Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast

In this episode, Wil Slickers interviews Jon Gardner, the Global President of Development at F1 Arcade. As a huge Formula 1 and Motorsports fan, Wil dives deep into the world of F1 Arcade, a unique concept that combines advanced F1 racing simulators with exceptional hospitality. They discuss the F1 Arcade experience, how it brings the thrill of Formula 1 racing to everyone, and the journey from concept to reality. Jon shares his transition from oil and gas to experiential hospitality, his partnership with Adam Breeden, and the future of F1 Arcade. They also touch on the importance of personalization, team empowerment, and creating 'wow' moments for guests. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode that offers valuable insights into delivering an immersive hospitality experience! Connect with Jonathan Gardner: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ F1 Arcade Website Connect with Wil: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: ⁠⁠⁠Send Squared⁠⁠⁠, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast!⁠⁠⁠ Slick Talk⁠⁠⁠ is a⁠⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠ production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our⁠⁠⁠ website⁠⁠⁠ and take a look at our amazing⁠⁠⁠ podcast and network sponsors⁠⁠⁠ that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast,⁠⁠⁠ Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠⁠, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out⁠⁠⁠ our contact form⁠⁠⁠, and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn!⁠⁠⁠ Let’s connect⁠⁠⁠ there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we welcome Susan Barry, host of the Top Floor podcast and founder/CEO of Hive Marketing. Dive into Susan's extensive background in hospitality, from her early days in restaurant catering to her significant role in Starwood, opening New Build hotels. Discover her journey of starting her own business during the financial crisis and evolving it into a B2B marketing powerhouse in the hospitality industry. Susan shares how she launched her podcast, Top Floor, and its growth over the last four years, while discussing the state of the hospitality industry, technology gaps, and trends. Tune in for an engaging conversation that covers the importance of treating teams well, bringing back the essence of hospitality, and the future of hotel and short-term rental integration. Don’t miss Susan's invaluable insights and her passion for the industry's progression! Connect with Susan Barry: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Hive Marketing The Top Floor Podcast SLICK50 - for 50% off LinkedIn Content Made Easy Connect with Wil: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: ⁠⁠Hostfully⁠⁠ – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with⁠⁠ Frank here!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send Squared⁠⁠, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast!⁠⁠ Slick Talk⁠⁠ is a⁠⁠ Hospitality.FM⁠⁠ production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our⁠⁠ website⁠⁠ and take a look at our amazing⁠⁠ podcast and network sponsors⁠⁠ that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast,⁠⁠ Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out⁠⁠ our contact form⁠⁠, and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn!⁠⁠ Let’s connect⁠⁠ there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Goodwin, co-owner of Mountain Laurel Chalets and host of 'For The Love of Gatlinburg,' shares his heartfelt journey in hospitality. He discusses taking over a family legacy and the personal growth that followed. Tom emphasizes the challenges of leadership during turbulent times and the role of storytelling in connecting with the Gatlinburg community. He also reflects on the emotional ties guests have with local history and the transformative power of lingering—both in life and in hospitality. His insights are a rich blend of vulnerability, adaptability, and community spirit.

Join us for an exciting episode as we chat with Steve Carran, the co-host of the Modern Hotelier Podcast! In this episode, we geek out about the ins and outs of podcasting, discussing the behind-the-scenes work, the rise of AI in hospitality, and the importance of personalization in enhancing guest experiences. Steve shares his journey from working under a property management company to spinning off the Modern Hotelier as an independent media brand. We also dive into trending topics in the hotel industry, the art of guest experience, and the challenges and rewards of being full-time podcasters. Don’t miss this engaging episode where we explore the dynamic crossover of podcasting and hospitality!Connect with Steve Carran: LinkedIn Modern Hotelier Podcast Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers is joined by Jennifer Barnwell from Curator Hotel Collection. They discuss the unique perks of operating an independent hotel versus being part of a major brand like Marriott or Hilton. Jennifer shares her journey in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, creativity, and community within the independent boutique hotel space. They explore Curator's role in supporting independent hotels through vendor partnerships, cost-saving initiatives, and marketing efforts. Jennifer also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for independent hotels, particularly in secondary markets and resort areas. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with industry insights and practical advice for hoteliers.Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn Curator Hotel & Resort Collection Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back, Slick Talkers! In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Boris Pavlov, a European entrepreneur and expert in the hospitality industry, to discuss his journey and the innovations he's spearheading with Flataway. Boris shares his experience scaling a property management company from 0 to 700 properties, selling it, and moving forward with new ventures. We explore the current landscape of vacation rentals, the challenges with OTAs, and how the book direct movement is evolving. Boris also reveals his ambitious plans to create a more interconnected and personalized experience for travelers and property managers alike. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of hospitality, technology integration, and the human touch in guest experience!Connect with Boris: LinkedIn Flataway - Use code: UKPB2R to access the platform as a guest Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Wil sits down with Jeff Low, CEO and founder of Stash Hotel Rewards, to discuss the evolution of loyalty programs within the hotel industry. They dive into Jeff's journey, starting Stash Hotel Rewards in 2010 and its mission to support independent hotels against larger chains and OTAs. Jeff shares fascinating insights on how modern loyalty programs have shifted, the importance of personalized guest experiences, and the challenges posed by the dominance of OTAs like Expedia. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of hotel loyalty, the impact of technology, and ways hoteliers can regain control of their businesses!Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn Stash Hotel Rewards Website Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Wil Slickers as he dives deep into an insightful conversation with Benjamin Gross, Co-Founder of Minty Living. In this episode, Benjamin shares his journey from quantitative trading in New York to dominating the property management industry in Atlanta. The discussion spans a variety of critical topics including the limitations of siloed technology, achieving consistency at scale, and the need for better data integration in vacation rental management. Discover how Minty Living has managed to maintain a stellar 4.9 rating on Google with over 500 reviews and explore the potential avenues for solving some of the industry's most pressing problems. This episode is a must-watch for anyone in the vacation rental or broader hospitality sectors!Connect with Ben: LinkedIn Minty Living Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Nathan Woods to dive deep into the art of crafting amazing guest experiences. They discuss the importance of utilizing data, mid-stay engagement, digital touchpoints, and personalized hospitality to create memorable moments for guests. Nathan shares insights from his diverse background in hospitality, e-commerce, and sports, along with practical tips for both remote and onsite operators. Learn how to anticipate guest needs, integrate technology effectively, and bring back the true essence of hospitality in your business. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with actionable advice!Connect with Nathan: LinkedIn Beloved Hospitality Ministry of Welcome Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Wil Slickers in an engaging conversation with Josiah Mackenzie, Head/VP of Marketing at Actabl and host of Hospitality Daily. In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of profitability and culture in the hospitality industry. Learn about the importance of real-time data, the role of leadership in driving innovation, and ways to attract the younger generation to hospitality careers. Josiah shares his insights on creating operational efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, and building brand power to drive long-term success. Whether you're a hotel manager, vacation rental operator, or hospitality entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable takeaways for elevating your business. Tune in and explore the future of hospitality with us!Connect with Josiah: LinkedIn Actabl Website Hospitality Daily Podcast Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——–Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible!You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting!If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch!Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let’s connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices