In this episode, Angel Hernandez, General Manager at Timber Cove Resort, shares his journey from the high-energy hospitality scene of New York to creating a vibrant community hub in a quiet coastal town in California.Listen now to learn about:The unique challenges and rewards of managing a remote resort and creating a home-like atmosphere for guests.The importance of personalized guest experiences and attentiveness in hospitality.Insights into Angel's leadership style and how he motivates and trains his team to deliver exceptional service.Angel's "3 F's" philosophy: being fun, fair, and firm, and how it guides his approach to hospitality.The importance of community engagement and how it can significantly contribute to any hospitality operation.Examples of community-focused initiatives at Timber Cove Resort, such as complimentary s'mores, local music nights, and emergency shelter during power outages.Here are resources on referrals from Hireology: How many hires can come from referrals, why you aren't getting referrals, and a full episode on "red carpet recruiting."If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy:Sonesta Hotels x Rolling Stone: How Strategic Brand Partnerships Create "Money-Can't-Buy" Guest Experiences - Elizabeth Harlow, Sonesta HotelsSan Francisco's Soul: A Chef's View on Food, Community, and Renewal - Tyler Florence This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on Kimpton and its influence on hospitality, including how it can inspire innovation and creativity today.Listen now to learn about:How Kimpton Hotels pioneered the boutique hotel movement in the US.The importance of chef-driven restaurants and vibrant bars in creating neighborhood hubs.The unique organizational structure at Kimpton that separates hotel and restaurant management.The significance of fostering local partnerships.How to maintain a brand's culture and spirit within a larger corporate structure.The power of hospitality to unite people and create memorable guest experiences.Examples of successful local activations and partnerships at Kimpton properties. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares why food and beverage (F&B) is a crucial component of hotel businesses and how it can significantly impact overall profitability and guest satisfaction.Listen now to learn:The complexities and challenges of managing F&B in a hotel setting.The importance of understanding the economics and financial side of F&B.How to balance costs, labor, and guest expectations in F&B operations.The role of F&B in creating a compelling destination for guests.Key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor for F&B success.The benefits of integrating guest experience scores from various sources.Also, see our other episodes with Anthony:Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B LeadershipWhy Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on why you should consider a career in hospitality, particularly in the food and beverage sector.Listen now to learn about:The opportunities for growth and mobility within the hospitality industry.The variety of creative and exciting roles available in food and beverage within hotels.How working in a hotel setting allows for diverse and innovative event planning.The benefits of having a built-in audience with hotel guests.The potential for collaboration with other hotel departments to launch unique initiatives.Examples of thematic and seasonal events that can be organized in a hotel setting. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, attracting and retaining top talent has become a strategic advantage. In this special sponsor bonus episode, we're learning from Adam Robinson, CEO of Hireology, about innovative recruiting tactics that can help hotels and hospitality leaders transform their hiring process into a true competitive edge. From refining the application experience to streamlining communications, Adam shares data-backed insights and actionable steps to turn your recruitment process into a "red carpet" experience for candidates.Whether you're a general manager or a corporate leader, tune in to learn how to navigate the unique hiring challenges in hospitality and build a team that drives success well into 2025 and beyond.Resources:Survey of Hospitality Job Seekers by HireologyHotel Food & Beverage Hiring research by HireologyThe Hospitality Hiring Best Practices Checklist by HireologyOur previous episode with Adam: How To Hire Great People, Faster This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on the strategic importance of F&B in hospitality and his experiences at Starwood, W Hotels, Kimpton, and IHG.Listen now to learn about:The role of food and beverage in creating atmosphere and driving business in hospitality.Anthony's career journey and key learnings from his time at Starwood and W Hotels.The importance of company culture and how Starwood fostered a strong, cohesive culture across its properties.The concept of brand innovation and how W Hotels implemented seasonal changes to enhance guest experiences.The impact of brand identity on employee pride and guest perception.The balance between flexibility and maintaining brand standards in hospitality.Also check out: Anthony's episode on Tuesday's Thanks with Brian Proctor This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

