Community Episodes

Valerie Ferguson reflects on her leadership as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. She explains why community engagement played a central role in her leadership of the hotel and in building relationships across the city. Valerie shares how initiatives like volunteering with Project Head Start strengthened team pride, deepened empathy, and reinforced the idea that hospitality leaders serve their teams as much as their guests. Her perspective offers a clear reminder that strong hospitali...

Rob Blood , founder and chairman of Lark , and principal at Elder & Ash , joins the show to talk about what it looks like to put down roots in a place so projects can connect to each other. Drawing from recent work in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he explains how lodging, bars, bookstores, and cultural spaces create more value together -- when they encourage people to stay, linger, and build relationships. Rob shares why spending time in a community leads to deeper learning and better hospitality ex...

In this episode of San Francisco Sundays , Josiah sits down with Tony Roumph , Managing Director of Argonaut Hotel , to talk about what community engagement really looks like for hotels operating in a complex, evolving city. Drawing on the Argonaut’s historical roots and Tony’s civic involvement across San Francisco’s tourism and neighborhood organizations, the conversation explores how hotels and hoteliers can act as active participants in their communities. Tony reflects on San Francisco’s shi...

In this episode, Craig Poole reflects on why hospitality is uniquely positioned to create hope—especially in broken or forgotten places. Drawing on his experience turning around marginalized properties and communities, Craig explains why hope isn’t something leaders can wish for but must actively build through selfless decisions and risk-taking. The conversation explores hospitality as a giving profession—and how hope emerges when leaders invest in people others overlook. A few more resources: I...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie speaks with Craig Poole , a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and AHLA’s General Manager of the Year, about hospitality’s unique ability to heal broken places. Craig shares how he approaches struggling hotels and communities by changing perception first—restoring dignity, self-esteem, and hope long before financial results follow. Drawing on real-world turnarounds, he explains why investing in people and engaging the surrounding community can transform not j...

In this episode, Abigail Tan , CEO of St Giles Hotel Group , joins our correspondent and hertelier founder Emily Goldfisher to share the story behind Hotels with Heart, a program using hospitality to provide housing, training, and new opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Started during the pandemic, the initiative has grown into a full-fledged Hospitality Academy that equips participants with skills, confidence, and pathways to employment. Abigail’s vision shows how hotels can go ...

In this episode, Gregory Day , President of Hospitality for Mani Brothers Real Estate Group and Managing Director of the Malibu Beach Inn , shares how hospitality can play a powerful role in rebuilding a community after crisis. Following two devastating wildfires and months of road closures that cut local business revenue by up to 90%, Gregory has become a leading advocate for why hospitality matters — not only for travelers, but for the people and small businesses who depend on it. He discusses...

In this episode, Chris Green , President of Humanitarian Hotels , shares how his organization gives away 100% of its profits to charity -- while operating with world-class excellence. He explains how hospitality can become an engine for generosity, where every associate, guest, and community benefits -- and challenges us to rethink what it means to pursue what's good. Links to learn more: Humanitarian Hotels Founder's Story Business as a Force for Good: The Humanitarian Hotels Story (video with ...

Claudio Meli , Virtuoso’s Hotelier of the Year and General Manager of THE PLACE Firenze , shares how he redefines luxury by connecting guests to the city’s artisans and cultural heritage. In this conversation, he explains the creation of The Place of Wonders , a foundation that supports Florence’s craftspeople while offering travelers rare access to workshops normally closed to the public. Meli also discusses the broader impact on community, sustainability, and overtourism, showing how longer, m...

Parents of children with special needs rarely get the rest they need, and Jimmy Peña set out to change that. Drawing on his career in private estate leadership and luxury hospitality, he founded Jordan's House, a nonprofit bed and breakfast offering world-class food, spa experiences, and radical hospitality at no cost to caregiving parents. In this episode, Jimmy shares how Jordan’s House began and why “over-the-top” hospitality matters for exhausted families. Listeners will walk away with a pow...

Chris Gilbert , CEO of Springfield Township in Hamilton County, Ohio, and founder of Municipal Hospitality Advisors , shares how he's pioneering the application of hospitality principles within local government. Chris shares the personal inspiration behind his transformative approach: a memorable dining experience that sparked his commitment to delivering meaningful moments in civic service. Listeners will gain insights into how hospitality can enhance collaboration, build deeper community trust...

In this episode, Micah Lacher, Principal of Anchor Investments and Mission Hotels, shares his mission to build America's most generous real estate company through the power of hospitality. The discussion covers Micah's journey from starting Anchor Investments during the Great Recession to his innovative approach to hospitality and real estate. We get into the importance of generosity in business, the challenges and rewards of converting historic buildings into hotels, and the impact of providing hospitality to both paying guests and those in need. This episode offers valuable insights for hospitality leaders, operators, and investors looking to integrate purpose and generosity into their business models.

