Host: Cindy Hook

Guest: Chris Kehn - Principal, KH Hospitality

Summary

Cindy sits down with second-generation hotelier Chris Kehn to trace his path from ROTC/Army discipline to hands-on leadership across independent hotels and resorts. Drawing on early lessons at the Hawthorne Hotel and years of owner-side advisory work, Chris explains why execution; not just planning, creates results, how a tough setback taught him more than a string of wins, and what it really takes to build teams, protect culture, and keep standards when the pressures on.

What you’ll learn

• Why independent properties can be the fastest classroom for owners and operators
• The operating cadence that turns strategy into outcomes, consistently
• Hiring for attitude and fit (and when to make the hard call to protect culture)
• How to stay even-keeled and decisive through uncertainty
• The difference owner education makes in project success

Notable quote

“I’ve seen average plans win with great execution, and great plans fail without it.”

Guest bio (short)

Chris Kehn is a hospitality operator and advisor who has led teams across independent hotels and resorts, helping owners align strategy, people, and process to deliver sustained performance.