In this episode, we dive into the powerful impact of AI on the hospitality industry and how it’s reshaping everything from guest interactions to digital marketing. We're learning from Adam Wallace, CEO of Spherical, who has more than 15 years of experience leading hospitality marketing innovation. Together, we explore practical strategies for hoteliers to stay ahead in an AI-driven world without losing the human touch that defines great hospitality.In this episode, we cover:AI’s Expanding Role in HospitalityThe Concept of "AI Slop"The Power of Authentic StorytellingGenerative AI and Search OptimizationEffective Use of Paid Media in an AI WorldLinks & Examples:Ritz-Carlton “Late Checkout” CampaignSpherical's Website and Project PortfolioRosewood Limited Edition Trailer2010 Roger Smith Shorts TrailersRosewood Limited Edition CampaignReturning to New York in September, in styleThere's more than meets the eyeButler CharmValentine's Day Fun This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

Executive leadership teams and hotel ownership across the hospitality industry still don’t reflect the diversity of its workforce—or of the guests and communities it serves. Ashli Johnson, founder of Hospitality Hued, is on a mission to change that by creating pathways to leadership and ownership for Black and Brown hospitality professionals. In this episode, Ashli shares her journey from her influential role at Howard University’s Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality to founding Hospitality Hued, an organization dedicated to elevating underrepresented talent in hospitality.Join us as Ashli discusses:How mentorship from industry leaders, including her late friend Ray Bennett (obituary), inspired her pathThe origins and impact of the Marriott-Sorenson Center at Howard UniversityHow Hospitality Hued empowers emerging leaders through networking, access, and educationThe intentional planning behind her latest industry-defining event, designed to increase diversity and foster connectionsPractical strategies for creating more inclusive leadership in hospitality—and why it mattersIf you're ready to rethink the future of hospitality and open doors to a more inclusive industry, this episode is a must-listen.Memorable Quotes:“Hospitality can save the world if we just let it.”“Ownership is the ultimate step toward economic freedom and real equity in the hospitality industry.”“Sometimes all it takes to create a pathway is taking a moment to recognize someone’s potential and making an introduction.”Resources Mentioned:Hospitality Hued WebsiteHoward University’s Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality LeadershipAshli Johnson on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

What if a hotel could do more than offer a comfortable stay? What if it could become a force for positive change—for its guests, its employees, and the planet? In this episode, we're learning from with Ken and Pam Cruse, co-founders of Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a groundbreaking hospitality brand dedicated to transforming the industry.Drawing from their extensive backgrounds in hotel investment and marketing, Ken and Pam share how SCP is redefining hospitality with a purpose-driven approach that blends wellness, sustainability, and community impact. You'll hear how they’re pioneering the concept of "regenerative hospitality," focusing on building hotels that not only serve their guests but also strengthen the surrounding communities and preserve the planet.From innovative retrofitting strategies to eco-friendly amenities and partnerships with local artisans, Ken and Pam dive into the unique elements that make SCP Hotels an industry standout. They also discuss the importance of creating authentic guest experiences that encourage connection, mindfulness, and well-being—all while making a lasting impact on both people and the planet.Whether you're a hospitality leader looking to innovate, a business professional interested in sustainability, or simply curious about the future of conscious travel, this episode offers insights and inspiration on how values-based hospitality can change the way we travel.This episode covers:SCP’s purpose-driven mission and the principles behind their “holistic hospitality” approach.How regenerative hospitality goes beyond sustainability to actively benefit guests, employees, and communities.SCP’s innovative retrofitting strategies and their impact on both guest experience and environmental sustainability.How SCP’s unique values and operating model build loyalty, drive positive guest experiences, and create long-term community partnerships.Resources:Soul Community Planet Hotels – Learn more about SCP’s mission, locations, and offerings.Connect with Ken and This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.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

Natalie Clafton shares a question after listening to Leanne Harwood's career story. What do you think?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