Episodes

May 22, 2024

How We Hire & Train The #1 Team in America - Andy Chabot, Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm was recently named the #1 hotel in America for food and drink by Food and Wine magazine. In our last episode, Andy Chabot explained how they've achieved this. In this episode, Andy shares their approach to hiring, training, and developing their people. Listen now to learn about: Recruiting The Right People: Explore how Blackberry Farm "casts a wide net" to engage potential employees and how it assesses cultural fit quickly and effectively. Hiring and Training: Discover how Blac...
May 21, 2024

The Story Behind the #1 Hotel In America for Food & Drinks - Andy Chabot, Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm was recently named the #1 hotel in America for food and drink by Food and Wine magazine, and in this episode - the first in an exclusive miniseries on this renowned Relais & Chateaux hotel in Tennessee - we're learning from Andy Chabot, who rose from a server at the property to its SVP of Food and Beverage. What You'll Learn: The Art of Hospitality: Understand what makes Blackberry Farm a standout destination in America and how Southern hospitality is woven into its fabric. Cul...
May 20, 2024

Put People First: What I've Learned Stewarding a Top Workplace Culture - Pablo Brizi, Hilton Grand Vacations

Join us as we celebrate International Human Resources Day today by learning from Pablo Brizi, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations. Recently recognized as one of the best workplaces in America, Hilton Grand Vacations is at the forefront of creating exceptional workplace cultures. In this episode, Pablo shares his unique career journey from Argentina to the hospitality industry in the United States and how he stewards a workplace culture that values each team member. List...
May 19, 2024

Manny Yekutiel: The Most Hospitable Person in San Francisco?

Today we're joined by Manny Yekutiel, the owner of Manny's, a cafe and civic event space in San Francisco's Mission District. In This Episode, You Will Learn: The Concept Behind Manny's: Discover how Manny's serves as a multifunctional space combining a cafe, bookstore, restaurant, and a hub for political and civic engagement. Community Building: Learn about the strategies Manny employs to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that acts as a living room for the neighborhood. Eve...
May 18, 2024

How We Give Back To Our Community by Empowering Youth - Karen Whitt, The Hartling Group

Karen Whitt is Vice-President Sales and Marketing at The Hartling Group, and in this episode, shares the ways her company is contributing to the community in Turks and Caicos through their mentoring programs aimed at empowering local youth. Listeners will learn about: The Hartling Group's Community Initiatives: Discover how the company integrates community service into their corporate philosophy, focusing on mentoring and motivating young individuals. Empowerment Programs: Karen explains the s...
May 18, 2024

Mastering Mentorship and Growth: Lessons from YPO's Global Leadership Community - Sabrina Cendral

In this episode, Sabrina Cendral, a hospitality advisor and the former Chief Marketing, Strategy, and Digital Experience Officer for YPO, shares her experience with mentorship and bringing leaders together to support each other. Listen to our other episodes with Sabrina: Trapeze Talks: My Club Med Journey (With Insights For You) The Power of All-Inclusive Hospitality Marketing Reveals The Big Opportunity for Elevating The Hotel Guest Experience Thoughts, questions, suggestions? Send me a text ...
May 17, 2024

Staying Consistently Creative and Relevant in Food & Beverage - Marc Lores Panades, Aethos Hotels

In this episode, we learn from Marc Lores Panades, VP of Food & Beverage at Aethos Hotels. Listen to learn: The wellness program Marc uses to stay at peak performance The role of mentorship in professional development Techniques for creating memorable guest experiences How to develop innovative F&B concepts Balancing traditional hospitality with modern trends The importance of building strong relationships with local suppliers Ways to engage with and support the local community Strategie...
May 16, 2024

Research: What's Driving Guest Satisfaction (and Dissatisfaction) Today - Forrest Morgeson

In this episode, we dive deep into guest satisfaction in today's landscape and how it's changing with Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Listeners will learn about: The latest findings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) Travel Study 2023-2024. How the lodging industry has rebounded post-pandemic, with specific examples from leading brands like H...
May 15, 2024

Marketing Reveals The Big Opportunity for Elevating The Hotel Guest Experience - Sabrina Cendral

