Leading Hotels Through Change - Scott Roby - Defining Hospitality - Episode #219

What does it take to lead a hotel company through constant headwinds while still inspiring teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences?

Today Dan interviews Scott Roby, President of Pacifica Hotels, to explore the state of the hospitality industry. They discuss the importance of focusing on controllable aspects of business, such as team and guest care, amid economic headwinds and legislative challenges in California. Scott shares insights on Pacifica's strategy of balancing ownership and third-party management, the value of maintaining a strong company culture, and the critical role of technology in the industry. The conversation also touches upon the future prospects and financial strategies for 2026 and beyond, emphasizing a meticulous approach to cost management and team accountability.

Takeaways: 

• Encourage team members to share where they’re stuck or what could make their jobs better. Leaders should model vulnerability and ask focused questions like, “What’s one thing I can do to make your job easier?”
• Embrace technology and AI to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. Use tech to remove rote tasks, freeing up staff for more meaningful guest interactions.
• When working with third-party owners or management partners, ensure alignment in values and culture. Have honest conversations early to avoid misfits that can erode company culture.
• Monitor both macro and micro trends in your market. Be prepared to pivot operations, staffing, and capital allocation as needed to respond to changing conditions.
• Build a culture of accountability. Be direct, give open feedback, and focus on solutions. Transparency with owners and team members builds trust and drives better results.
• Offer opportunities for team members to advance within your organization, which helps with retention and creates a stronger, more flexible workforce.
• At its core, hospitality is about making people feel safe, seen, and heard. Whether with guests or team members, focus on building relationships and delivering care.

Quote of the Show:

“A hotel management company is its people. The quality of the company is first and foremost about the people that they have on their team and how they're leading and inspiring the hotel teams.” - Scott Roby

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottroby/ 
• Website: https://www.pacificahotels.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 1:04 - Storyteller Hospitality https://storytellerhospitality.com/ 
• 1:08 - Evolution Hospitality https://www.evolutionhospitality.com/ 
• 2:52 - Independent Lodging Conference https://ilcongress.com/ 
• 15:51 - The Serenity Prayer https://www.praywithme.com/serenity-prayer.html 
• 17:27 - Tapestry Hotels https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/tapestry-collection/ 
• 17:28 - Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/ 
• 20:01 - World Cup https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026 
• 55:00 - Smith Travel https://smith.travel/ 
• 55:01 - Hotel Data Conference https://www.hoteldataconference.com/event/89ca421c-aff8-4d2b-a772-c71c8d0bf627/home 

🏨✨ 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/