Brian Monette is the CEO of Transition Path, a pioneering company that specializes in capturing and cataloging internal knowledge to prepare organizations for transitions and uncertainties. We'll explore how the sucessful transfer of knowledge can have a massive impact on employee happiness, retention, and performance In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of successful transitions of knowledge What new hires are looking for from their boss's and managers What Brian learned from his time ...
Oct 19, 2023•37 min
Today, our guest is Frank Reeves, the Co-Founder & CEO of Avvio, which recently merged with the SHR group. He is more than a tad obsessed with delivering innovative technologies and new distribution networks to grow direct bookings for hotels. Frank’s unwavering focus on innovation led him to build the hospitality industry's first fully guest-centric booking platform powered by artificial intelligence, called Allora, in October 2017. Allora now serves hoteliers with multiple skills, includin...
Oct 12, 2023•39 min
Are you ready to learn about the art of hospitality design with Longitude Branding? Jeremy Wells is an independent hotelier, brand strategist, investor, and author who believes that true hospitality, thoughtfully-crafted experiences, and humble attitudes can change the world. In this episode, we talk about his journey from creative director and designer to independent hotelier and author. We dive into the importance of branding for hotels, his experience as a newly minted independent hotelier, a...
Oct 05, 2023•33 min
How can we use technology to help make travel easier? Jacqueline Nunley is a Travel & Hospitality Industry Advisor at Salesforce. She is an experienced world traveler and got into the Hospitality Industry because of her love for travel. She has dedicated her career to making it easier to travel using technology. In this episode, we dig into how hoteliers can make travel easier for their guests and th eir employees by using emerging technologies, like AI. In this episode, you'll learn: The co...
Sep 28, 2023•45 min
Jessica Gillingham is a public relations expert in the hospitality and lodging space. She is the founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a public relations agency she launched in 2017 to focus on raising the profile of transformative technology solutions and enterprise operators in the global short-term rental, lodging, and living sectors. With over 20 years of experience in travel, hospitality, and technology, Jessica is also an advisor, board member, leadership mentor, and industry commentator on ...
Sep 14, 2023•32 min
Jeanelle Johnson is a Principal, Lead Client Partner and Travel, Transportation and Hospitality (TTH) sector Co-Leader at PwC, focused on client service, industry perspective and research for the firm’s leading TTH clients. With nearly 25 years of experience at leading investment banking and consulting firms, Jeanelle’s passion is to help clients with strategic planning around their growth and investment agendas and advise on business-wide risks and value drivers in their business transformation...
Sep 07, 2023•32 min
Melinda Welch is a brand and experience strategy leader. She is the head of strategy at Brand Bureau , teaches branding at the School for Visual Arts and the Pratt Institute, and is the co-host of the BrandBox Podcast . Melinda is an expert in helping brands craft unique perspectives and connect deeply with their audience through design. Throughout the episode, Melinda shares valuable insights into the power of branding and how it can effectively communicate a message to consumers, helping hotel...
Aug 24, 2023•27 min
In today's episode, we speak with Nick Horgan, who is the CCO at Amaze Insights. We delve into the world of selling into hotels, technology adoption, and the importance of relationships in the hospitality industry. Nick shares his experiences, from working at NewMarket, to being a part of building a successful company and navigating acquisitions, to emphasizing the importance of integrity and reputation in retaining customers. In this episode, you'll learn about: The truth behind what really goe...
Aug 17, 2023•50 min
Welcome back to another episode of The Modern Hotelier! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of cannabis-focued travel and the evolving cannabis travel trend. Our guest, Brian Applegarth, is here to shed light on this growing industry and share his expertise on creating enriching experiences for cannabis enthusiasts. From cannabis consumption lounges to effect pairing methods, Brian covers it all. We'll explore the history and potential benefits of cannabis, the importance of mindful c...
Aug 10, 2023•59 min
Welcome back to The Modern Hotelier podcast! In today's episode, we explore the challenges & opportunities in the vacation rental industry with Dale Smith. Dale is the Founder & CEO of the SDDE Smith Group, a family business forming multiple brands that provide end-to-end client services for the real estate sector, from legal, to design, construction and ongoing life-cycle property management. In this episode you'll learn about: The importance of design and photography in maximizing prop...
