A lot of the most creative elements of hospitality have been damaged by those who don’t recognize the value of branding and providing distinctive hospitality - but this actually might create an opportunity for you. In this episode, Spherical Founder and CEO Adam Wallace explains what he has seen over the past few decades working with some of the most innovative hotel brands and the opportunity he sees for all of us to stand out, be different, and succeed today. A few more resources: If you're ne...
Nov 22, 2023•10 min
How can hotels provide unique, reliable experiences to more people while remaining profitable? Joining us today to answer that question is Rami Zeidan. Rami drew from his experience in investment banking and hotel development at companies such as Deutsche Bank, Starwood Capital Group, and Sydell Group to found Life House in 2017 after spotting an opportunity that many hospitality entrepreneurs were missing - and that was to empower hotel owners to run profitable independent hotels through techno...
Nov 21, 2023•29 min
Can hotels be more than just a place to stay? Can hospitality become a driving force for the renewal of places and catalysts for community engagement? Join us as we explore this with Kara Bartelt , General Manager at The Hoxton, Downtown LA. In this conversation, you'll hear what it looks like to provide hospitality and contribute to revitalization on many different levels. You'll learn about the power of adaptive reuse of historic buildings and how projects like these are reshaping places like ...
Nov 20, 2023•12 min
Richard Fertig is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Stomp Capital and in this episode, shares the lesson that billionaire investor Steve Schwarzman shared with him when he was the first person recruited into Blackstone's Alternative Asset Management group early in his career. You'll hear what's going on in the investment landscape today, thoughts on mitigating risk and identifying opportunities, stories of anticipating market trends and creating value in investments, as well as what mi...
Nov 19, 2023•24 min
In this episode, Rachel Humphrey, founder of the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and principal at DEI Advisors, delves into her diverse career journey, from being a trial lawyer to transitioning to the hospitality industry. You'll learn about the importance of collaboration among mission-driven organizations in hospitality, how alliances can amplify efforts and achieve greater results, and the power of diversity in creating representative leadership within hospitality today. Learn more ...
Nov 18, 2023•18 min
Lots of hospitality providers talk about serving their community, but few go as far as the organizations we're going to be talking about today: Saira Hospitality , the LeBron James Family Foundation , and Graduate Hotels . In this episode, you'll hear from Graduate Hotels president Kevin Osterhaus about a project they did together and the opportunity it shows. Listen to our other episode with Kevin: Investing in Education: The Graduate Academy Program Listen to more of our episodes on community ...
Nov 17, 2023•7 min
How does Palisociety , the rapidly growing lifestyle hospitality company, create a distinctive and inviting experience for its guests? This episode with Jorgan von Stiening , President of Palisociety, delves into the company's journey from its inception, including its "proprietor-driven" approach that reflects the taste and style of its founder and CEO, Avi Brosh . In this episode, you will learn about the company's focus on small, neighborhood-centric hotels, attention to detail in design and g...
Nov 16, 2023•22 min
We met Amy Salvago earlier this year when she explained the "Wellness Wednesday" program they have at the Cameo Beverly Hills, a Remington Hotels property. I recently went back to the hotel to meet with Amy and her team, and in this episode, you'll hear a bit more about this program and what the impact has been. I think you'll be as inspired as I was by what providing something like this could do for your teams. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send ...
Nov 15, 2023•12 min
Booking.com is one of the most powerful companies in hospitality today, and the story of how it got started and grew has lessons for all of us - wherever we are in the hospitality and travel ecosystem. Lou Zameryka was an early employee and eventual Director of Global Accounts for the company, where he led the efforts to engage with the world's biggest hotel brands. In this episode, he shares the fascinating story of Booking's growth and evolution. You'll hear about the company's origins and lea...
Nov 14, 2023•27 min
Would you like to set up your new team members for success from the very start? In this episode, Joanna Dodaro Johansen , head of people experience for citizenM hotels in the US, explains how she thinks about this and does this with her teams. Follow Joanna on LinkedIn Learn more about citizenM hotels careers Listen to our other episode with Joanna: Leading People Experience at citizenM Hotels A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here w...
