Defining Hospitality

Today's guest leads the charge of finding new ways to build and design sustainably. He’s responsible for the first zero emissions and passive house certified hotel in the United States. Our guest this week is none other than President at Becker + Becker Associates, Bruce Becker!Bruce joins Dan Ryan from the Hotel Marcel in New Haven, Connecticut, for a conversation on how he is trailblazing the world of sustainable hotels. Bruce shares his motivations for the hotel, how other brands need to better incentivize sustainable building practices, and how he took on his first hotel project. Takeaways: Hospitality is about caring for both people and their environments. You can’t be generous with hospitality while polluting the planet. Hospitality means preserving the future while innovating in the present. Beyond the good for the planet, sustainable initiatives can save a hotel on budget. A lower energy bill can save you as much money as having an extra 20 rooms. For the Hotel Marcell, their initiatives add up to about $300,000 a year to their bottom line. Despite the operating benefits of more environmentally friendly options, many brands still have issues implementing them, as no one directly owns these initiatives. To solve this, brands need to appoint individuals to choose more sustainable options. When hotel designers are over budget, their first intention is to start cutting back on costs from different sections. Environmental tax credits and grants are a potent way to adopt new technology while making budgets more efficient.When designing a hotel, it’s important to consider how each of the different functions interplay with each other. When you have over 100 rooms, you also need meeting rooms, lounge space, and open space. When looking to add solar to a hotel, building roof space can be a limiting factor. Covering parking spaces with solar panels offers a unique way to take advantage of existing space. A 4 story hotel has enough parking space to be 100% net zero.While there are incentives for individual designers to adopt sustainable practices, there needs to be more pressure from brands. Much like a hotel can’t open until passing a safety inspection, brands should require a certain level of sustainability before opening. Quote of the Show:“You have to have a holistic approach to taking care of people and their things and their environment and their planet.” - Bruce BeckerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-redman-becker-383b34152/ Website: https://www.beckerandbecker.com/ Hotel Marcel: https://www.hotelmarcel.com/ Shout Outs:01:15 - Larry Traxler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrytraxler/ 01:16 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/en/ 13:14 - Hyatt: https://www.hyatt.com/ 13:17 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/ 13:19 - Accor: https://all.accor.com/usa/index.en.shtml 13:23 - IHG: https://www.ihgplc.com/en 19:21 - Megan Gill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-gill-0a2636112/ 19:28 - BLDG: https://www.bldg-newhaven.com/ 21:27 - Nuveen: https://www.nuveen.com/en-us 30:30 - Dutch East Design: https://www.dutcheastdesign.com/ 30:50 - Consigli Construction: https://www.consigli.com/ 32:54 - Marcel Breuer33:01 - Bauhaus33:05 - Harvard: https://www.harvard.edu/ 33:27 - Paul Goldberger: https://www.paulgoldberger.com/ 33:31 - AIA: https://www.aia.org/ 34:02 - Richard Lee: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_C._Lee 37:34 - Cornell Hotel School: https://sha.cornell.edu/ 38:16 - Yale: https://www.yale.edu/ 45:15 - IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/ 47:39 - Elon Musk47:41 - Tesla: https://www.tesla.com/ 01:01:05 - Mitsubishi: https://www.mitsubishi.com/en/ 01:16:56 - Charlestowne Hotels: https://www.charlestownehotels.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

In this special episode of Defining Hospitality, we’re live from BDNY 2023! Dan chats with some expo attendees, organizers, and Gold Key winners to see what excites them most about BDNY. We’ll discuss why guests have come from as far as Hawaii, what is exciting them about the future, and how to incorporate hospitality into expos.Links:Shaleah SolivenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaleah-soliven-03191726/ Website: https://www.thevanguardtheory.com/ Website: https://www.shaleahsoliven.com/ Michelle JaimeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jaime-487a5b4/ Website: https://www.thevanguardtheory.com/ Julie FrankLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecfrank/ Website: https://aspen.com/ Drew StuartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-stuart-22bb286/ Website: https://inc.nyc/ Paul BienkowskiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bienkowski-0428b57/ Website: https://hospitalitydesign.com/ Shout Outs:02:49 - Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/ 02:53 - Shore Hotel: https://www.shorehotel.com/ 06:10 - Rockefeller Center: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is an experienced executive who has a history of driving brands to success. Please welcome to