Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters of hospitality.

In this episode, Chris interviews Amy Wald, founder of GreenLUX and host of the Sustainable Hospitality podcast. Amy discusses her background, the founding of GreenLUX, and the critical role her consultancy plays in promoting sustainable practices within the hospitality and tourism industry. Topics include the importance of sustainability certifications, practical steps for implementing sustainable practices, and the growing traveler demand for eco-friendly accommodations. Amy also highlights the importance of effective storytelling in sustainability marketing and discusses trends such as wellness integration and nature-based solutions. Additionally, she shares insights on how even small businesses can start their sustainability journey. Finally, Amy offers personal advice for continuous learning and professional growth.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:52 Amy Wald's Background and GreenLUX01:56 Sustainable Hospitality Trends04:36 GreenLux's Approach to Sustainability09:54 Practical Tips for Small Businesses12:28 Storytelling and Marketing Strategies15:25 BWH Hotels' Sustainability Commitment18:01 Future Trends in Sustainability25:22 Advice and Personal Insights28:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this engaging discussion, Summer Vasilis, co-founder of Waxing the City, delves into the inception and growth of the company. With nearly three decades in the beauty industry, Summer outlines her journey from starting in a small Denver salon to collaborating with Purpose Brands, which includes well-known names like Orange Theory and Anytime Fitness. She highlights the importance of maintaining core values, exceptional client experiences, and a career-focused culture for the success of the brand. Summer's insights extend to training programs, community involvement, and leadership principles that contribute to the 94% client satisfaction rating and remarkable franchise growth. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and beauty industry professionals.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:49 Summer Vasilis: Background and Journey

02:10 Founding Waxing the City

02:54 Partnership with Purpose Brands

03:55 Franchising and Expansion

06:31 Keys to Success and Core Values

08:45 Training and Career Growth

15:24 Community Involvement

18:46 Advice for Franchisees and Entrepreneurs

22:28 Maintaining High Client Satisfaction

27:05 Personal Growth and Recommendations

32:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode, we're joined by Scott Dring, President and CEO of Visit Dublin, Ohio. Scott shares his journey into the hospitality industry, from aspiring sports writer to leading one of Ohio's top destination marketing organizations. Hear about exciting developments in Dublin, such as the new Bridge Park area, innovative marketing campaigns, and the community's robust travel and tourism academy. Scott also discusses the economic impact of tourism, the importance of workforce development, and the unique attractions that Dublin has to offer. Whether you're interested in hospitality trends or planning your next trip to Dublin, Ohio, this conversation is packed with insights and recommendations.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Scott's Journey to Visit Dublin02:16 Overview of Visit Dublin

02:59 Promoting Dublin's Unique Campaigns

04:42 Year-Round Attractions in Dublin

07:54 Future Developments in Dublin

10:44 Workforce Development Initiatives

14:50 Trends in the Hospitality Industry

17:45 Advice for Local Business Owners

20:03 Scott's Personal Recommendations

24:21 Learning and Growth in the Industry

29:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

This episode features a conversation with Madison Martin, Senior Event Manager at Hilton, who’s here to talk about the experiences of some of hospitality’s front-line workers.

While I often get the chance to speak with organizational founders and CEOs, Madison brings a ground-level perspective that is sometimes missing in discussions about the evolving needs and expectations of hospitality workers.

As Madison tells it, many organizations often neglect the tangible benefits that most employees are looking for in a post-Covid work environment. Competitive salaries, health insurance, parental leave and better working hours are all top priorities these days.

You can’t build a healthy company culture if you’re not meeting your staff’s basic needs, and Madison was outstanding in illuminating how hospitality leaders can work towards doing exactly that.

Hilton | Website - https://stories.hilton.com/

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#Hospitality #Foodservice

I’m pleased to welcome Peter Ricci, Clinical Associate Professor and Director for the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University, to hear about the FAU hospitality certificate program.

One of the hallmarks of Peter’s approach to hospitality education is its versatility in its practical applications. People from all kinds of industries outside of hospitality have something to glean from Peter’s program.

As Peter sees it, hospitality isn’t just an industry but a philosophy of customer service that’s transferable to any organization. He instills a desire for excellence in all his students that they can utilize in any role or business. Not only that, but he also helps students find a place within the industry with skills that aren’t traditionally associated with hospitality.

Hospitality will always need accountants and HR leaders, and financial advisors and talent recruiters will always benefit from the commitment to customer service that defines hospitality.

Peter Ricci | Email - [email protected]

Florida Atlantic University | Website - https://www.fau.edu/

FAU Hospitality Certificate Programs | Website - https://business.fau.edu/undergraduate/minors-certificates/certificates/hospitality-and-tourism-management/

Chris Cano | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/

Upshift | LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeadersPodcast.com

#Hospitality #FoodService

For the difficult work required in the hospitality industry, it’s essential to have a team that’s passionate about the organizational mission. That’s what I discussed on this episode with Kate Porter, Co-Executive Director at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

To create a guest-facing experience that’s fun and exciting, a lot of back-end work has to be done by a dedicated staff. If you don’t love what you do, burnout in that environment can be one bad day away. That’s why Kate goes out of her way to put together a team of people who are excited by the opportunity to create that guest experience, not deterred by the work it requires.

