Hard Truths on Hotel Tech: Unfiltered Insider Advice - Josiah Mackenzie

Josiah Mackenzie has spent over 20 years building, selling, and buying technology. In this tell-all episode, he shares his insider's guide to buying, implementing, and getting the most out of hotel technology today.

Listen now to learn:

• Why technology is essential in today’s fast-paced hospitality landscape
• Key steps to take before searching for technology solutions
• Proven methods for evaluating tech solutions
• Tips for making a strong business case and getting buy-in 
• How to implement technology in a way that helps you get the results you need
• Strategies for succeeding with technology over the long term (including insider "hacks" for getting VIP treatment)

Timestamps:

Introduction & Why This Matters

My Background 

• [10:03] Coding & first steps in software
• [11:54] ReviewPro (operations)
• [13:36] Duetto (revenue management)
• [14:34] Juniper Square (investment management)
• [16:16] The benefits of a career in hotel tech

Before You Start Looking for Technology

• [17:16] Start with problems
• [18:15] Innovation through observation
• [19:49] Collecting stakeholder needs

 How to Evaluate Technology

• [21:22] Ask trusted hospitality professionals
• [22:51] Research online (Hotel Tech Report)
• [24:55] Move beyond typical demos
• [25:51] Have meaningful conversations
• [26:11] Compare provider engagement styles

Making the Purchase

• [31:34] Building the business case
• [32:00] Getting buy-in
• [34:16] Contract negotiation 

Implementation & Success

• [37:39] Cross-functional team involvement
• [38:07] Staged rollout approach
• [39:37] Working with implementation teams
• [42:22] Internal marketing importance
• [43:43] Maintaining momentum

Long-term Success

• [44:03] Staying connected with tech partners
• [45:04] Being a customer reference
• [45:54] Participating in user groups
• [46:29] Continuous evaluation

Resources mentioned:

• The Story Behind Hospitality Daily (Josiah Mackenzie, interviewed by Steve Turk)
• What's Happening in Hotel Tech Today? - Jordan Hollander, Hotel Tech Report

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, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands