Episode 6 of The Owner’s Lounge takes a hard look in the mirror — at our country, our media, and even our own industry. In this special “Rewind” edition, Sandip Patel and Jerry Stucchi unpack what the American Dream really means today and whether it’s still within reach. From government overreach to media bias to the silence within our own hotel community, this episode calls out what’s broken — and challenges everyone listening to take ownership in fixing it.

The conversation starts with the promise of life, liberty, and property, but quickly dives into how that promise has drifted. They question whether the American Dream has become the American Trap, how media turned from truth-telling to narrative-building, and why citizens — and associations like AAHOA — must rediscover their backbone. Sandip delivers powerful callouts to government, media, and the hotel industry itself, urging members to stop waiting for change and start being the change.

This one’s not just a podcast — it’s a wake-up call for anyone who believes in entrepreneurship, fairness and the power of unity.

In this episode you’ll hear about:
• Why the American Dream isn’t dead — it’s just harder to reach
• How government, big business, and media got tangled in each other’s web
• The dangers of outrage-driven news and why facts matter more than filters
• A candid challenge to AAHOA leaders and members to “rewind” to their original purpose
• How hotel owners can reclaim their collective voice — before someone else speaks for them

In Episode 5 of The Owner’s Lounge, Sandip takes us straight to Washington, D.C. for AAHOA’s annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Week. From meeting with lawmakers to interviewing fellow hoteliers, this episode captures the energy, urgency, and real-life impact of speaking up for the hospitality industry. If you’ve ever wondered why advocacy matters—or how one voice can ripple into billions of dollars in tax revenue—you’ll hear it loud and clear in this recap.

Through candid conversations with AAHOA leaders and members, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the big issues shaping hotel ownership right now: from increasing SBA loan limits to fighting costly visa fees, protecting against runaway minimum wage mandates, and making sure hotel owners—not just franchisors—get a fair shake. And yes, you’ll also hear the quote of the week that sums it up perfectly: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Whether you’ve been to D.C. before or this is your first taste of advocacy, this episode shows why it’s vital for every owner to get involved, contribute, and be part of the conversation.

In this episode you’ll hear about:
• Why raising SBA loan limits from $5M to $10M could transform hotel growth
• How proposed visa fees could backfire, costing billions in lost tourism revenue
• What happened when LA passed a $30 minimum wage—and how San Diego hoteliers fought back
• Why PAC contributions give hotel owners a real voice with legislators
• The bottom line: advocacy is proactive, not reactive—and it starts with you

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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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In Episode 3 of The Owner’s Lounge, host Sandip Patel sits down with Utica Mayor Mike Galime for a wide-ranging conversation that proves hotels and hospitality are about much more than heads in beds. From tourism’s impact on local economies to the growing challenges of Airbnbs, minimum wage hikes, and insurance costs, this episode shines a spotlight on how city leadership and hotel owners can work together to build stronger communities.

Mayor Galime talks openly about Utica’s vision for tourism development, the role of events like tournaments at the Nexus Center, and why a new citywide bed tax is on the table. The discussion dives into workforce development too—imagine a training hub right in Utica designed to prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals. And yes, they tackle the elephant in the room: leveling the playing field between hotels and short-term rentals like Airbnb.

This episode is a must-listen for hotel owners, local business leaders, and anyone curious about how tourism dollars flow back into city life. It’s part policy talk, part inside scoop, and all about finding balance between growth and fairness in the hospitality space.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How tourism generates billions for New York State and why Utica is leaning into it
• Mayor Galime’s take on minimum wage increases and their impact on local businesses
• The push to regulate and tax Airbnbs fairly alongside hotels
• Why workforce development and hospitality training could be a game-changer
• How bed taxes, lobbying, and local partnerships shape the future of tourism in Utica

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Host Sandip Patel sits down with New York State Senator Joseph Griffo for an in-depth, candid conversation about how legislation intersects with hotel ownership, small business, and the hospitality industry at large. From insurance headaches to frivolous lawsuits to the very real impact of credit card fees, this episode peels back the curtain on how laws made in Albany (and beyond) ripple into your day-to-day operations as an owner.

Senator Griffo shares his perspective on finding balance—between consumer protections and business realities, between regulation and freedom, between federal and state action. Along the way, you’ll hear where New York is already taking steps (like junk fee prevention), where the gaps remain, and how owners themselves can step up to advocate for change.

And don’t worry—it’s not all heavy policy talk. From reality-show-worthy hotel tours to the idea of organizing lobbying “lobby days,” there are plenty of moments that make politics and hospitality feel a lot more relatable (and even a little entertaining).

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Why credit card surcharges and hidden fees are back in the spotlight for owners and consumers
• The push for tort reform to protect small businesses from frivolous lawsuits
• How rising insurance costs are crippling hotels—and where owners can push for relief
• The power of collective lobbying and showing up in numbers to make real change
• Why advocacy, fairness, and member engagement are becoming the pillars of the future for hotel owners

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In the very first episode of The Owner’s Lounge, Sandip Patel and Gennaro Di Luigi dive straight into the big questions hotel owners are asking: what’s really happening with the major hotel brands, and how do franchisees make sure they’re getting a fair shake? From stock price rollercoasters to the everyday realities of building, financing, and maintaining hotels, the conversation balances industry-level strategy with on-the-ground owner perspective.

What happens when franchisors keep raising standards while franchisees shoulder the costs? What’s the impact of new hotel brands entering already saturated markets? And how do organizations like AAHOA and AHLA step in to level the playing field for owners? Think of this episode as both a crash course and a call to action for anyone invested in hospitality.

Whether you’re a first-time hotel owner, a seasoned investor, or just fascinated by the inner workings of this industry, you’ll walk away with new insights, real numbers, and some candid laughs.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Why investing in hotels isn’t always as straightforward as buying Hilton or Marriott stock
• How franchise agreements can feel more like marriages—and sometimes divorces
• The 12 Points of Fair Franchising and why they matter to every owner
• Vendor exclusivity headaches
• Why stronger franchisee protections could benefit not just owners, but travelers too

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