Nov 13, 2023•11 min
Today, we're learning from Bill Walshe, the former CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group, who today is helping others in hospitality as a board member, strategic advisor, and keynote speaker. In this episode, you'll learn about the word that defines luxury and hospitality for people today...and the three factors that will affect the success of any hospitality experience today. Follow Bill on LinkedIn Visit Bill's website Watch Bill's Ted talk: A Roadmap of Pride A few more resources: If you're new to Hospi...
Nov 12, 2023•7 min
In this episode, we're learning from Matt Mering , the Executive Vice President of Hospitality at Waterton . Matt shares the origins and development of Outbound Hotels , a nature and adventure-focused lifestyle portfolio. We explore the investment opportunities in the hospitality industry and how Waterton's experience in multifamily real estate has positioned them well to invest in hospitality. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of investment and outdoor-focused hospitality and travel....
Nov 11, 2023•15 min
In this episode, Kevin Osterhaus, the President of Graduate Hotels, explains the Graduate Academy program, a best-in-class offering that allows team members to pursue undergraduate degrees paid for by Graduate Hotels. Kevin shares examples of team members pursuing university certifications related to their roles within the organization, highlighting the company's commitment to employee education. Tune in to learn about the investments Graduate Hotels has made in education and the positive impact...
Nov 10, 2023•14 min
In this episode, Joanna Dodaro Johansen , head of people experience for citizenM hotels in the US, shares how they create a great employee experience at one of the most innovative hotel brands in the world. Joanna discusses their approach to recruiting, hiring, and daily practices that encourage a culture of celebrating individuality. She emphasizes the importance of employee experience in shaping the guest experience and the success of the business. Watch the video: Let your talents travel Foll...
Nov 09, 2023•20 min
In this episode, Anthony Melchiorri discusses the state of the hotel industry and the interconnected relationships between owners, real estate investors, brands, and management companies. He emphasizes the challenges faced by the industry, such as rising costs and the importance of working together, along with the need to balance profit-making with preserving the soul of the industry. Anthony highlights the significance of strong relationships between these stakeholders and the impact they will ...
Nov 08, 2023•9 min
In this episode, we're learning from Mint House CEO Christian Lee about the story behind their tech-forward hospitality company, whose board and investors include former chief executives from Four Seasons, Disney, Club Med, Starwood Hotels, St. Regis Hotels, JBG Smith, and Travelocity. Christian shares his unique global perspective and how it has shaped his career in hospitality. You'll hear what sets Mint House apart, the trends they are tracking, and the creative approaches they are taking to ...
Nov 07, 2023•37 min
If you care about hospitality, why should you care about finance and Wall Street? To answer that question, I went to Wall Street in New York and met with Trica Jean-Baptiste, Founder and CEO of Morgensheer Hospitality, who has a fascinating career that started in hospitality, PR, and media and has evolved into her current work as a capital connector - someone at the heart of the investment world in hospitality today. In this conversation, you'll learn about how Trica built and evolved her career...
Nov 06, 2023•30 min
Tanner Cummings is creating a "deconstructed resort" based on an old Celtic concept of "thin places" - the notion of heaven meeting earth. In this episode, you'll learn how he and his wife Melissa drew from their background of ministry and caring for others into the opportunity they had to create a radically different kind of hospitality business in northern Georgia. You'll learn how they also draw from their career experiences in technology and e-commerce to build this business, how they think ...
Nov 05, 2023•32 min
Fernando Vives is the Chief Commercial Officer of NH Hotel Group, and one of the biggest takeaways I had from our conversation is the need to never stop learning. In this episode, you'll learn why he encourages us to live with a learner's mindset and stay curious to succeed in hospitality today. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights ...
Nov 04, 2023•7 min
Everyone wants to be innovative, create something remarkable, and provide memorable hospitality - but what does that take....really? Getting to know our guest today, Adam Wallace , over the past 15 years has shown me the answer to that question is culture . Early in his career, Adam worked at his family's hotel in New York, getting national media coverage for the innovative community building they were doing - and today runs Spherical , a hotel marketing agency with a client roster that's a who'...
Nov 03, 2023•22 min
Are you looking to attract more travelers to book a stay with you and enhance their experience when they do? If so, you'll love this episode because we're learning from Gina Lambright , VP of Marketing at Sojern , a SaaS-based travel marketing platform powered by AI and machine learning. Gina shares insights on how hospitality providers can use data to drive direct bookings, increase campaign ROI, and build long-term loyalty. You'll learn about the importance of owning and managing data well, th...
Nov 02, 2023•28 min
Populus is going to be the first carbon-positive hotel in America when it opens in Denver in 2024, which basically means it leaves the planet in a better place than before it existed because it's removing carbon dioxide (C02) emissions from the air. In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes with the developer of the incredible project, Jon Buerge of Urban Villages, to hear all about how it got started and the opportunity it presents for all of us in hospitality. Follow Jon on LinkedIn Learn...
Nov 02, 2023•51 min
Melissa Maher helped build Expedia over 20 years into one of the biggest companies in the world as its Chief Marketing Officer. In this episode, you'll hear the career and leadership lessons she learned through that experience - as well as how she planned and navigated her transition into the work she's doing today. Watch Melissa's interview with DEI Advisors on her career journey Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Learn more about Pinnacle Enterprises Group A few more resources: If you're new to Hospit...
Nov 01, 2023•27 min
Stefan Merriweather is Head of Creative for The LINE hotels, and today, we're learning from him about everything from developing new projects to collaborating with artists to empowering team members. After listening to this episode, you're going to be inspired to use art, design, and creativity as a powerful way to delight your guests and grow your hospitality business. Follow Stefan on LinkedIn Follow Stefan on Instagram A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You...
Oct 31, 2023•35 min
Whether you're still working on your budgets for the year ahead or have those all done, our guest today has advice for what it will take to succeed over the year ahead. Bill Walshe is the former CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group, and today, he's helping others in hospitality as a board member, strategic advisor, and keynote speaker. In this episode, you'll learn the two titles Bill wants you to have - as well as how you need to think about balancing bold pricing with generosity. Follow Bill on LinkedIn...
Oct 30, 2023•9 min
In this episode, we delve into the transformative hospitality and strong convictions of Jeff Stanford, co-owner (with his wife Joan) of the Stanford Inn in Mendocino, California. They are not just passionate about providing a great guest experience; they're committed to promoting plant-based eating, local travel, and a connection with nature. Join us as we explore how the Stanfords are using their inn as a tool to inspire positive change in the world. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospi...
Oct 30, 2023•10 min
In this episode, Lou Zameryka discusses his transition from being an early leader at Booking.com and building that business to focusing now on health, wellness, and longevity. You'll hear about the importance of health and wellness in unleashing human potential, along with insights on how you can lead a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. But it doesn't stop there - stay tuned to learn the concept of "healthspan" - and the unique opportunity hospitality providers have in moving wellness fro...
Oct 28, 2023•18 min
Anthony Melchiorri started his hospitality career working at an Embassy Suites in Kansas and then worked his way up to becoming one of the most successful hotel general managers in New York City. Throughout that journey, he discovered some practical things that allowed him to show up for himself and for the hotels and people he served. Then in 2012, he landed a deal with the Travel Channel that led to him hosting nine seasons of the hit show, Hotel Impossible, where he gave millions of people a ...
Oct 27, 2023•38 min
A new opening sets the tone for a hotel's success for years to come - so what does it take to do it right? I can't think of someone better to answer this question than Jorge Treviño , who, in his first role dedicated to this, opened up 44 hotels for Kimpton - before opening countless others as executive vice president at Two Roads Hospitality, and his most recent role as Senior Vice President of Openings and Operations for Hyatt . In this episode, we cover everything from what's at stake during ...
Oct 26, 2023•18 min
In this episode, Melissa Maher, Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Enterprises Group, shares her insights on what it takes to be a successful leader today - drawing from her experience as Expedia's former Chief Marketing Officer. Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Learn more about Pinnacle Enterprises Group A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights fro...
Oct 25, 2023•12 min
