How is Springboard addressing the housing affordability crisis for hospitality workers in expensive markets? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Benjamin Rafter, President and CEO of Springboard Hospitality, for an insightful discussion about the intersection of technology and hospitality. With a unique background spanning from tech startups to hotel management, Rafter shares his journey from selling a company to Amazon to leading a portfolio of 47 independent hotels ...
Nov 04, 2024•30 min
Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode, we hear from Brigette Harenda the President of B&Co., Romal Jayswal, Co-founder & CEO at StayNow, Jacqueline Nunley, Travel and Hospitality Advisor at Sa...
Nov 02, 2024•31 min
In this episode, hosts David and Steve speak with Judy Chen from Hyatt Hotels Corporation, who shares her expertise on topics ranging from disaster response in the hotel industry to labor retention strategies and major sporting events' impact on hospitality markets. Key Topics: The hospitality industry's response to Hurricane Milton, highlighting how smaller hotel groups offered discounted rates to those in need Chef Jose Andres' new venture into the hotel business with Hotel Bazaar in Washingto...
Nov 01, 2024•17 min
What valuable insights does she offer for hoteliers looking to enhance their guest experience and brand presence? On this special episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Mandy Murry, CEO of Hospitality Concierge. From her early days as a teenage travel agent in Salt Lake City to running the VIP torch relay program for the 2002 Olympics, Murry shares her fascinating journey in hospitality. Now a sought-after consultant for independent and boutique hotels, she discusses the eme...
Oct 31, 2024•19 min
In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eric Lutz, CEO of Olive. A California native who started his career as an overnight front desk agent, Lutz shares his journey from hospitality operations to founding a hotel technology company. The conversation explores how Olive's personalization platform is helping hotels improve their digital presence and direct booking experience, while discussing broader industry trends including AI adoption, labor challenges, and the fu...
Oct 30, 2024•16 min
Want to know how a former touring musician is disrupting the way hotels book live entertainment? In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Mir Hwang, CEO of GigFinesse - a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing how hotels book live entertainment. Hwang shares his fascinating journey from touring session drummer to tech entrepreneur, including his bold decision to forgo med school and convince his Google-employed cousin to join his venture - much to their traditional...
Oct 29, 2024•16 min
Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode, we hear from Dan Jacobs, the Chef/Owner, of award-winning restaurants, Dandan & EsterEv, in Milwaukee, Gaurav (GB) Sharma, Founder of MOSAIC, Audrey Yates, t...
Oct 28, 2024•22 min
Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode we hear from Andrew Benioff, the Founder and Chairman of ILC, Peter Heinemann, Co-founder and Managing Director of Passport Resorts, and Lindsey Ueberroth, the CE...
Oct 28, 2024•26 min
If you are using Online Travel Agencies, you are probably missing out on some of your revenue. In this episode, find out how Janet Ferrer recovered $1 Million from Expedia. Hospitality Holdings founder and President, Janet Ferrer, is an industry leader in progressive and innovative thinking. As both an on-property leader and Corporate Director of Finance her 27 years in Hospitality lends great insight to her Online Travel Agency Revenue Recovery audit systems and optimization of financial system...
Oct 22, 2024•36 min
What does it take to lead the culinary team at one of America’s largest indoor waterpark resorts and how do you balance tradition and innovation in an ever-evolving culinary landscape? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran, as they dive into the culinary world of Kalahari Resorts with Chef Nick Shaw. Discover the journey from a small-town upbringing to leading the culinary experiences at one of America's largest indoor waterpark resorts. Chef Nick shares insights on kitchen safety, culinary ...
Oct 15, 2024•24 min
Have you ever wondered what happens to the barely-used soap bars and tiny shampoo bottles left behind in hotel rooms? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran engage with Shawn Seipler, CEO of Clean the World, to explore how his organization is making a significant impact on global sustainability and hygiene through the hospitality industry. Shawn shares his journey from tech sales to pioneering a social enterprise that recycles soap and plastics, providing essential hygiene product...