the show, Head of Development for Ashford Inc and CEO at Premier, a subsidiary of Ashford, Hector Sanchez!Hector sits down with Host Dan Ryan to share the lessons he has learned from his time in the hospitality industry. Hector dives into the importance of owning mistakes when they happen, the challenges of aligning on budget, and how to build teams that play to their members’ strengths. Takeaways: Hospitality is the act of serving people and creating unique experiences that they can share with others. It plays a crucial role in creating memorable moments and fostering connections between individuals.Taking responsibility and providing a solution is crucial in resolving issues effectively, as it demonstrates accountability and ownership, unlike finger-pointing and avoiding responsibility.Ownership groups in the hotel industry typically do not bring various functions, such as project management, in-house. While some may handle design and project management internally, they often rely on external firms for expertise and assistance.As a newcomer to the hospitality industry, it’s important to take note of the small details around you. Observing how other projects came to fruition and noting their nuances will help you ramp up your design knowledge.While having a holistic understanding of your industry is beneficial, it doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in every discipline. Play to your strengths and build a team whose members fill in each other’s gaps. The disconnect between budget and creativity in the hospitality industry can be a large challenge. Being mindful of budget constraints while fostering creativity is crucial for successful project execution.Quote of the Show:“To me, it's just about how you react to those issues? Do you just hide from them? Do you ignore the calls or do you rise up?” - Hector SanchezLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premier_design_to_completion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-a-sanchez-65799b7/ Website: https://www.premierpm.com/ Website: https://www.ashfordinc.com/ Shout Outs:01:16 - Chris Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wchrisgreen/ 01:23 - Chesapeake Hospitality01:25 - Remington Hotels: https://www.remingtonhospitality.com/ 09:31 - Bermanfalk: https://www.bermanfalk.com/ 11:38 - PEMEX: https://www.pemex.com/en/Paginas/default.aspx 12:18 - National Oilwell Varco: https://www.nov.com/ 12:30 - Schlumberger: https://www.slb.com/ 12:31 - Halliburton: https://www.halliburton.com/ 19:13 - Carla Niemann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-niemann-rid-iida-81314a5/ 19:19 - Johannes Michalsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannes-michalsky-80166b77/19:27 - Mike Funk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/funkmike/ 27:36 - Patrick Burke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-burke-aia-ncarb-3125748b/ 27:51 - Rex Tullius33:20 - Mr C’s Beverly Hills33:22 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/en/ 33:27 - La Concha: https://www.laconcharesort.com/ 33:30 - Autograph Collection: https://autograph-hotels.marriott.com/ 33:32 - Le Pavillon Hotel: https://www.lepavillon.com/ 34:35 - Courtyard: https://courtyard.marriott.com/ 34:37 - Ritz-Carlton: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 35:41 - Barbara Carlson39:15 - Renaissance Nashville47:49 - University of Houston: https://www.uh.edu/ 47:52 - Texas Rangers: https://www.mlb.com/rangers 47:56 - Houston Astros: https://www.mlb.com/astros Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Filling a hotel with furniture is about more than just picking the right chair, it’s about working with your client to get the right product set up the right way for them. Our guest this week is a well rounded hospitality professional and expert in all things FF&E. Joining the show is COO - FF&E Division & Partner at The Parker Company, Mitch Parker!Mitch sits down with Host Dan Ryan to dive into all things procurement. Mitch outlines the importance of planning for proper time, the intricacies that go into furnishing a hotel, and the need for designers to design for the requirements of the hotel.Takeaways: Hospitality is all about service. In a hotel, it’s providing a place for others to feel comfortable. In procurement, it’s about providing efficient service that helps your client complete their project on time and under budget. With every item, there is often an unseen level of customization behind the scenes. Multiple locations may use the same chair, but the color, texture, and finish can vary. Managing these changes is a behind the scenes responsibility of procurement. Design never happens in a vacuum, but is shaped by the bounds of what you are designing for. When designing furniture for hotels, an aesthetically pleasing design isn’t enough, it needs to also meet the functional requirements of the hotel. While it’s important to meet client needs, you also need to open a hotel on time. To help stay on schedule, highlight the importance of making decisions to clients, and try to reduce the number of 3rd party decision makers. As a leader of a business you need to balance employee agency with your own oversight. It’s important to give your employees agency to make their own decisions, but you want to be involved enough that when problems arise, you are able to help out. When furnishing a hotel, you need to understand how all the parts and pieces play into the overall guest experience. A single element can turn a positive experience negative for a guest, preventing them from returning to your hotel.  