The hotel and hospitality industries have changed a lot over the years, and one of those catalysts of change is this episode's guest, Everett Abitbol. Everett, along with his wife Valerie and creative director Shannon Maldonado, have redesigned what a hotel is, and what it can be, through their company The Deacon Hospitality group. Everett realized a hotel could be more than just a place to rest your head, but rather a space with multiple uses for both visitors and the local community. Speaking of community the north star of The Deacon Group is people and community first, an ethos that has led to utilizing historical properties that can be preserved and reused in new ways. By pairing this with a considered attention to detail, a focus on design that showcases works by local artisans, and amazing storytelling, The Deacon Group has created hotels that contribute to their surrounding communities rather than taking away. And it all started with a wedding in San Francisco.