Episode 4 of The Owner’s Lounge is all about advocacy—who’s really fighting for hotel owners, what battles matter most right now, and how we can finally bring balance back to the franchising relationship. Sandip Patel and Jerry Stucchi dive into the realities of franchise agreements, rising costs, and the power of collective action, while also pulling back the curtain on how groups like AAHOA and Reform Lodging are shaping the future of the hospitality industry.

From billion-dollar stock prices at Marriott and Hilton to the very real struggles of franchisees trying to keep their bottom lines intact, this episode doesn’t hold back. Sandip and Jerry break down why advocacy isn’t just about lobbying in Washington—it’s about having consistent messaging, showing up locally, and holding both franchisors and associations accountable. And yes, they even get into tariffs, tourism, and why overpriced Aperol Spritzes at Saratoga are the perfect example of what not to do in hospitality.

If you’ve ever felt like hotel owners carry the load while the brands reap the rewards, this conversation will both validate your frustrations and show you where the fight for fairness is gaining ground.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Why Marriott and Hilton’s record stock prices don’t tell the full story for owners
• The push for a Fair Franchising Act and how Reform Lodging is leading the charge
• Why associations like AAHOA need to step up—and what members should demand
• How tariffs and rising costs are squeezing franchisees and impacting travelers
• Why advocacy at every level—local, state, and national—matters more than ever

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