Foundry Talks: The Hospitality Podcast

What does it actually take to build a hotel brand that holds up over time? This week Rachel sits down with Carly DeFilippo, co-founder of Cognoscenti Creative, a branding studio run by two sisters out of Colorado. Carly and her sister Lauren got their start working in-house at major restaurant groups before launching an agency built specifically for independent and boutique hospitality properties.Carly shares how their intake process, what she jokingly calls brand therapy, goes way deeper than most operators expect. The goal is to surface what a property is truly about before a single logo or color palette ever gets made. She walks us through how they approach hotel naming (meaning comes last, energy comes first), what luxury actually means in 2025, and why having a clear and specific point of view might be the most underrated branding asset a hotel can have.We also dig into the New Orleans property they named after a Walt Whitman connection, the Outrider Hotel in Manitou Springs, and why the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista keeps coming up as a gold standard for cohesive brand storytelling. And Carly gets refreshingly honest about what Cognoscenti does not do, and why that clarity is what makes their client relationships work.Whether you are just starting to think about your brand or wondering if it is time for a refresh, this episode is full of practical perspective from someone who has lived on both sides of the business.You can find Cognoscenti Creative on Instagram at @cognoscenticreative. Carly and Lauren are also both on LinkedIn and worth a follow.

Edward May has spent over 20 years in hospitality, from independent hotels in America to running chalets in Courchevel to knocking on doors in the Cotswolds in 2008 with an idea most people didn't understand yet. That idea became Hidden & Found, a company that brings full hotel-level service into privately rented homes across Europe.In this conversation, Edward gets honest about what actually separates a beautiful property from one that delivers. It comes down to care, and that always filters down from the top. We talk about what guests are genuinely craving right now, and why so many travel agents are over-promising and under-delivering because anyone can build a website and list homes without ever actually being on the ground. Edward's team is the one showing up, facilitating the stay, and course correcting when things go sideways.He also shares the Bali stay that stuck with him for over a decade and what it looks like to travel with the same family for 15 years.If you work in hotels or manage properties, this one is full of real perspective on the guest journey.Find Hidden and Found at www.hiddenandfound.com

What makes a traveler choose your property over the one next door? We talk with fine art and travel photographer Alex Kittoe and Fora travel advisor Caroline Kittoe about how visual content and trusted travel partnerships shape that decision before a guest ever walks through your lobby. Alex explains why shooting without a clear content strategy can be unsuccessful, and why knowing whether your photos are for a website, social feed, print ad, or billboard changes everything about how a shoot should be approached. He also challenges the assumption that reels outperform static content, sharing real examples where photo carousels delivered stronger brand consistency and storytelling. Caroline pulls back the curtain on what travelers actually say when they are choosing where to stay, and it is not what most properties expect. She talks about the growing influence travel advisors have on booking decisions, how a new generation of travelers is using advisors differently than their parents did, and what makes her confidently recommend one property over another. They also dig into why brands like Huckberry are winning with long form storytelling, how luxury yacht experiences from Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are redefining guest expectations, and what independent hotels can learn from both.Find Alex's work at alexkittoe.com and on Instagram at @alexkittoephotos. Connect with Caroline on Instagram at @la.vita.di.lela or through her Fora Travel advisor page at foratravel.com/advisor/caroline-mccray.

Jacki Brown has spent 20 years in marketing, from consumer brands like Shark Vaccum and Ninja Blender to the B2B hospitality tech world. Today she runs Jacki Brown Marketing, a fractional consultancy helping hospitality tech companies build the marketing foundations they need to actually grow.In this episode, Jacki and Rachel dig into why so many hotel tech companies are getting their messaging wrong and what it takes to fix it. Jacki shares how she approaches positioning from both sides of the table, having marketed to hotels and now helping tech vendors understand how to reach them. They get into why narrowing your target audience is the hardest thing for founders to do and why it's non-negotiable, the number one thing Jacki does before touching any marketing strategy (hint: it involves the sales team), and how hotel tech messaging has swung from feature dumps to vague value statements and where it needs to go next. They also talk about why data fragmentation is still the biggest pain point she hears from hotels heading into 2026, the difference between selling to a management company versus an independent property, and what genuinely great hospitality looks like when everything else goes wrong.Resources mentioned: Jacki Brown Marketing at jackibrownmarketing.com and her free training deck Introduction to Hospitality for Tech Leaders at jackibrownmarketing.com/resources/introduction-to-hospitality-for-tech-leaders

