In this episode, Cody sits down with Joe Ruzicka, Director of Business Development at Adams Keegan, Inc. Cody and Joe first connected at BITAC, one of the hospitality industry’s premier networking events. Known for his commitment to the industry, Joe shares his top three hospitality events for 2025 that every professional should attend:

1. Hunter Hotel Conference: A leading event for hotel investors and developers to connect and share insights. More info here
2. BITAC: A top-tier event for networking and thought leadership in hospitality. More info here
3. The Lodging Conference: An iconic event focusing on the hotel industry and beyond. More info here

Beyond events, Joe also gives us his top karaoke song and shares a look into his company, Adams Keegan. As a national HR and employer services provider, Adams Keegan is known for its unique Efficenter® technology platform, designed to customize human capital management solutions from recruitment to retirement. Unlike cookie-cutter software solutions, Adams Keegan delivers personal service by assigning dedicated professionals who partner with clients from sectors like hospitality, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. With nearly 30 years of experience, Adams Keegan is committed to transforming HR and employer services.

This conversation dives deep into upcoming trends, the value of meaningful conferences, and practical HR solutions to enhance business operations in hospitality.

Connect w/Joe:
Phone: 214-433-7030
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.adamskeegan.com/

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Happy New Year from Cody and Meagan! In this first episode of 2025, Cody and Meagan kick off the year by reflecting on what lies ahead and wishing all their listeners a successful and joyful New Year. They give a sneak peek at some of the exciting guests lined up for the month—episodes 33, 34, and 35 will feature inspiring industry professionals who will share their insights and success stories in hospitality and beyond.

This episode sets the tone for a year of fresh ideas, motivating conversations, and valuable strategies for those in the hospitality space. Join Cody and Meagan as they gear up for a brand new season of tips, stories, and interviews to help elevate your business in 2025. Here’s to growth, inspiration, and plenty of exciting moments in the coming year!

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In this special post-Christmas episode, Cody and Meagan kick back to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Recognizing that work is probably the last thing on listeners' minds on December 26, they keep things light and festive by diving into their favorite holiday films. Cody and Meagan each share their top Christmas movie picks, with classics like Christmas Vacation, Jingle All the Way, Elf, The Night Before, Die Hard, The Santa Clause, and Home Alone making the list. From hilarious scenes and heartwarming moments to holiday mischief, they discuss what makes each movie unforgettable and why these films bring the spirit of the season to life.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this light-hearted episode as Cody and Meagan reflect on these holiday favorites. Wishing all listeners a joyful holiday season and an exciting start to 2025!

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In this episode, Cody and Meagan dive into actionable marketing strategies to finish the year on a high note. With the episode launching on December 19, 2024, they focus on last-minute tactics that can drive engagement and revenue during the holiday season and set the stage for a strong start to 2025.

They cover topics like setting up holiday promotions and flash sales to attract last-minute bookings, leveraging email marketing to reconnect with past guests, and creating engaging social media content that resonates with holiday travelers. Cody and Meagan also discuss optimizing your property’s website with clear calls-to-action and easy booking flows to maximize conversions, along with using targeted ads for the holiday season on platforms like Google and Meta to reach travelers searching for holiday getaways. Whether you’re looking to fill rooms or build awareness for the new year, this episode offers a practical guide to make the most of your year-end marketing efforts.

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In this episode, Cody and Meagan share their essential toolkit for effectively managing a hospitality business. They discuss the 12 top tools that help streamline operations, enhance guest communication, and boost revenue. From property management systems like WebRezPro and Think Reservations to communication platforms like Mango Voice and Akia, each tool plays a unique role in building a seamless experience for guests and staff alike.

They highlight how using Lynx Locks simplifies access control, while Slack supports team coordination, and how Airbnb’s platform continues to connect properties with a vast audience. Cody and Meagan also explore Talsey AI for operational insights, Stash Rewards to improve guest loyalty, and Gusto for payroll. For strategy and goal tracking, they discuss EOS, and for activity bookings, Flybook is a top pick. As a bonus, they recommend HOVR for content engagement to help make your property’s online presence unforgettable. Get ready to elevate your hospitality game with these must-have tools!

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In this episode, Cody and Meagan guide you through the essential steps to set your hospitality business up for success in 2025. They cover how to start building your annual budget, forecasting both revenues and expenses to ensure your financial roadmap is in place. The episode also dives into creating a powerful annual marketing plan, focusing on promotions, key marketing dates, and the best ways to align with seasonal trends.

They offer expert tips on making informed adjustments based on previous years’ data, setting achievable goals, and implementing flexible strategies to adapt as the year unfolds. Cody and Meagan provide actionable insights on analyzing past performance, identifying new opportunities, and keeping your team aligned on your 2025 objectives. Start the new year prepared, confident, and ready for growth with this step-by-step planning episode.