In this episode, Sabrina Cendral, a hospitality advisor, strategist, and former Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Club Med in North America, challenges the notion that operations is the only important aspect of delivering a great guest experience and emphasizes the holistic nature of guest engagement. Listeners will learn: The Importance of Comprehensive Guest Engagement: Understand why engaging guests before, during, and after their stay is crucial for creating memorable experie...
May 14, 2024

The Power of All-Inclusive Hospitality - Sabrina Cendral

Sabrina Cendral is a hospitality advisor and strategist and the former senior vice president of marketing and sales for Club Med North America. In this episode, you'll discover the unique aspects that make all-inclusive resorts a preferred choice for guests seeking a hassle-free vacation experience. Sabrina shares her extensive knowledge of the operational complexities, the innovative strategies for enhancing guest experiences, and the profitability of the all-inclusive business model. Listener...
May 13, 2024

Trapeze Talks: My Club Med Journey (With Insights For You) - Sabrina Cendral

Sabrina Cendral is a hospitality advisor and strategist and in this episode, shares her extensive experience with Club Med, where she ended up becoming the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the company's North American operations. Listeners will learn: The Benefits of All-Inclusive Hospitality: Discover how all-inclusive resorts like Club Med enhance the guest experience and provide significant benefits to team members. Personal and Professional Growth Through Travel: Sabri...
May 13, 2024

Recruiting Live at a San Francisco Hospitality Careers Fair - Josiah Mackenzie [San Francisco Sundays]

Great hospitality leaders are always recruiting to hire the best people for their teams. In this episode, you'll join me as I visit a hospitality career fair in San Francisco - and hear from some of these hiring managers about what they are seeing and hearing and how they are making the case for working in the hospitality industry. Thoughts, questions, suggestions? Send me a text message Want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day? Subscribe...
May 12, 2024

The Gen-Z Hospitality Investor: Brett Deas, The Hideaways

Brett Deas is a Partner at The Hideaways and has accomplished so much in so little time that I wanted to bring him on today to talk about everything from his journey from learning about investment to investing himself to what he's seeing in the hospitality market. Thoughts, questions, suggestions? Send me a text message 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 o...
May 11, 2024

Better Sleep for All: How Hilton is Going All-In On Helping Travelers Rest and Recharge - Amanda Al-Masri, Hilton

Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report found the No. 1 reason people of all generations want to travel this year is to rest and recharge. In this episode, Amanda Al-Masri, Global VP of Wellness at Hilton, shares how they are innovating to provide exceptional sleep experiences and an array of wellness offerings across the company's brands. Listen now to learn about: The Evolution of Wellness in Hospitality: Learn about the journey from fitness to spa and wellness in the hospitality sector and how Hilto...
May 10, 2024

How "Being Our Own Guest" Enabled Us To Allow More Early Check-Ins (And Improve Guest Satisfaction 20%) - Roman Pedan, Kasa

In this episode, Roman Pedan, the Founder and CEO of Kasa, shares the power of experiencing your own hospitality services from a guest's perspective. Roman tells the story of staying at various Kasa properties and how this led to changes and improvements in guest satisfaction. Listeners will learn about: The Importance of Personal Experience: Learn why Roman believes in the importance of being a guest in his own hotels and how this practice helps him identify and address subtle issues tha...
May 9, 2024

How We've Streamlined Housekeeping Tech & Teamwork - Roman Pedan, Kasa

In this episode, Roman Pedan, the Founder and CEO of Kasa, explains how they optimize housekeeping across their portfolio of over 85+ properties. Listeners will learn about: Cost-Cutting Strategies: How Kasa is reducing expenses in housekeeping without compromising on quality. Technology Integration: Explore the 'Uber for housekeeping' model that includes scheduling, checklists, and feedback loops to maintain high standards. Quality Assurance: The unique offsite QA process using photos...
May 8, 2024