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Scott Cleveland, Director of Marketing at USA Camping Company, to explore how AI is reshaping outdoor hospitality. From scaling a growing portfolio of campgrounds and glamping resorts to building smarter marketing systems with a lean team, Scott shares how automation, segmentation, and data analysis are driving measurable growth. We discuss what is fueling the glamping boom, how reviews influence booking decisions more than many operators realize, and why product and pricing still matter more than any marketing tactic.If you work in hospitality, travel, or oversee multiple properties, this conversation offers a practical look at using AI strategically without losing the human element. Scott walks through the tools, tech stack decisions, and lessons learned from scaling from just a handful of properties to a rapidly expanding outdoor brand, along with what the future of camping and experiential stays may look like next.

Everyone told Kristie Wolfe her ideas wouldn't work. A treehouse in Hawaii? Bad idea. A hobbit hole? Won't book. The Potato Hotel? Absolutely not.Turns out, every single one of them was wrong.Today, her one-of-a-kind stays book out nearly 100% of the year with guests flying in from around the world (yes, including Iran and Korea). She's done it without following trends, without TV deals, and definitely without making things easy on herself.We talk about why friction creates memories, how she navigates impossible permitting battles, and what happens when you build exactly what YOU would want to stay in. Plus, the time Netflix wanted her to cancel on a guest (she said no), why her bathroom is 50 feet from the Potato, and how trusting your gut beats playing it safe every time.This is what happens when passion, resilience, and a little bit of stubbornness create something truly unforgettable.Learn more about Kristie and her incredible properties: https://www.kristiewolfe.com/

Jordan Malara is doing something most people would never attempt: buying and repositioning boutique hotels with zero traditional hospitality background. And honestly? He's crushing it.After serving in the military and cutting his teeth in short-term rentals, Jordan and his business partner took a leap and purchased the Adventure Inn in Durango, Colorado. The 27-room property had been sitting on the market for over a year, but Jordan saw what others missed: a chance to create something that truly reflects Durango's world-class outdoor culture.The Adventure Inn now caters to mountain bikers, fly fishermen, rock climbers, and anyone drawn to Southwest Colorado's stunning landscape. Jordan added bike racks in the rooms, ski storage, a cedar hot tub for post-adventure soaks, and thoughtful touches that make guests feel like the hotel gets why they came to Durango in the first place.In this conversation, Jordan shares his philosophy on hotels as ecosystems where culture, operations, and guest experience are completely interconnected. He talks about why he reaches out to local tourism boards to align on target markets, how he built team culture at smaller properties, and why he believes the future of hospitality is about fostering genuine human connection as the world goes increasingly digital.His approach is refreshingly honest. He admits to making material choices he'd do differently, shares stories about hiring challenges (yes, including an employee who got arrested), and explains why he's willing to jump in and clean rooms even though he's terrible at folding linens.Jordan's building something special in Colorado, and his willingness to learn, adapt, and stay true to creating authentic destination-driven experiences makes him someone worth watching in the boutique hotel space.

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Mullins, President of Evermore Hospitality, who shares her remarkable journey from a five-year-old enchanted by afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton to leading a revolutionary new category in hospitality. Elizabeth opens up about her 30+ year career spanning the Ritz Carlton and Walt Disney Company, and how those experiences shaped her approach to creating unforgettable guest experiences.We explore the concept of "residential hospitality" and how Evermore is purpose-built for the growing trend of group and family travel. Elizabeth discusses the "architecture of memory," the importance of hiring people who are happy to serve, and why relational wellness (combating loneliness through togetherness) is the next big trend in hospitality.Whether you're a hotel marketer, hospitality professional, or simply love great service, Elizabeth's insights on building culture, empowering teams, and creating rituals that guests remember for decades will inspire you to think differently about the guest experience.

Brandon Berkson turned a pandemic furlough into Hotels Above Par, a publication now reaching over 450,000 readers and championing independent boutique hotels that deserve recognition beyond traditional pay-to-play awards programs. In this episode, Brandon shares how he built a trusted editorial voice in hospitality media by maintaining strict standards, why personalization beats perfection in guest experience, and the three non-negotiables he looks for in every hotel review.We dive into the inspiration behind the Star Awards, how small hotels with just four rooms can compete for recognition alongside major brands, and the underrated touches that create memorable stays. Brandon also reveals his favorite 2024 stay and what's next for Hotels Above Par in 2026.Connect with Brando at HotelsAbovePar.com on IG @HotelsAbovePar and on LinkedIn - Brandon Berkson.