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In this Thanksgiving episode, Cody and Meagan share a lighthearted conversation as they dive into what would be on their ultimate Thanksgiving plate, from favorite classic dishes to unique must-haves. They express gratitude for their audience and the hospitality community, adding a touch of warmth and celebration to the holiday spirit.

They also share a quick, practical tip for property owners: if you're in need of a last-minute marketing boost, there’s still time to create a simple, effective Black Friday email campaign to send out to past guests. This easy outreach can help drive bookings and remind guests of everything you offer. A few heartfelt wishes and a friendly offer could be just the right combination to bring past guests back for the holidays or the new year. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and good food!

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In this episode, Cody is joined by Nick Bonniksen, Director of Kiln St. George, to talk about the transformative power of sports, resilience, and the dynamic hospitality industry. Originally on the path to a professional baseball career, Nick’s journey took a sharp turn after sports injuries forced him to rethink his future. With no Plan B, Nick started at the front desk of a Marriott and quickly rose through the ranks, proving that determination can turn entry-level beginnings into something extraordinary.

After working in various roles—including Front Desk Manager, Sales Director, and even night auditor during the challenging COVID period—Nick continued to grow. His next move took him to Utah’s Best Vacation Rentals as Sales Director and eventually Regional Manager, where he doubled the company’s revenue. Recognized for his success, he was recruited back to Marriott as General Manager of Wyndgate St. George, where he led the location to a remarkable global ranking of #4 in just three years.

Now at Kiln, a thriving coworking community, Nick hopes to bolster the business ecosystem in Southern Utah. Cody and Nick discuss how his sports background shaped his leadership, how he tackled obstacles, and his goals for Kiln’s latest location in St. George. This episode is filled with insights on the value of perseverance and the rapid growth possible in the hospitality industry with the right mindset.

Connect w/Nick:
Website: https://kiln.com/communities/st-george/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bonniksen-37280b178/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbonniksen/
Email: [email protected]

David C Barnett Small Business and Deal Making M&A SMB
I discuss buying, selling, financing and managing small and medium sized businesses...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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In this insightful episode, Cody sits down with John Bianchi, the Founder of STR Search, a data-driven mastermind behind over $70M in Airbnb investments across the country. John has successfully helped clients acquire more than 150 cash-flowing Airbnbs, all with a 100% success rate. When he's not analyzing data, John enjoys spending time with his newborn daughter.

This episode dives into the world of Airbnb investing, focusing on how to use data to make smarter decisions and avoid analysis paralysis. John explains how to forecast the annual revenue of potential Airbnb properties and offers tips on identifying the best Airbnb markets for your investment. He also breaks down how to determine which amenities will increase your revenue, and how to safeguard your Airbnb investment during a recession.

Additional topics include building a buy box for your next Airbnb, getting the most out of your investment, and the fundamentals of Airbnb data. John also reveals his “Airbnb Business Blueprint,” offering a step-by-step guide to starting your own Airbnb business from scratch.

Key questions John answers in this episode include:

• How to beat a looming recession with your Airbnb business?
• Why do most Airbnbs fail?
• What is the biggest mistake people make when getting into Airbnbs?
• How do you give back?

This episode is packed with actionable insights for both seasoned investors and those just getting started in the Airbnb space.

Connect w/John: 
Website: https://strsearch.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theairbnbdataguy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/584067645599343
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bianchi-245608a6/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHnwvtvqsfFG2S1d5x5B4HQ

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In this exciting episode, Cody is joined by a special guest, Will Rogers, founder of Dormi.io—a cutting-edge software designed to simplify vacation rental operations. Will shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, from purchasing a small cleaning company to expanding it nationwide, focusing on commercial and hospitality cleaning.

As Will's business grew, he realized a major gap in the hospitality industry: the need for a streamlined solution to manage operations. That’s where Dormi.io was born. Dormi.io focuses on optimizing vacation rental management, ensuring smooth operations and improved guest experiences. Will shares insights into how his hands-on experience in the cleaning industry led him to develop this innovative software, and how Dormi.io is making a difference for property owners and managers across the country.

In this episode, you’ll also get a glimpse into Will’s personal journey—from being a risk-taker and entrepreneur to building a seven-figure business and starting Dormi.io. He also discusses his faith, family, and the learning experiences that have shaped him as a leader and visionary in the hospitality industry.

Join us as Cody and Will dive deep into the challenges and rewards of growing a service business, the inspiration behind Dormi.io, and the future of hospitality operations.

Website: https://dormi.io/

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