As a purchaser, time is your best friend. It’s common for clients to change their mind or ask for revisions half way through the process. By building in a buffer, you can meet client requests without delaying the project.  Quote of the Show:“You can have a beautiful design, but if it can't be executed, you have a problem.” - Mitch ParkerLinks:Website: https://parkerinternational.com/ Website: https://wazi.com/ Shout Outs:01:02 - Leonard Parker04:23 - The Maxwell Company06:39 - The High Point Furniture Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/ 09:13 - Marriott Courtyard: https://courtyard.marriott.com/ 09:43 - Four Seasons: https://www.fourseasons.com/ 09:44 - Rosewood: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/default  09:46 - The Ritz-Carlton: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 33:45 - Carole Monestime: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-monestime-5aa4192b/ 34:11 - Linda Hein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-hein-6a49a423/ 34:13 - Marilyn Webb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-webb-a4024511/ 47:38 - Gregg Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-parker-418a1131/ 48:33 - Philip Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-parker-6b281a2a/ 48:39 - Doug Parker48:43 - Brad Parker48:55 - Camp Waziyatah: https://wazi.com/ 01:01:58 - American of Martinsville: https://americanofmartinsville.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

In this special episode of Defining Hospitality, we’re featuring interviews from the 2023 Radical Innovation Awards. Dan speaks with Radical Innovation Founder John Hardy, and other event participants including Jury members, MC, and sponsors. Through each interview, you’ll hear about the excitement of the event, tips for anyone considering being a future juror, and which aspects of the designs stood out the most.Featured Guests:John HardyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hardy-3a677812/ Website: https://www.jhgi.com/ Website: https://www.radicalinnovation.io/ Mark FriesenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-friesen-b7b77812/ Website: https://www.beyerbrown.com/Raj ChandnaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajchandnani/ Website: https://www.watg.com/ Eran ChenTwitter: https://twitter.com/ODAArchitecture LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eran-chen-465b446/ Website: https://oda-architecture.com/ Damien PerrotLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-perrot-42b6252/ Website: https://group.accor.com/ John EdelmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-edelman-4361a012/ Website: https://hellerfurniture.com/ Vito LottaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vito-f-lotta-464228/ Website: https://stories.hilton.com/ Shout Outs:The Gourd Project: https://www.thegourdproject.com/ Bruce Becker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-redman-becker-383b34152/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

On this episode, we’re joined by a show director who puts together some of the hospitality industry’s most popular events. Please welcome to the show, Brand Leader & Associate Show Director - Boutique Design at Emerald, Keisha Byrd! Keisha joins Host Dan Ryan to share what makes a successful event. Keisha highlights the importance of finding the right people, the satisfaction that comes from pulling off a successful event, and the ways students can get the most out of events. Takeaways: Hospitality is about creating welcoming experiences, bringing people together, and making everyone feel like they belong. It is important to prioritize these aspects in order to foster a sense of unity and promote meaningful connections.When it comes to putting together an amazing event, the right people make it a success. Your attendees are likely to forget the food and beverages that were served, but they will remember the conversations had and connections made. Putting on an event is a lot of work, but the feedback and positive messages make it all worth it. Hearing feedback from attendees not only makes you feel appreciated, but also helps shape future events. When vendors ask for a better space or more square footage, those are both signs of an event well done. Additional signs of success include the feedback from attendees who have found your event to be a useful resource. As events grow and evolve, there is an increased focus on highlighting specific designs. Future events will still feature a traditional expo hall, but will start to incorporate open houses that highlight both specific designs and their designers.  