In this episode, we sit down with Brianna Sloan, Marketing Manager at Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, who started as a dishwasher 20 years ago and never left. She shares how this family-owned, fly-in resort in BC's Great Bear Rainforest has built a content strategy around authenticity, YouTube-first thinking, and genuine storytelling that keeps guests coming back for 28 years.Brianna reveals how Nimmo Bay balances luxury service with rugged wilderness, why they choose micro-influencers over big names, and how pre-production planning allows them to shoot for multiple platforms in a single day. She also explains why being seasonal is actually a gift, giving the team time to iterate, gather feedback, and plan strategically for the next season.If you're marketing a boutique property, working with limited inventory, or trying to move away from glossy perfection toward something real, this conversation delivers tactical insights on content creation, influencer partnerships, and why guest experience always comes first.Connect with Nimmo Bay at nimmobay.com or follow along on YouTube and Instagram to see their storytelling in action.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Laurean Sahilices, founder of The Hotel Marketing Lady, to unpack what hotel marketing actually looks like beneath the surface. With 15+ years at luxury brands, Laurean shares why most hotels misunderstand marketing's role and how that's costing them revenue.Laurean breaks down why vanity metrics don't pay the bills, how to plan festive seasons six months in advance (not in November), and why 90% OTA dependency should make any GM nervous. She also introduces practical frameworks for attracting the right guests at the right time on the right channels and explains why marketing foundations matter more than AI optimization.If you're a hotel marketer drowning in tasks or a GM who thinks marketing is just social posts, this conversation will change how you approach revenue strategy. Laurean proves that when marketing is done right with clarity and strategy, it becomes the commercial engine that drives direct bookings and builds brand loyalty.Connect with Laurean on LinkedIn or visit thehotelmarketinglady.com. Subscribe to Foundry Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more conversations with hospitality leaders shaping the future of travel.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Cory Falter, Partner at Lure Agency, to discuss why traditional B2B sales tactics are broken and what hotels and vendors should do instead. Cory shares the WINS method, a four-step framework that's helping his clients generate 5-20 qualified inbound leads per month by building trust before the pitch.Cold calls, spam emails, and generic outreach no longer work. Buyers avoid sales until they're ready to engage, which means you need to meet them where they are in their journey. The WINS Method covers Website optimization with pricing transparency, Intel through organized data, Nurture with problem-solving content, and Sell through social selling.One of the biggest revelations is how direct leads convert 10 times better than C-Vent leads. Direct website inquiries can convert at 20-50% because prospects have already self-educated through your content. Cory also shares that 50-70% of hotel business now comes from non-professional planners using Google and ChatGPT instead of traditional RFP platforms.At the end of the day, hospitality is about human connection and trust. While AI and automation can streamline processes, they can't replace the relationship-building that closes high-ticket sales. If you're in B2B hospitality sales and feeling stuck on the RFP hamster wheel, this episode is your roadmap out.Connect with Cory on LinkedIn or visit lureagency.com. Subscribe to Foundry Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

What if a single press release could generate over 1,500 citations across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI platforms? Sarah Evans, Partner and Head of PR at Zen Media, reveals how she's reimagining press releases for the AI era and why hotels need to act now.Sarah shares the exact framework that transformed her results from zero ChatGPT leads to 3-5 per week. The secret? Stop writing for journalists and start writing for large language models. She breaks down the anatomy of an AI-ready press release: ditch dates, add schema markup, create FAQ sections based on actual search queries, and never link to your homepage.Key insights include why you should send press releases every 28 days (AI models literally forget you otherwise), how to structure headlines around your prompt universe, and why syndication pickups that PR pros dismissed now signal credibility to AI.Sarah explains the dual pathway approach: one traditional release for media, one AI-optimized for LLMs. She reveals why not all wire services work with AI platforms, how to audit your website for AI readiness, and why your highest authority page should be your press release link.Plus: measuring results through prompt universe tracking, understanding answer share, and positioning your hotel to show up when travelers ask AI where to book. If you've wondered whether press releases still matter or how to prove PR ROI, this episode delivers concrete answers with real data.Find Sarah's GenAI Press Release GPT and connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/prsarahevans/. Learn more at zenmedia.com.

