Hotels 101 Podcast

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Jun 2024

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Are you interested in the hotel industry and want to learn more? Look no further than Hotels 101, the podcast that takes a deep dive into the lives of industry leaders by hearing their stories.<br /><br />Host Rob Hays, President and CEO of Ashford Hospitality Trust, interviews experts from all over the country and gets their unique perspective on everything hotels and travel.

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June 13, 2024Episode 1443 min

Episode 14: Sonny Sra, Board Member of Ashford Hospitality Trust

Today on Hotels 101, Rob Hays discussed the incredible journey of Sonny Sra, an industry icon and a personal friend with a remarkable career in the hospitality industry spanning more than 3 decades.Sonny shares his journey from India to the U.S., switching from a science background to an MBA in Information Systems, and eventually finding his footing in the hospitality industry as a night auditor in Savannah, Georgia.Sonny’s eventual decision to join Remington Hospitality was tied to a deal involving the hiring of his mentor. This marked the beginning of a successful career where Sonny has held roles from General Manager to Senior Vice President of the Independent Luxury Division.The conversation transitions to the evolution of the hospitality industry over the past 50 years. Sonny reflects on the transformation from rudimentary methods to sophisticated data and technology, arguing that despite these advancements, the core business of hospitality should not be neglected. He stresses the importance of leaders spending time engaging with their teams, especially in the post-pandemic landscape where new challenges arise.Join Rob and Sonny for an insightful discussion filled with personal stories, leadership philosophies, and a holistic conversation into what makes the hospitality industry both challenging and rewarding.

May 30, 2024Episode 1323 min

Episode 13: John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured

John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured | Hotels 101 Episode 13In this episode of 'Hotels 101', host Rob Hays interviews John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured.Starting as a generalist analyst at HFF (now JLL Capital Markets), John was encouraged to dive into the hospitality sector. Despite entering the market during the 2007 financial crisis, John and his partner grew a successful hotel platform over the next decade. John joined Eastdil Secured in 2022 to focus on expanding its traditionally bi-coastal presence into the Sunbelt. Over the past 5 years, Dallas has grown to become the fourth largest office in the Eastdil system.John acknowledges several key figures who have shaped his professional approach and attitude. He attributes his success to hard work, humility, and authenticity, stressing the importance of building genuine relationships and trust in the business world. John also candidly discusses the best and worst aspects of working in hotel brokerage, highlighting the rewarding relationships and the challenges of constant availability and unsuccessful transactions.Join us for this insightful episode of Hotels 101 for valuable perspectives on the hotel investment landscape with industry veteran John Bourret!

April 2, 2024Episode 1224 min

Episode 12: Haley Payne, Head of Commercial at Pure Wellness

Today on Hotels 101, Rob Hays discusses the fascinating journey of Haley Payne, the Head of Commercial at Pure Wellness. From her early days growing up in the industry as a 'hotel brat' in New Orleans to her current role at Pure Wellness, Haley's story is a testament to her dedication to the hospitality industry.In this episode, Haley shares her experience working in hotels across 26 states, and eventually transitioning to Pure Wellness. She explains the company's mission to enhance hotel room quality, providing a haven for allergy sufferers and promoting overall wellness.Haley also reflects on her role in bridging the gap between Pure Wellness and hotels, emphasizing the importance of training hotel staff to effectively communicate the benefits of their program. She shares valuable lessons learned from industry figures and her father, highlighting the significance of guest satisfaction in hospitality.Join us for this insightful episode and discover the world of hospitality through the eyes of an industry veteran.

February 21, 2024Episode 1128 min

Episode 11: Stan Kennedy, Retired COO of Remington Hospitality

Welcome to the latest episode of Hotels 101, where we dive into the heart of the hospitality industry with a seasoned veteran who has helped to shape it. In this captivating episode of Hotels 101, we're joined by Stan Kennedy, the recently retired COO of Remington Hospitality, for a look back at his impressive 42-year journey in the hospitality industry and a glimpse into his retirement plans. Stan takes us through his early days, pivotal roles, and the lessons learned along the way, offering invaluable insights for anyone with a passion for hospitality.Stan shares the secret to his successful career, the joy and challenges of his various roles, and how he's managed to balance a demanding career with family life. He also touches on the urgent need for career development in the hospitality industry and gives us a peek into his personal life, revealing his passion for woodworking.As we discuss his transition into retirement, Stan teases the projects he's excited to embark on and reflects on the importance of finding balance and fulfillment beyond the workplace.Tune in to Hotels 101 for a special episode that not only celebrates Stan Kennedy's legacy in hospitality but also inspires us to pursue our passions and create a fulfilling life post-retirement.