Oct 08, 2024•52 min
Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they welcome Michelle Potorski, VP and General Manager of Duracell Professional. The discussion dives into Michelle's career journey, including her early days with Duracell and her return to the company after stints at Gillette, Proctor & Gamble, and CVS Health. The main focus is on the role of batteries in the hospitality industry, specifically the innovations Duracell's Procell brand is making to improve operational efficiency and guest satisfac...
Oct 01, 2024•32 min
Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili for the latest episode of The Modern Hotelier featuring special guest Bruce Jordan, the Managing Partner of Hotel Guest Management. This monthly show dives deep into the hottest topics in the hospitality industry. In this September edition of Hospitality Hot Topics, our expert panel discusses: The recent acquisition of Motel 6 by OYO Hotels and its implications for the industry Record-breaking global GDP contributions from the travel and tourism sector T...
Sep 27, 2024•13 min
How is Relay's technology improving cross-departmental communication in hotels? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Derek Pando, Director of Product Marketing at Relay. They discuss Relay's innovative communication devices and how they're revolutionizing operations in the hospitality industry. Derek shares insights from Relay's first-ever hospitality report, highlighting trends in personalized guest experiences and safety investments. He explains how Relay's techn...
Sep 24, 2024•35 min
How has David Barry's journey from a ski instructor to President of Pursuit Collection shaped his approach to leadership in the hospitality industry? In this engaging episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with David Barry, President of Pursuit Collection. Barry shares his unique journey from ski instructor to hospitality leader, offering valuable insights into creating exceptional guest experiences, fostering a strong company culture, and navigating challenges in the hospitality...
Sep 19, 2024•46 min
Curious about the intersection of luxury and wilderness? Ever wondered how a 37,000-acre ranch became a world-renowned resort? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran have an engaging conversation with Steve Hurst, the Managing Director at The Resort at Paws Up. They discuss Steve's career journey from his early days as a barista to managing luxury hotels and resorts, with a special focus on the unique guest experience at Paws Up. The resort, set on a 37,000-acre ranch in Montana, ...
Sep 18, 2024•34 min
Ever wondered what it would be like to turn your childhood treehouse dreams into a thriving resort business? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Amanda Jensen, CEO and co-founder of Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, the world's largest treehouse resort. In this captivating episode, Amanda shares the inspiring journey of how a simple treehouse for her children blossomed into an innovative and immersive hospitality experience. In this episode, you'll discover: The origin stor...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kyle Hughey, CEO of Charlestowne Hotels, to discuss the independent hotel management landscape and Hughey's journey in the hospitality industry. In this episode, you'll learn: The appeal and challenges of managing independent hotels Charlestowne Hotels' approach to creating unique guest experiences Industry challenges, including staffing and recruitment The impact of hotel brand consolidation on independent operators Adaptive re...
Sep 10, 2024•32 min
How would your travel experience change if you knew exactly how welcoming a hotel is to your furry friends? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran interview Guise Bule, the founder of Ranked by Roch and the Roch Society. Guise shares his journey from cybersecurity to creating the first dog-friendly certification and ranking process for the hotel industry. Driven by personal frustrations with misleading "pet-friendly" claims, Guise explains how Ranked by Roch...
Sep 03, 2024•41 min
The Modern Hotelier is a dynamic podcast that explores the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the hospitality industry. Hosted by Steve Carran and David Millili and featuring expert guest hosts, this show delivers insightful discussions on hot topics affecting hoteliers and travel professionals. In this episode, "August Hospitality Hot Topics," Steve and David is joined by guest host Jasmine Seliga from Affixify and regular contributor David Millili. In this episode, you'll learn: The...
Aug 27, 2024•14 min
Are you curious about what it takes to build a successful boutique hotel company from the ground up? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran interview Ethan Orley, Founder and Managing Partner of Oliver Hospitality. Ethan shares his journey from environmental studies to real estate and hospitality, discussing how he and his partner built Oliver Hospitality from the ground up. The conversation covers: Ethan's background and early career experiences The founding and growth of Oliver ...