What happens when three co-founders sit down to reflect on 20 episodes of hospitality industry conversations? In this milestone episode, Rachel Stojanovski reunites with Derrick Hales and Trey Evans, her guests from episode one, to unpack the biggest learnings, surprises, and patterns that have emerged from their conversations with hospitality leaders.Discover the common threads running through every guest interview, what's genuinely surprised the founders about the current state of hospitality marketing, and get an exclusive sneak peek at findings from the upcoming 2026 industry report. If you're a hotelier, marketing professional, or anyone working in hospitality, this behind-the-scenes look at the conversations shaping the industry offers valuable insights you won't want to miss.Hosted by Rachel Stojanovski with co-founders Derrick Hales and Trey Evans.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel sits down with Christine Malfair, consultant, coach, and founder of Malfair Marketing. With a background as a hotel general manager, Christine has lived the reality of stretched teams and endless marketing shoulds. She now helps hotels cut through the noise with lean marketing strategies that focus on what truly works. Together they explore why OTA dependence costs more than just commission, how to turn first-time guests into loyal ones, simple ways to remove friction from the guest journey, and how hoteliers can find clarity and focus in an overwhelming landscape. If you have ever felt the pressure to do more with less, this conversation will give you a roadmap to smarter, more sustainable hotel marketing.

What makes guests return to Alisal Ranch year after year? Lia Carhartt, Director of Marketing, explains how the 10,500-acre, family-owned property minutes from Solvang creates an emotional connection through authenticity, nostalgia, and simpler times, without sacrificing modern comfort. Lia walks us through a thoughtful brand refresh that elevated Alisal’s luxury profile while staying true to its Western roots, and how “sense of place” shows up in everything: native-plant bath amenities, partnerships with local wineries, and menus grounded in the Central Coast.We also unpack programming that drives both bookings and loyalty with deeper conversation on BBQ Bootcamps, women’s retreats, wellness weekends, and festive activations like a Hanukkah dinner, alongside a varied playbook for UGC and influencer trade stays. Finally, Lia shares how cross-department buy-in, guest surveys, and engagement metrics measure success, and why spring is the season that captures Alisal at its green, wildflower-studded best.

Idaho is having a moment of tremendous growth and State Controller Brandon Woolf is in the engine room. In this episode, we dig into how the state pays 37,000 employees, manages billions in public funds, and turns 2.5 million acres of endowment lands, especially timber, into sustained support for K–12 schools. Woolf breaks down what’s really driving the boom, which revenues tourism actually touches, and why openness matters, from the Transparent. We also talk about trade-offs: housing affordability, infrastructure, preserving agriculture, water and power constraints, and extending broadband to rural communities. Woolf shares how his team experiments with AI to spot savings in travel and procurement, and why Idaho keeps rainy-day reserves ready for the long haul. Whether you’re eyeing Idaho to visit, relocate, or invest, this is a grounded look at the state’s growth and several insider secret activities.