Setting goals, being patient, and staying true to yourself are key factors in achieving personal growth and success. It is crucial to persevere and remain dedicated to your journey, as progress takes time and self-belief.Listening and being patient with others, while embracing creativity and continuous learning, are valuable skills for events. These help to improve event experiences and foster constructive growth.Quote of the Show:“Knowing that what we're doing is actually connecting everyone to do business, that's what we're here for.” - Keisha ByrdLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-byrd-076ab680/ Website: https://hospitalitydesign.com/ Website: https://bdny.com/ Shout Outs:03:43 - BD Match: https://www.boutiquedesignmatch.com/about/04:53 - CitySCENE: https://hospitalitydesign.com/cityscene/ 08:16 - University of Cincinnati: https://www.uc.edu/ 10:23 - Taylor Swift11:32 - Michelle Finn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-finn-b30b9a9/ 13:22 - Association for Women in Science: https://awis.org/ 25:37 - HD Expo: https://hdexpo.hospitalitydesign.com/ 28:52 - Lynn University: https://www.lynn.edu/ 30:39 - Platinum Circle: https://platinum.hospitalitydesign.com/ 30:40 - Gold Key Awards: https://goldkeyawards.com/ 31:02 - Shelia Lohmiller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelia-lohmiller-2410097/ 31:05 - Martin Brudnizki: https://www.mbds.com/ 31:06 - Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayssiolartedekanavos/ 31:07 - Libby Sims Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-patrick-iida-leed-ap-981631/ 31:22 - Moxy NYC Lower East Side: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycom-moxy-nyc-lower-east-side/overview/ 31:28 - The Lightstone Group: https://www.lightstonegroup.com/ 31:34 - Ziegfeld Ballroom: https://www.ziegfeldballroom.com/ 31:54 - Lark Hotels: https://www.larkhotels.com/ 32:22 - NEWH: https://newh.org/ 36:26 - Independent Lodging Congress: https://ilcongress.com/ 37:28 - Pratt Institute: https://www.pratt.edu/ 37:29 - Fashion Institute of Technology: https://www.fitnyc.edu/ 38:04 - Cornell: https://www.cornell.edu/ 38:05 - NYU: https://www.nyu.edu/ 38:15 - Helen Jorgensen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-jorgensen-leed%C2%AEap-1594902/ 40:33 - Joe BurrowWays to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

When it comes to finding the right workplace, the environment matters much more than the work. This week, we’re joined by a designer who understands firsthand the value of creating welcoming environments in both her workplaces and designs. Our guest this week is Lead Designer, Principal, and Founder of AJC Design, Alicia Cannon!Alicia joins Dan Ryan for a conversation on what being an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry is like. Alicia shares her tips for finding the right environment, what makes starting your own brand worth it, and the best ways to train new members.Takeaways: Hospitality is a blank canvas, allowing you to create intentional experiences for guests, providing idyllic escapes and reassuring comforts away from home. It is a gift that brings passion and fulfillment, making it a significant aspect of the industry.As a creative, it’s important to understand the environments you do and don’t want to be part of. While a certain company may offer great work opportunities, a misalignment of culture will ultimately be more detrimental to you. While going out on your own can be daunting, it opens the door to creative growth. With freedom to travel, you open your eyes to new styles and designs. By observing the work of others, you become a better designer for your clients. When training junior designers, it is important to guide them through the fundamentals of interior design, such as writing specifications and understanding the language of the field. When seeking internships, explore opportunities at different-sized firms to find a culture and environment that aligns with your goals. It's crucial to prioritize understanding the people you want to work with.Establishing a strong brand identity and prioritizing long-term relationships with clients are crucial for success as a business owner. Creating a family-oriented environment and fostering lasting connections can lead to significant growth and loyalty.It is crucial for new business owners to anticipate upcoming projects and maintain a steady stream of clients. Planning and preparation are key to ensure a consistent flow of work and avoid potential financial challenges.Quote of the Show:“If something doesn't feel good, It's probably not right.” - Alicia CannonLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajc_design/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcdesign/ Website: https://ajcdesign.