitment to community, and what excites him about the future of hospitality.
Jan 07, 2021•36 min
Lead designer and founder of PDG Studios, Lisa Haude is an expert in livable luxury. She has built PDG Studios into a hospitality design powerhouse. With projects ranging from The Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria in New Orleans to the award-winning the Portland Marriott Downtown. We’ll talk with Lisa about the values that shape her team’s work, ideas for finding new ways to tell old stories, and her plans shaping the future of hospitality.
Dec 15, 2020•40 min