In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Jan Garde , founder and chairman of THE EMBASSIES . The discussion centers on how hospitality principles can be applied to senior living, creating a community that fosters dignity, quality of life, and intergenerational connections. Key themes include the importance of community, the innovative approach to senior living, and the role of mentorship and lifelong learning. Guest Name: Jan Garde Title / Affiliation: Founder and Chairman, THE EMBASS...

In this episode, Walter Isenberg , co-founder and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group , shares what he's learned about urban renewal and revitalization. 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 from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free . Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube , LinkedIn...

In this episode, Walter Isenberg , co-founder and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group , shares what he learned from Denver architectural conservation developer and preservationist Dana Crawford . 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 from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free . Follow Hospitality Daily and ...

In this episode, Kara Bartelt , General Manager at The Hoxton, Downtown LA , shares insights on the role of hotels in urban revitalization, the challenges and opportunities in the hospitality industry today, and the importance of community engagement. Learn more about Hotel Caring from the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA). Also, see these other episodes with Kara: Engineering Training & Mentorship How Buildings Shape Hospitality: Lessons from a Yale-Trained Architect-Turned-Hotel GM...

In this episode, Donte P. Johnson and Jason Bass share the story and message behind Impact Hospitality and their new book of the same name published by Kendall Hunt. See our other episodes with Donte and Jason: Culture creates a feeling and sends a message We have a boring problem, not a staffing problem Dress codes, grooming standards & creating a welcoming culture DEI needs to be a baseline to build from Impact Hospitality & being more hospitable to our neighbors The business benefits of inves...

Listen to Hospitality Daily founder and host Josiah Mackenzie share what he sees as the opportunity for hospitality ahead. Links: Simon Sinek: Start with Why The Power of Hospitality to Bring Us Together How Napa Valley's Tourism Strategy Can Boost Your Hospitality Business - Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa Valley A Chef's View on Food, Community, and Renewal - Tyler Florence Engineering Training & Mentorship at The Hoxton, Downtown LA Why The Hotel Industry is at a Pivotal Moment - Zach Demuth, JL...

In this episode of San Francisco Sundays , we explore a fresh perspective on hospitality—one that goes beyond restaurants and hotels to focus on community care. Join us as we sit down with Danielle Stowaway , who leads justice and outreach initiatives at Reality San Francisco , a church committed to showing hospitality to everyone, especially those with limited resources. Through her work, Danielle helps provide warm meals to over 300 families weekly, creates safe spaces for unhoused families, a...

In this episode, Angel Hernandez , General Manager at Timber Cove Resort , shares his journey from the high-energy hospitality scene of New York to creating a vibrant community hub in a quiet coastal town in California. Listen now to learn about: The unique challenges and rewards of managing a remote resort and creating a home-like atmosphere for guests. The importance of personalized guest experiences and attentiveness in hospitality. Insights into Angel's leadership style and how he motivates ...

In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on Kimpton and its influence on hospitality, including how it can inspire innovation and creativity today. Listen now to learn about: How Kimpton Hotels pioneered the boutique hotel movement in the US. The importance of chef-driven restaurants and vibrant bars in creating neighborhood hubs. The unique organizational structure at Kimpton that separates hotel and restaurant manage...

In this episode, Elizabeth Harlow , Chief Brand Officer at Sonesta Hotels , shares how she creatively partnered with Rolling Stone magazine to bring unique live music experiences to their guests and communities. Listen now to learn: How the collaboration between Sonesta Hotels and Rolling Stone began Rolling Stone's Musicians on Musicians series - and its activation at Sonesta Hotels Examples of live music events held in Chicago and Miami The potential for hotels to be "cultural conversation pla...

In this episode, renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Tyler Florence shares his deep love for San Francisco and his vision for the city's future through the lens of food and hospitality. Tyler discusses how restaurants can play a crucial role in urban renewal and community building, especially during challenging times. Listeners will learn: Tyler's personal journey of falling in love with San Francisco, from childhood dreams to reality The unique attributes that make San Francisco a w...

In this episode, Charlie MacGregor , founder of The Social Hub , shares how they cultivate a diverse and connected community through their approach to hybrid hospitality . Listeners will learn: How The Social Hub runs thousands of community programs and activities to bring people together (01:29) About their partnership with Talent Garden, the largest provider of online and offline education programs, to curate programs for their community (02:10) Examples of the programs offered, from understan...