How We Cut Costs, Boost Margins in Tough Market Conditions - Roman Pedan, Kasa

In this episode, Roman Pedan, the Founder and CEO of Kasa, explains the strategies that have allowed their hospitality business to thrive in challenging markets environments. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how Kasa has structured its operations to maintain high guest satisfaction while significantly reducing operational costs. What You Will Learn: Efficient Business Structures: Discover how Kasa has structured its company to optimize efficiency and thrive in tough markets or economi...
May 7, 2024

How We Improve Service and Profits with AI - Roman Pedan, Kasa

In this episode, Roman Pedan, the Founder and CEO of Kasa, explains how the company uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve the guest experience and drive operational efficiency. Listeners will learn: Operational Transformation: Understand the specific AI tools Kasa employs, including large language models, to streamline operations, from categorizing guest inquiries to prioritizing urgent requests. Guest Experience Enhancement: Explore how AI contributes to improvi...
May 6, 2024

Question Everything If You Want To Stand Out (Our Story With Guest Communication Technology) - Roman Pedan, Kasa

Roman Pedan is the Founder & CEO of Kasa, and in this episode shares how they challenge commonly accepted trends - including in hotel technology - to prioritize guest experience and operational efficiency. Listeners will learn: The Role of Property Management: Understand the responsibilities of managing diverse properties and how to maximize profitability for property owners while enhancing guest satisfaction. Balancing Technology and Guest Experience: Explore Kasa's strategic decision-m...
May 5, 2024

Building A More Efficient Hotel Operating Model - Roman Pedan, Kasa

In this episode, Roman Pedan, the Founder & CEO of Kasa, explains how they are reshaping the hospitality landscape through an innovative approach to hotel management and operations. You will learn: The Genesis of Kasa: Hear from Roman about the market gaps and consumer dissatisfaction that led to the founding of Kasa. Understand the dual challenges of consumer expectations and operational inefficiencies that Kasa aims to address. The Business Model: Explore Kasa's unique operational strategies...
May 5, 2024

Learning To Be A "Hall of Fame Host" - Roman Pedan, Kasa

Roman Pedan is the Founder & CEO of Kasa, one of the fastest-growing hotel operators in the industry. In an earlier conversation with Brandon Sedloff at Juniper Square, Roman shared his insights on the real estate opportunity he sees. In this episode, he shares the influences and mentors who have shaped his vision of hospitality. Listeners will gain a unique perspective on: Being a "Hall of Fame Host": Learn what it takes to elevate guest experiences beyond the ordinary, inspired by hospitalit...
May 4, 2024

Why McKinsey's Ryan Mann Sees So Much Potential in Hospitality Now

Ryan Mann is a Partner at McKinsey & Company. In this episode, he shares his personal journey and professional insights that are shaping the industry. Listeners will learn: Ryan's Personal Inspiration: Discover how Ryan's love for hospitality was sparked by his grandmother's generosity and warmth, teaching him the importance of caring for others. Professional Journey: Gain insights into Ryan's role at McKinsey where he leads the hospitality sector in North America, working with a diverse ...
May 3, 2024

“We Made Luxury Touchable”: How Hotel Nikko Goes Above and Beyond for Dogs and Their Humans - Anna Marie Presutti, Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Join us on this heartwarming episode of Hospitality Daily as we explore how Hotel Nikko San Francisco has redefined pet-friendly accommodations. Host Josiah McKenzie talks with Anna Marie Presutti about the innovative and compassionate initiatives that set Hotel Nikko apart. Listeners will learn about the hotel's unique amenities tailored for dogs and their owners, including custom dog beds, bowls, treats, and a specially designed dog run with breathtaking city views. Discover how Hotel Nikko's...
May 3, 2024

Offering Hope Through Hospitality: How We Worked with St. Giles Hotels to Create Opportunities for our Community - Greg Früchtenicht, Saira Hospitality

Greg Früchtenicht is the Chief Operating Officer at Saira Hospitality, and in this episode, he shares the origin and implementation of a transformative program with St. Giles Hotels in London that not only provides shelter to people experiencing homelessness but also empowers them with crucial hospitality career skills that create opportunities for them. You may also enjoy: From Mother Teresa to Creating Opportunities Through Hospitality - Harsha L'Acqua, Saira Hospitality Transforming Ho...