Jul 27, 2023•37 min
In this informative discussion, we have two guests joining us, John Fay and Kris Herrin from BirchStreet. Join us as we dive deep into the world of payment processing and uncover valuable insights to help you optimize your payment systems. Whether you're a business owner, financial professional, or simply interested in understanding the intricacies of payment processing, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, we will explore key topics such as: • What solutions and benefits does Birch S...
Jul 20, 2023•21 min
We're excited to bring you this special episode from HITEC 2023 in Toronto! During the week of HITEC, we sat down with hospitality professionals at GAIN's Night of Legends event at the Hockey Hall of Fame. We had a lot of fun with this one! In this episode you'll discover: The value of HITEC and why people keep coming back The most interesting and innovative technologies at HITEC Some new faces in the Hospitality Industry Why Hospitality Industry is truly about the The Modern Hotelier is produce...
Jul 13, 2023•59 min
Do you want to gain insights into the latest trends and advancements in the hospitality industry, specifically focused on Vacation Rentals? In this episode, we have a special guest speaker, Michael Friedman, the COO of Onefinestay in the Americas. Michael will share invaluable career insights gained from his vast experience in the field. We will also delve into how Hotels and Vacation Rental verticals are converging. In this episode, you will discover: Who is Onefinestay and how they're changing...
Jun 22, 2023•35 min
HITEC is just around the corner, and this week we have the perfect guest... In this episode, we have a special guest speaker, Neil Foster, the President of HFTP (HITEC, USALI). Neil shares invaluable career insights gained from his vast experience in the field. We will also delve into his journey in tourism, hospitality technology, and what led him to be the President of HFTP. In this episode, you will learn: • Why Neil is excited for HITEC 2023 • About Neil's journey to become the president of ...
Jun 15, 2023•50 min
In today’s episode, we talk about the dynamic world of hotel ownership, fair franchising, and legal advocacy in the travel industry. We have an amazing guest speaker, Laura Lee Blake, as she shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise accumulated over her impressive 25-year career. Laura Lee Blake is the President & CEO of AAHOA, the leading resource and advocate for Asian American hotel owners. Her diverse expertise spans the realms of law, government, business, and academia, making her an...
Jun 08, 2023•44 min
In this episode, we speak with Dina Belon, the Chief Operating Officer at Staypineapple Hotels Inc. We dig into how StayPinapple's unique brand combines creativity, sustainability, and exceptional guest experiences to redefine hospitality. In this episode, you'll discover: • How StayPineapple is capitalizing on authenticity to create unique guest experiences • How to get started with sustainability and build a green team • How StayPineapple threw away the scripts to create an authentic culture T...
Jun 01, 2023•54 min
In this episode, join us as we venture to the highly anticipated Independent Lodging Congress (ILC) in Denver. ILC is a gathering like no other, where owners and operators of independent hotels come together to discover, collaborate, and generate groundbreaking ideas. This is the place where industry leaders converge to shape the future of independent lodging. We'll provide you with an exclusive inside look at the vibrant atmosphere and dynamic discussions that unfold at ILC. Join us, as we enga...
May 18, 2023•38 min
Have you ever wondered who represents and advocates for the Hospitality Industry to government leaders and policymakers? Today we get to meet the man who leads that organization. Our guest today is the President & CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Chip Rogers. In this episode, Chip shares his insights on the latest trends in the hospitality industry, including the rise of sustainable tourism and the increasing demand for personalized travel experiences. He also discusses the...
May 11, 2023•34 min
Hoteliers, what is your most valuable asset? Our guest this week strongly believes it's people (we agree). Ashok Patel is the Chief Development Officer at Jamsan Hotel Management and he joins the show to talk about why it's essential to protect your most valuable asset: your people. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of strategically thinking about the safety of your team Some of the ways that Jamsan Hotel Management is using technology to help with risk mitigation The cost savings th...
Apr 25, 2023•32 min
How can you help your staff focus on the most important tasks? Have you tried a hologram? Well... that might just be the answer. In this episode, Andre Smith & Marnix Lock, the Founders of Holoconnect, join us to talk about how they came up with Holoconnects, how holograms are being used in hospitality, and so much more! In this episode, you'll learn: How holograms are being used to increase efficiency and allow staff to do more important tasks The origin behind the idea for Holoconnects Why...