In a world where every brand is vying for attention, what actually cuts through?In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanovski sits down with Ottocina Ryan, Editor-in-Chief of Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, to explore how hospitality brands can create partnerships that feel meaningful, not just transactional.They unpack what media professionals really look for in hotel collaborations, how editorial integrity plays into influencer strategy, and why some brands stand out while others fall flat.If you're in marketing, PR, or guest experience, this conversation offers clear and candid insight into how to build trust with media and why that still matters more than ever.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, host Rachel Stojanovski chats with Santa Barbara veterans Kirsten VanBrunt (KVB) and Andra Escola about crafting luxury meetings, iconic weddings, and incentive trips that feel rooted in place. They unpack how human connection, early trust, and cross-department collaboration turn complex logistics into smooth execution, plus why great DMC partners are the key to transforming “on-property” agendas into Santa Barbara experiences.KVB and Andra share a modern planner’s checklist, varied activities, easy-to-love amenities, and teams that can deliver under pressure, while explaining how properties can sell weddings visually with blank-canvas spaces and locally inspired welcome events. They also touch on AI as a fast ideation tool, post-COVID “last-minute” challenges, and the importance of timelines and team buy-in. It’s a crisp masterclass in turning logistics into lasting memories.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, host Rachel Stojanovski sits down with Karina Hardwick, Director of Human Resources at Acme Hospitality, a leading restaurant and hospitality group based in Santa Barbara, California. Together they dive into what really drives retention, culture, and connection across teams in both restaurants and hotels. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, including 14 years with Four Seasons and a pivot into healthcare during the height of COVID, Karina shares how emotionally intelligent leadership, personal connection, and proactive feedback loops are redefining what it means to lead people-first brands. They explore why internal culture is the foundation of guest experience, what to do about burnout beyond offering perks, and how recognition, cross-training, and humility can transform retention. Whether you're running a restaurant, managing a property, or leading HR for a growing brand, this episode delivers real-world strategies to build teams that care and stay.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, host Rachel Stojanovski welcomes back Sarah Stahl, co-founder of Market Movers, to challenge the way hospitality brands approach marketing. Drawing from in-depth audits across hotels and vacation rentals, Sarah explains why so many teams are overwhelmed by disconnected tactics and underwhelmed by results. Together, they unpack the real meaning of “guest experience marketing,” how to build a content library that reflects your property's values, and why storytelling should replace generic mission statements. They explore the evolving role of AI in guest discovery, the pitfalls of ignoring mobile conversion, and the compounding cost of unclear brand strategy. Whether you’re a GM, revenue leader, or brand manager, this episode offers a practical 30, 60, 90-day action plan to recalibrate your marketing, reconnect with your audience, and drive meaningful direct bookings.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount, to explore the rise of the 'Content Army,' a bold new approach to travel marketing that connects content creators directly with short-term rentals and hospitality brands.Madison shares how her journey from a youth entrepreneur to tech founder led her to reimagine the guest experience, not just through physical amenities but through the power of storytelling. We dive into how Mount helps vacation rental hosts and hospitality brands build community, drive bookings, and elevate their visibility by activating a network of trusted creators.Whether you're a hotelier, property manager, or just curious about where travel marketing is headed, this episode offers real takeaways for building brand connection in an authentic way.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, host Rachel Stojanovski sits down with Dawn Seymour, Managing Partner at Katalyst PR, to explore the art and strategy behind hospitality-focused public relations. Dawn’s career began in the world of magazines, where she cut her teeth as an editor and producer before transitioning into PR. That foundation in journalism gave her a sharp eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of what makes a pitch truly stand out.Dawn shares her journey from producing Surfing Magazine’s iconic swimsuit issues to launching campaigns for some of the most talked-about restaurants, hotels, and beverage brands in California. She discusses what hospitality brands often get wrong when it comes to PR, how to build meaningful media relationships in today’s fast-paced news cycle, and why authenticity and narrative matter more than flashy announcements.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, guest host Trey Evans sits down with Eduard Ruppel, founder of Leppur Marketing and author of Local SEO for Boutique Hotels, to unpack the exact strategies that help independent hotels dominate search rankings and drive direct bookings. From localizing every page to leveraging reviews as a conversion tool, Eduard shares a step-by-step approach for optimizing websites, Google Business Profiles, and content in ways most competitors overlook. Listeners will also hear Eduard’s insights on avoiding common pitfalls like “thin content” and hidden booking buttons, as well as his advice for becoming the go-to local guide for your guests through smart blog content. Whether you run a boutique property or work in hospitality marketing, this conversation delivers a practical blueprint for standing out online, competing with OTAs, and converting more travelers directly.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Brooks Burgoon, head of post-production at Aether Films, to explore how thoughtful video storytelling can transform hospitality brands. Brooks shares his journey into filmmaking, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how passion, pre-production, and deep client collaboration come together to create content that resonates.We dive into the power of food and beverage storytelling, the importance of repurposing content across platforms, and why aligning video strategy with brand values is essential for long-term impact. Brooks also unpacks current video trends, the role of curiosity in creative work, and how building trust behind the scenes can lead to better outcomes on screen.Whether you're crafting a brand film or scaling visual content for social, this conversation is packed with real-world insight for marketers looking to elevate their video approach in travel and hospitality.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Jasmine Seliga, founder of Affixify, a fast-growing platform revolutionizing how hotels discover and adopt the right tech. Jasmine shares her unexpected journey from aspiring medical sales representative to hospitality tech trailblazer, offering a behind-the-scenes look at launching a purpose-driven startup, navigating acquisitions, and building a business culture that will last.We explore the critical challenges hotels face when integrating new technology, like lack of time, fragmented systems, and pay-to-play recommendations, as well as how Affixify is solving them through unbiased matchmaking, automation, and a commitment to authentic, people-first connection. Jasmine also touches on current tech trends, the real impact of AI (or lack thereof), and why understanding your team is so important when evaluating a tech stack.Whether you're a hotelier, tech vendor, or startup founder, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it really takes to modernize the hospitality space, without losing sight of the human element.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanovski welcomes Mary Beth Blauser for a thoughtful exploration of what luxury travel looks like through the eyes of a guest, a professional, and an insider. With a background in law and a global perspective shaped by her experiences living in the Caribbean and traveling abroad, Mary Beth reflects on the moments that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. From personalized hospitality touches to authentic cultural encounters, she shares stories that highlight the emotional power of human connection in travel. This episode offers an honest look at how modern travelers, especially younger generations, are redefining luxury, and why brands that focus on meaning over material are the ones that leave a lasting impression.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, we sit down with Ami Jones, founder of TerraFauna Journeys, a purpose-led travel company that’s reshaping what it means to explore the world. For Ami, travel isn’t just about where you go it’s about how you show up and the impact you have on your destination. Through immersive, conservation-focused journeys, TerraFauna Journeys gives travelers the opportunity to witness wild places while ensuring they're protected for the future. Ami shares her personal story of how a moment in Belize sparked her passion to help the future of travel and show other adventurers why luxury today means access — not excess. From rewilding projects to rhino IVF programs in South Africa, you’ll hear how travel, when done right, can fund, support, and amplify critical conservation efforts across the globe.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanovski sits down with Tyler Bender, Director of Consumer Sales at Alexana Winery, for a conversation that goes far beyond wine. Tyler shares how his background in hospitality shaped his approach to sales, and why building personal connections is still the most powerful tool in creating loyal guests and long-term brand advocates. From the value of genuine service to the role of reviews, referrals, and curated travel experiences (yes, even to Argentina), Tyler offers thoughtful insights into what it takes to grow a brand in the wine industry—and what other F&B brands can learn from it. Whether you're pouring Pinot or scaling a lifestyle brand, there’s plenty to take away.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanowski sits down with Noël Russell, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Luxe Haus—a luxury vacation rental company redefining what it means to create a hospitality brand. From her early days in the fashion industry to shaping one of the most transparent and values-driven companies in short-term rentals, Noël shares her personal and professional evolution. The conversation explores the power of brand identity, the nuance of serving both homeowners and guests, and why SEO and organic traffic still matter more than ever. Noël also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Luxe Haus crafts elevated experiences—from welcome kits to lasting impressions—and why genuine connection is the new currency in luxury travel.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Rachel Stojanovski interviews Jeff and Austin Clegg from Redfish Lake Lodge, exploring the unique challenges and experiences of running a legacy property. They discuss their family journey, the magical qualities of the lodge, the variety of activities available, and the importance of maintaining authenticity while adapting to modern demands. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies, employee culture, and future visions for the lodge, emphasizing the balance between growth and preserving the essence of the property.

