Teague Talks Podcast

This week on Teague Talks, the deep dive into family-built hospitality continues with a focus on the next wave of leadership at Auro Hotels. After Part 1 with industry visionary HP Rama, Teague sits down with HP’s nephew, DJ Rama, President & CEO, and great nephew, Keval Rama, Senior Associate—leaders carrying Auro forward while staying true to the company’s founding values. DJ shares Auro’s humble beginnings, the weight of stepping into a generational role, and how he’s shaping a culture where every associate feels like part of the family. Keval offers a third-generation perspective, reflecting on a childhood immersed in hospitality and the purpose that drives him today, including his commitment to improving the communities Auro serves. Together, they discuss the delicate balance between honoring tradition and driving innovation, and what it really takes to lead a modern family business across multiple generations.

Teague travels to Greenville, South Carolina, for a conversation with HP Rama, Founder and Chairman of Auro Hotels. HP’s journey began with just $2 in his pocket and a vision that would lead him to co-found Auro Hotels—formerly JHM Hotels—with his brothers. What started more than five decades ago as a single roadside motel evolved into a global enterprise spanning nearly 40 hotels across two countries, each anchored in intentional hospitality. A true industry visionary, HP helped shape the Asian American hotelier movement as a Founding Member of AAHOA and built Auro around a mission of purpose, collaboration, and service. Through initiatives like Auro University in Surat, India, he continues to champion learning and leadership in hospitality. In this episode, HP reflects on the values that shaped his legacy—stewardship, selflessness, and a family-first philosophy—and how those same principles continue to guide Auro’s future. Plus, stay tuned for Part 2 – a continuation of HP’s story, featuring his nephew, DJ Rama, President & CEO, and his great nephew, Keval Rama, Senior Associate, as they lead the next chapter of Auro Hotels.

Teague heads west to Phoenix for a conversation with Sam Fox—the visionary force behind Author & Edit Hospitality and Fox Restaurant Concepts. Known for building some of the most beloved restaurants across the country, Sam now brings his creative lens to hotels with The Global Ambassador, his first foray into hospitality that rethinks the food and beverage experience and avoids the pitfalls many hoteliers face. With more than 150 restaurant concepts to his name and a $353 million transaction with The Cheesecake Factory behind him, Sam has proven he knows how to scale without losing the magic. Having earned a Michelin Key less than two years in, he shares how creativity and consistency is shaping The Global Ambassador, why focusing on today is the key to unforgettable guest experiences, and the lessons he’s carrying from restaurants into hotels. And of course—Teague asks the question we’re all wondering: what’s tougher to run, restaurants or hotels? Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive tour of The Global Ambassador in Phoenix, coming next Friday.

Teague travels to Nashville to sit down with Anup Patel, Managing Director at Tara Investments, inside the firm’s recently opened dual-branded Canopy and Homewood Suites in the heart of The Gulch. Anup shares how his family’s journey from textiles in the UK to U.S. hotel ownership led to over $275 million in developments and acquisitions, including this $150 million flagship project. From balancing family and business to navigating financing, construction challenges, and design details, Anup offers a behind-the-scenes look at building from the ground up—and why this property cements Tara’s confidence in their long-term development strategy. Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive tour of the Canopy and Homewood Suites Nashville Downtown The Gulch, coming next Friday.

Filmmakers Amar Shah and Rahul Rohatgi dive into the untold narrative of South Asians in the U.S. motel industry, inspired by their personal connections to the hospitality business. They share how they transformed years of research and interviews into the impactful short film, highlighting the journeys of Indian motel owners like Kanji Manchu. The duo discusses the early challenges of funding, the importance of community support, and cultural ties that shaped their entrepreneurial paths, as well as their ambitions for a feature-length version.

Teague travels to Wrightsville Beach to sit down with Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, the visionaries behind Trailborn and founders of Castle Peak Holdings. These Goldman Sachs alums share how they built a vertically integrated hospitality platform, from development to operations, and landed a deal with Marriott with just four open properties. Trailborn is reimagining experiential lodging with thoughtfully designed hotels in iconic destinations, combining curated itineraries, local flavor, and outdoor access for a stay that feels anything but standard. Fresh off raising $315 million in just four months, Mike and Ben talk capital, brand building, and what’s next for the industry’s most-watched new brand. Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive look at the brand-new Trailborn Surf & Sound coming next Friday.

With 20+ years in Wall Street investment banking and a sharp eye for brand growth, Phil Zrihen—Brand COO and Head of Americas at Ennismore—brings a strategic lens to lifestyle hospitality. Through immersive design, integrated F&B, and a culture-driven operating model, he shares how Ennismore is building brands that owners want to invest in and travelers want to experience. With 180+ properties open and 140+ in the pipeline, Phil discusses how Ennismore is scaling across the Americas, what makes a lifestyle brand financially viable, and why evolving guest expectations are reshaping development strategy.

There’s a reason the Savannah Bananas have a 3 million-person ticket waitlist. And there’s a reason their next game is set to draw 80,000 fans. It’s more than the wild choreography or the sea of yellow—it’s a business model built entirely around one thing: the fan. Teague sits down for an exclusive interview with founder and entrepreneur Jesse Cole to explore how the Bananas have reimagined what a sports franchise can be. From eliminating all sponsorships to paying the taxes and fees from tickets, the Bananas are proof that putting fans first isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a sustainable, strategic advantage. He shares the 10+ year journey it took to get there—filled with tough decisions, financial risk, and a relentless belief in doing things differently. Learn how you can apply the same bold thinking and long-game vision to build something that truly lasts.

Chris Nassetta, the President & CEO of Hilton, shares his insights on the booming travel industry, declaring it a 'new golden age of travel.' He discusses Hilton's impressive growth with over 8,400 properties and recent record-breaking achievements, including high stock prices and new brand launches. Delving into the hospitality landscape, Chris emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing customer experiences and navigates the economic challenges facing the industry, while also celebrating the excitement surrounding the upcoming conference at the Signia Hilton in Atlanta.

Teague Talks? More like Teague Tip-Off! This month, Teague takes it to the next level for an unstoppable conversation with Mit Shah, the Founder and CEO of Noble, at the Atlanta Hawks' elite training facility. Mit’s journey is a masterclass in ambition, from working the front desk at his parents’ motel to building one of hospitality’s most respected private equity firms with over $6.0 billion in assets. They go deep on family-driven grit, the power of top-tier talent, and why education is the ultimate game-changer in leadership and philanthropy. Looking to 2025 and beyond, Mit reveals where Noble is making its biggest plays and offers a first look at the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series at the upcoming Hunter Conference. And because no great episode is complete without a bit of action, they take the court for fast-paced, rapid-fire questions. Big moves. Big insights. Big episode.