Apr 18, 2023•46 min
Can you eliminate all administrative tasks from hotels? That's the goal of Thomas Furulund and CIC Hospitality. They've even started implementing some new groundbreaking technology to help them in their mission. The new tech? Holographic front desk agents. Hear more about it in this episode! In this episode, you'll learn: How CIC Hospitality is using holograms to reduce administrative tasks The importance of finding and working with the right supplier when implementing new technology What parts ...
Apr 11, 2023•28 min
We're kicking off our 2023 episodes by getting to know the team behind the Modern Hotelier a bit better. In this episode, David and Steve introduce our producer Jon, and they all ask each other questions. We hope you enjoy getting to know the team! Next week we'll be back to our normal schedule of sharing conversations with the best leaders, innovators, and influencers in the industry! Produced, edited, and published by Make More Media For full show notes and more information head to: https://th...
Apr 06, 2023•8 min
Being an independent hotelier is hard. Sometimes it can feel like you don't have the infrastructure, resources, and knowledge you need to stay afloat or keep growing. Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world's largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 700 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. So, they know a thing or two about supporting independent hoteliers. And this week we have Christopher Ahlgrim, who is the Vice President of ...
Dec 21, 2022•46 min
Managing resort properties is a tall task. Our guest today, Tom Luersen, says it's like running a small town. Tom is currently the president of Coral Tree Hospitality and has over 20 years of experience in managing properties such as Kingsmill Resort, Woodland Resort, and overseeing multiple properties for Destination Hotels and Resorts In this episode, you'll learn: The benefits of operating as an independent Why independent properties need a different type of leader than brands do How you can ...
Dec 13, 2022•52 min
This week on the podcast, we have Barak Hirschowitz who is the president of the International Luxury Hotel Association. We talk about his career and transition from being an award-winning chef in South Africa to focusing on luxury hospitality. In this episode, you'll learn: Why it's better to wash lettuce in the best restaurant than to be head chef at the worst What the International Luxury Hotel Association is The ONE question that you need to as yourself when implementing technology How luxury...
Dec 06, 2022•49 min
Rupesh Patel has a wealth of knowledge in owning and operating hotels. It's in his blood. He grew up the son of a hotelier and eventually became the CEO and President of Zenique hotels. He is now a Partner at Verakin Capital and is putting his intimate knowledge of hotel operation and ownership to use investing in hotels and also investing in and advising hospitality tech companies. In this episode, you'll learn: Why technology is even more important for properties struggling with staffing How i...
Nov 29, 2022•49 min
The emergence of Vacation Rentals has been one of the biggest disruptions to hotels and the travel industry in the last few decades. Steve Milo has grown VTrips from 1 property to over 7,000 properties. Find out why he believes vacation rentals are so popular and why there is still massive opportunity in this growing industry, In this episode, you'll learn: How Steve got his start as an entrepreneur Why it's essential to understand financing and accounting when growing a business The reasons why...
Nov 08, 2022•43 min
Most things in life are either memorable or forgettable. Which one is your hotel? How can you stand out from the crowd and be memorable? Bashar Wali, the Founder and CEO of This Assembly & Practice Hospitality, has some great insights on how independent Hoteliers can stand out. He joins the show to talk about: How a good internal culture is the key to providing great guest experiences The importance of being a "memorable" hotel (and how you can be memorable) Why being "you", having a thing t...
Nov 01, 2022•57 min
Peter Gould, CEO of RendezVerse, joins the show to talk about how the Metaverse will impact the future of hotels and events. In this episode you'll discover: The impact the metaverse can have on event planning How virtual reality can help make travel more green Why hotels won't have websites in 10 years Why finding great new places is a challenge facing hospitality The Modern Hotelier is presented by Stayflexi Produced, edited, and published by Make More Media For full show notes and more info, ...
Oct 25, 2022•45 min
How do you up your game as a hotelier? Bruce Jordan is known as the MJ of hotels. He's the managing partner of Hotel Guest Management and specializes in turning around underperforming properties. This week he joins the show to share some of his insights with us. In this episode you'll discover: Why it's important to take every opportunity to learn How you can set the standard for your employees Some ways you can use marketing to increase your revenue Why it pays off to think outside the box The ...
Oct 18, 2022•34 min
