From Distress to Success: Hospitality Innovation - Spencer Levine - Defining Hospitality - Ep #216

“Design is subjective, but quality is objective.”

Today, Spencer Levine, President of RAL Companies and Affiliates, joins Dan to dive into hospitality development. Spencer shares insights from his extensive career in architecture and landscape development. The conversation covers the importance of delivering tangible and thoughtful hospitality experiences, the significance of strategic partnerships, and the crucial role of creative problem-solving in the development process. Spencer also delves into his experiences during the 2008 financial crisis and how it shaped his company's approach to handling distressed projects. Additionally, he reflects on lessons from his father and the impact of company culture on successful project execution.

Takeaways: 

• Exceptional service can overcome shortcomings in physical spaces. Focus on delivering care and responsiveness to guests and clients.
• Approach challenges by seeking solutions, not dwelling on problems. Be proactive and creative, especially when facing constraints.
• Invest in relationships and develop a strong network, both internally and externally. Know who to call when you need expertise beyond your own.
• Strive for authenticity in design and experience. Make spaces and services reflect the unique character of their location and purpose.
• Take personal responsibility for your work and encourage accountability within your team. Share knowledge and support each other to achieve common goals.
• No task is beneath you. Be ready to do whatever it takes to deliver a project, from high-level strategy to hands-on work.
• Make decisions with intention and commit to them. Don’t get stuck in indecision. Pivot if needed, but move forward with conviction.

Quote of the Show:

“Design is not necessarily just beautiful, it's making a decision and forging ahead with it.” - Spencer Levine

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-levine-665b1078/ 
• Website: https://ralcompanies.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 0:45 - Mandarin Oriental Resorts and Residences https://ralcompanies.com/projects/mandarin-oriental/ 
• 0:49 - Zero Irving https://ralcompanies.com/projects/14th-street/ 
• 0:51 - Four Seasons Vail https://www.fourseasons.com/vail/ 
• 0:54 - ULI New York https://newyork.uli.org/ 
• 1:50 - Monty Python https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python 
• 10:31 - Horst Schulze https://horstschulze.com/ 
• 13:13 - Robert Levine https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-levine-65b60628/ 
• 17:24 - Roan Steamboat https://www.steamboatsprings-realestate.com/roan/ 
• 17:41 - The Madeline https://aubergeresorts.com/madeline/ 
• 26:45 - Ironshore https://www.ironshorecayman.vip/ 
• 28:22 - Hart Howerton https://www.harthowerton.com/ 
• 28:32 - Meyer Davis https://www.meyerdavis.com/ 
• 29:31 - Reda Amalou https://www.redaamalou.com/en/ 
• 29:37 - Ocean House https://www.oceanhouseri.com/ 
• 35:45 - Field of Dreams https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_of_Dreams 
• 46:38 - Vincent Cangelosi https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-cangelosi-4053a23/ 
• 47:24 - Steve Higgins https://www.canoehospitality.com/ 
• 50:48 - Young President’s Organization https://www.ypo.org/ 
• 58:31 - Cornell University https://www.cornell.edu/ 
• 59:10 - Harvard University https://www.harvard.edu/ 

🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/