Aug 20, 2024•39 min
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jason Craparo, CEO of Hovr, a technology company revolutionizing guest engagement in the hospitality industry. Jason shares his fascinating journey from dishwasher to successful entrepreneur, including his experiences as a Sonic Drive-In franchisee and his time at Babson College. The conversation dives deep into how Hovr is transforming the way hotels showcase their amenities and drive direct bookings. Jason explains how their i...
Aug 13, 2024•47 min
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran interview Benjamin Powers, founder and CEO of Visiting Media. Benjamin shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting businesses as a child to founding a company that revolutionizes hotel sales through immersive technology. He discusses how Visiting Media's software empowers hospitality professionals to leverage virtual tours, 3D models, and other immersive assets to drive revenue and enhance the customer experience. In this episode, we di...
Aug 06, 2024•45 min
In this episode, Steve and David are joined by guest host Mercedes Blanco from The Hotels Network. They discuss various trending topics in the hospitality industry for July, including the rumor of Hyatt acquiring Standard Hotels, an extensive computer outage affecting multiple industries including hospitality and travel, the rise of 'bleisure' (business and leisure travel), and the growing importance of automated technology in hotels. In this episode, we discuss: The potential acquisition of Sta...
Aug 02, 2024•19 min
"No Vacancy Live from HITEC: Featuring Podcast Pioneers Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri" In this episode, podcast veterans Anthony Melchiorri and Glenn Haussman discuss their experiences and insights from attending HITEC events over the years. They reminisce about the evolution of these events and share their personal highlights, including the transformation and increasing engagement in technology within the industry. Glenn talks about the origins and growth of the 'No Vacancy' podcast, es...
Jul 31, 2024•13 min
In this episode, Steve Carran speaks with CEO Rodrigo Jimenez about the recent acquisition of SHR by the UK-based Access Company. Jimenez shares the excitement and opportunities brought by this merger, highlighting Access Company's diverse portfolio and their focus on the hospitality sector. He also touches on the positive buzz at the high tech trade show and the evolving role of technology in the hospitality industry. Jimenez concludes with insights on SHR's future, including ongoing growth and...
Jul 30, 2024•8 min
Join us for an insightful conversation with Rodrigo Perez Garofalo, founder of Zerf Tech, live from a hospitality tech conference. In this episode, Rodrigo explores how Zerf Tech is revolutionizing hotel operations by serving as an external IT department and optimizing direct booking channels. He also introduces an AI-powered search tool designed to enhance guest interactions and engagement on hotel websites. Key topics include: Zerf Tech's mission to simplify technology integration for hotels T...
Jul 25, 2024•14 min
In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Scott Buelter, founder of Ascent360, at the HSMAI Strategy Conference. Scott shares insights on how hotels and resorts can use customer data platforms to create more effective, personalized marketing campaigns. Key topics covered: The importance of integrating data from multiple systems to get a complete view of guests Strategies for segmenting guests and creating targeted marketing campaigns Tips for growing a hotel's customer ...
Jul 23, 2024•20 min
Today, we are joined by Tristan Gadsby and Alberto Santana from Alliants. We are discussing their backgrounds, experiences in the hospitality industry, and insights into guest experience technology. Recorded live at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina during a VIP event, the conversations offer a blend of personal anecdotes and professional expertise in the evolving world of hotel tech and customer service. In this episode, you'll learn: Tristan's background growing up between the UK and F...
Jul 18, 2024•24 min
In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili interview Aditya Thyagarajan and Fareed Ahmad, co-founders of HotelKey, at the HITEC conference. The conversation delves into the origins of HotelKey, its cloud-based property management system, and the company's vision for the future of hospitality technology. The founders share insights on overcoming challenges, incorporating AI, and their commitment to improving operations for hotels while enhancing the guest experience. In this episode, y...
Jul 17, 2024•22 min