In this episode of Foundry Talks, Sarah Stahl, the Director of Marketing at Retreet Resort & Spa, Alabama's first luxury glamping resort, shares her insights on launching a new travel brand. She discusses the challenges of marketing during construction, the importance of transparency and communication, and how to build trust with guests. Sarah emphasizes the power of content creators in hospitality marketing and explains her innovative strategies for collaboration. She also provides valuable advice for travel brands looking to enhance their marketing efforts and shares memorable travel experiences that highlight the essence of hospitality.Resources: Sarah's E-Book: From Views to No VacanciesReTreet Viral Reel

In this episode of Foundry Talks, the co-founders of⁠ The Travel Foundry⁠ discuss the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality marketing. They emphasize the importance of agility, authenticity, and a deep understanding of guests as essential elements for success. The conversation covers personal journeys into the industry, the need to break traditional agency models, and the significance of understanding client needs. They also address common challenges such as seasonality, enhancing guest experiences, and creating value beyond just pricing. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of team alignment and communication in delivering a cohesive guest experience. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of a cohesive brand strategy in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration among team members to achieve a unified vision. They explore the role of AI in enhancing guest experiences while stressing the irreplaceable value of human interaction. The discussion also covers the effectiveness of influencer marketing, comparing high-profile influencers to micro influencers, and concludes with a debate on the merits of digital marketing versus traditional advertising. Finally, they highlight successful brands that exemplify innovative marketing strategies.