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajcdesign Shout Outs:01:20 - Cheryl Rowley06:42 - Deborah Geer07:15 - Jody Harley07:16 - Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/ 07:39 - David Easton: https://www.davideastonarchitect.com/ 09:51 - Kathy Stein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-stein-73937814/ 10:02 - HBA: https://www.hba.com/ 12:39 - NEWH: https://newh.org/ 12:46 - University Of Minnesota: https://twin-cities.umn.edu/ 12:47 - University Of Iowa: https://uiowa.edu/ 26:34 - Renaissance New York Harlem: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nychl-renaissance-new-york-harlem-hotel/overview/ 40:58 - Mason Contract Products41:00 - Charlie Grady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grady-7943b914/ 41:06 - Chuck Greenspan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckgreenspan/ 41:09 - Häfele: https://www.hafele.com/us/en/ 41:11 - Len Horowitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-horowitz-0812b37/ 41:19 - Steve Wachtler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wachtler-con-94206568/ 41:21 - Amatex41:43 - Stella D'oroWays to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a highly creative and service oriented design leader who loves learning from others. She’s a trailblazer who worked to carve out a space in the industry to truly be herself. Joining the show this week is Managing Principal at KNA Design Los Angeles, Alisa Chodos!Alisa sits down with Dan Ryan for a discussion on her hospitality journey. She dives into the importance of learning from others, why it’s ok to make mistakes, and the warmth of the hospitality community. Takeaways: Hospitality is the business of service, and design is theater. Hospitality is the backdrop through which people create connections and experiences. To properly execute requires a blend of design and management. In the ever-evolving world of design consulting, learning goes beyond the classroom. It's about gaining firsthand experience, adapting to different environments, and embracing teamwork as the cornerstone of success.While the hospitality industry has come a long way, it has faced many diversity issues. When Alisa first started, not many women were involved in the design process. She continued to push on, and refused to conform.It is important to learn from mistakes, have fun, and collaborate with others to spur creativity. Embracing new perspectives and exploring unconventional ideas can lead to better solutions and promote camaraderie and teamwork.Working with a diverse group of people can provide new perspectives and inspiration. Emphasizing the importance of incorporating cultural and historical references in design projects can lead to cohesive and relevant outcomes.Designers should prioritize maintaining a positive and enthusiastic mindset towards their work to cultivate motivation and creativity. Embracing feelings of exuberance and discovery can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.The hospitality industry thrives on strong relationships and collaboration. The support, generosity, and professionalism of its people make it a fortunate and rewarding field to be a part of.Quote of the Show:“I feel like I'm not really learning unless I'm challenged and a little bit scared.” - Alisa ChodosLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-chodos-0a112037/ Website: https://www.knadesign.com/ Shout Outs:01:29 - Cheryl Rowley Design01:33 - Kimpton Hotels: https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/reservation 02:00 - HBA: https://www.hba.com/ 02:31 - Howard Hirsch02:32 - Michael Bedner04:06 - Kirk Nix: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-nix-4a5077117/ 08:55 - Lisa Janigian10:40 - Hilton Chicago: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chichhh-hilton-chicago/ 13:41 - Barry Design13:41 - Larry Lee13:42 - Wimberly Interiors: https://www.watg.com/wimberly/ 13:48 - Michael Smith: https://www.michaelsmithinc.com/ 22:01 - Bob Barry27:01 - White Swan Hotel: https://www.whiteswanhotel.com/en 43:26 - UCLA: https://www.ucla.edu/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is an accomplished hospitality leader with around 15 years of experience. He believes that both old and new properties alike can be transformed into engaging and thoughtful spaces. Please welcome Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Oliver Hospitality, Ethan Orley!Ethan joins Host Dan Ryan for a discussion on the challenges of creating #1 ranking hotels from the right canvas. Ethan shares tips for successful business partnerships, the importance of multiple guest activities, and how building characters for your narrative creates immersive guest experiences. Takeaways: Hospitality is a creative canvas to provide exceptional products and services, exceeding guests' expectations with unique experiences in both hotels and restaurants. It offers the opportunity to reimagine spaces and leave a lasting impression on visitors.Investors are primarily driven by financial returns, emphasizing the significance of structuring projects correctly. In addition, the challenge of pursuing unique and innovative ventures sets a pathway for success in a market that demands differentiation.Starting a new business venture can be daunting, taking the leap and starting small is a lower risk option. Starting with a feasible amount to manage lets you closely control operations, and work in refinements without becoming overwhelmed.  