January 11, 2024Episode 1055 min

Episode 10: Fred Kleisner

Tune in to Hotels 101 as host Rob Hays and hospitality expert Fred Kleisner engage in a captivating conversation, offering insights into the hotel business from the perspective of an industry veteran.Fred Kleisner, a seasoned Hotelier/Corporate CEO/COO with over four decades of experience, has spearheaded successful management teams across the globe, contributing expertise in every aspect of the hospitality industry. His experience is unparalleled, ranging from one of the original Holiday Inns to individual, world-class hotels and resorts, to worldwide branded hospitality companies including Waldorf Astoria, Westin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham where he served as Chairman, President & CEO.In this episode, Fred reflects on the current state of the hotel industry, drawing on his experiences throughout multiple economic cycles, highlighting the importance of managing for economic downturns and the role hotels play as a bellwether for economic trends. He even shares his interactions with the entertainment business and the challenges of accommodating VIP requests from notable celebrities such as Elvis Presley.Join us for a comprehensive journey through the hospitality industry and discover the secrets to running a hotel operation that stands the test of time in today's episode.

December 7, 2023Episode 925 min

Episode 9: Abteen Vaziri, Founder and President of Uptown Companies Inc

Abteen Vaziri, Founder and President of Uptown Companies Inc. shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in hotel development, particularly in the context of the current economic cycle. He also discussed the role of EB-5 financing in the industry, explaining its advantages and how it fits into the capital stack for development projects. The conversation provides a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of hotel financing and development.

November 14, 2023Episode 827 min

Episode 8: Chris Batchelor, CEO of RED Hospitality and Leisure, LLC

Hotels 101 Chris Batchelor, CEO of RED Hospitality and Leisure, LLCIn today’s episode of Hotels 101, host Rob Hays dives into the exciting world of bringing the fun to the hospitality industry with guest Chris Batchelor, CEO of RED Hospitality and Leisure, LLC.RED, which stands for Resort, Ecotourism, and Destination services, is a unique company that partners with hotels and resorts to provide memorable guest experiences in luxury destinations such as Turks and Caicos, USVI, Maui, Key West, and more.In this episode, Chris, who was born and raised in Hawaii, discusses the founding of RED, his strategy of growth through acquisitions, how his upbringing shaped his journey into hospitality, and the secrets to how RED has come out on top despite the unique challenges of his industry.Don't miss this enlightening episode of Hotels 101 where we uncover the art of crafting luxurious guest experiences with Chris Batchelor.

October 9, 2023Episode 727 min

Episode 7: Kellie Sirna, Founder & Principal, Studio 11 Design

In today’s episode of Hotels 101, host Rob Hays talks hotel design innovation with Kellie Sirna, Founder and Principal of Studio 11 Design. In this episode, Kellie opens up about her intriguing transition from Kansas City to Dallas and how she discovered her passion for the hospitality industry during a recession. With Studio 11 Design, she has tackled unique challenges in the business, particularly those exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. Kellie also dives deep into the latest design trends that captivate hotel guests. She discusses the science of layout design that leads guests on an anticipatory journey through the hotel. Citing her award-winning work, like the Thompson Buckhead Hotel, she demonstrates how these principles come alive in real spaces. Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of hotel design with Kellie Sirna.

September 5, 2023Episode 622 min

Episode 6: Hotels 101, Monty Bennett, Chairman and CEO of Ashford Inc

Richard Newman joins VIP's Casey Hasten in a discussion about body language. Richard is the founder of Body Talk and body language expert. Body Talk helps global leaders in communication skills training, with its own scientific peer-reviewed research to give you proven, practical results. Richard delivers transformational change in how people communicate.About The Guest:Website: https://ukbodytalk.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardnewmanspeaks/?originalSubdomain=ukAbout The We Are VIP Podcast:This podcast is brought to you by VIP to add value to your job or candidate search. Each week, we'll bring you helpful tips and insights from leading professionals to help candidates land their dream jobs and help employers find better talent. Hosted by:Casey Hasten, Director of Recruiting at VIPAbout VIP:We utilize a holistic approach to support your strategic initiatives in accounting and finance. From recruiting and strategic staffing, to project management consulting, our service model offers a comprehensive solution that allows for flexibility as you navigate transformation and growth within your organization.Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/270216/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreVIPCompanyJob Openings and Services: https://wearevip.com

August 14, 2023Episode 522 min

Episode 5: President, Head of Distribution at Ashford Securities, Jay Steigerwald

In this episode of Hotels 101, host Rob Hays talks with C Jay Steigerwald III, President, Head of Distribution for Ashford Securities. From selling computer systems many moons ago to now leading Ashford's newest company and capital-raising platform, Jay takes us on his journey and shares insights on creating investment opportunities in the hospitality industry.Learn about Jay's distinctive storytelling approach to financial concepts, his approach to fostering employee potential, and his vision for building Ashford Securities on a foundation of trust and effective communication. He also shares a captivating story from his favorite place to stay in the world, Claridge's Hotel in London, that you won't want to miss.Tune in to learn more about Jay's philosophy on business success, and his vision for the future of Ashford Securities.