By offering continual opportunities for professional development, Kate keeps her staff engaged and passionate, even on the hard days. It’s an outstanding leadership style.

Kate Porter | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-porter-7aa2371b/

Las Vegas Natural History Museum | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/las-vegas-natural-history-museum/

Las Vegas Natural History Museum | Website - https://www.lvnhm.org/

Las Vegas Natural History Museum | Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lvnhmuseum/

Las Vegas Natural History Museum | Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasNaturalHistoryMuseum/

Las Vegas Natural History Museum | Twitter - https://twitter.com/LVNHMuseum

Las Vegas Natural History Museum | email - [email protected]

Chris Cano | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/

Upshift | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeadersPodcast.com

#Hospitality #FoodService

On this episode, I’m pleased to welcome Sean Folkson, Founder and CEO of Nightfood, to talk about how Sean’s organization is pioneering new healthy choices for hotel guests.

Nightfood is a range of sleep-friendly snacks that provide guests with a healthier alternative to satisfy their late-night cravings. Nightfood manufactures cookies, ice cream, chips and more to accommodate all kinds of customer tastes.

To Sean, this is an important step in diversification for hotels. It’s an opportunity for them to capitalize on wellness trends and cater to guests that want more than junk food options in the lobby store. As he sees it, it’s part of a holistic approach to guest services that most hotels already engage in. Investing in the best mattresses, pillows, blackout curtains and white noise machines is all part of an attempt to give guests a better night's sleep. Nightfood is just one more outstanding step in that same direction.

Sean Folkson | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanfolkson/

Sean Folkson | Twitter -

https://twitter.com/seanfolkson

Nightfood | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nightfood-inc/

Nightfood | Website -

https://nightfood.com/

Chris Cano -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/

Upshift -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeadersPodcast.com

#Hospitality #Foodservice

On this episode, I’m joined by Joe Gray, Co-Founder of SalesHop.io and VP of Sales at Glacier Hospitality, to hear how he’s using technology in conjunction with direct response marketing to reach new markets for his family’s hotel group.

Joe’s parents got into the hotel business before Joe was 10 years old, and he’s been a part of their sales and marketing team since college. After Covid-19, Joe struck out on his own to learn from career professionals in the marketing space. He founded SalesHop.io before returning to the family business, armed with an important new sales tool.

Direct response marketing is a method of reaching out to potential customers that is designed to elicit an immediate response. Whether it’s opening an email or clicking a social media link, this kind of marketing gets customers to engage with your organization right away. As technology, and especially AI, evolves in the hospitality industry, Joe encourages hospitality leaders to use their new digital tools to make their direct response marketing strategies more streamlined and efficient.

Joe Gray -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-gray-10b245153/

SalesHop.io -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/saleshop-io/

Chris Cano -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/

Upshift -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeadersPodcast.com

I’m excited to welcome Megan Thomas, Social Media Consultant and Owner of The Social Reserve, to the podcast to discuss the role of social media in hospitality.

Megan got her start in the hospitality industry working at the front desk of a hotel before eventually working her way up to Assistant General Manager. When the Covid-19 pandemic brought hard times to the industry, Megan branched out on her own to find ways she could help hospitality navigate that tumultuous period. She quickly found success as a social media consultant and strategist and founded The Social Reserve.

To Megan, social media is an opportunity for hospitality leaders to begin building a guest experience before the guest even gets to your property. You can engage in friendly dialogue, promote your latest attraction and respond to questions and concerns through a digital medium with a broad reach. It’s an outstanding vessel for personalizing customer interactions and encouraging guest loyalty.

Megan Thomas -

The Social Reserve -

The Social Reserve | Website -

The Social Reserve | Instagram -

Chris Cano -

Upshift -

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeadersPodcast.com

New technology has the potential to revolutionize the guest experience in the hospitality industry. Logan Nicholson, CEO and Founder of LocalEyes, is bringing the best of AI and process automation to hoteliers to help them improve guest satisfaction and increase revenue.

Guests are most likely to enjoy a hotel stay when they have a convenient way of communicating their needs and when those needs are promptly met. In the past, a flood of guest communications often meant that hotel staff were overwhelmed and unable to respond to each guest in a timely manner.

Logan’s AI assistant, Marie, brings together SMS communication and software automation to streamline this process. Texting provides an easy way for guests to voice their concerns, and the AI software responds to what it can while notifying staff of needs that require a human touch.

It’s an outstanding tool for prioritizing problems that require an immediate response. When implemented well, AI solutions like Marie can leave every guest extremely satisfied with the level of service they receive without overwhelming hotel staff.

Logan Nicholson - https://twitter.com/logs_nicholson

LocalEyes - https://localeyes.guide

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeadersPodcast.com

#hospitality #Foodservice