A successful partnership thrives on trust, honesty, and shared goals, while requiring continuous effort and hard work. Collaboration and complementary skills contribute to the growth and success of the partnership.Maintaining a strong focus on beverage sales is crucial for restaurants and hotels, as it offers higher profit margins compared to food sales. By strategically entertaining guests and creating multi-dimensional experiences, businesses can maximize their revenue potential.While many brands focus on their design guidelines, they should instead focus on how a character would interact with the narrative they are creating. By designing around the actions of the character, you create an experience that naturally immerses guests. When renovating a hotel, the only thing you can control is your entry point. While operation costs and renovations can easily run more than expected, the cost to purchase stays fixed. Quote of the Show:“It's a good sign when they take all the collateral, it means you've done something well, and it's the price of being memorable.” - Ethan OrleyLinks:Twitter: https://twitter.com/eorley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanorley/ Website: https://www.oliverhospitality.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliverhospitality/ Shout Outs:00:43 - Fairlane Hotel In Nashville: https://www.fairlanehotel.com/ 00:58 - Hotel Clermont In Atlanta: https://www.hotelclermont.com/ 01:35 - Taylor Swift01:49 - Philip Welker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwelker/ 02:09 - Hutton Hotel: https://www.huttonhotel.com/ 06:21 - Courtney Bishop: https://cortneybishop.com/ 10:54 - Lodge At Marconi: https://www.lodgeatmarconi.com/ 14:24 - NYU: https://www.nyu.edu/ 17:44 - Oliver Royale: https://www.oliverroyale.com/ 18:26 - University of Tennessee: https://www.utk.edu/ 34:23 - Ponce City Market: https://www.poncecitymarket.com/ 46:50 - Ted Williams50:03 - Ashleigh Narcelles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleighbnarcelles/ 50:04 - Sondra Richardson50:06 - Brandy Liles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-liles-98b0967/ 52:00 - Dolly Parton52:05 - Dollywood: https://www.dollywood.com/ 54:42 - Craig Bradford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csbradford/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Through the hospitality of others, we are enabled to share those feelings of welcoming and acceptance in future interactions. Today’s guest is someone who’s work in hospitality is influenced by the support of those around him. Our guest this week is an experienced designer with a well rounded international background. Joining the show is Regional Director of Design Strategies for IHG, Henri Munyengango!Henri shares the mic with Host Dan Ryan for a thoughtful conversation on the impacts we leave on each other’s lives. Henri shares the ways he is helping the next generation of designers, the necessity of collaboration, and the importance of understanding client’s motivations. Takeaways: Hospitality is about creating a space where people feel expected and embraced. Instilling a sense of hospitality is focused on creating environments that welcome guests and help them create memories. For Henri, his journey into hospitality was powered by the support of his community around him. Through the support of the family he spent time with in America, Henri was encouraged to pursue his dream of design. Hearing a client doesn’t like a concept you’ve developed can sting, but it’s important to understand their motives. At the end of the day, your client is running a business, and the pushback originates from their need to ensure they are making a sound investment. One of the most exciting parts of working with brands is getting to truly pair with them to tell their story. Every touch point from check in to the room needs to distill a brand’s aspirations into a concrete physical form. Understanding and embracing cultural differences, especially in hospitality, is crucial for building acceptance and fostering curiosity. Being acknowledged and inquiring about someone's background promotes the ultimate acceptance anyone seeks.Seeking advice and leveraging the perspectives of others can provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and mindset shifts, emphasizing the power of collaboration and multiple perspectives in problem-solving.Being a mentor brings fulfillment and allows for sharing experiences and knowledge. It provides an opportunity to guide and support individuals, whether they are team members or students, and make a positive impact in their lives.Quote of the Show:“I thank those individuals who invested in me to allow me to be at a place here in my life where I can give back.” - Henri MunyengangoLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-munyengango-7b472620/ Website: https://www.ihg.com/ Shout Outs:3:20 - Akagera National Park: https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/akagera 5:43 - Catholic Social Services19:27 - Milli Vanilli32:36 - Holly Kappes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-kappes-56648610/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419