Suite Success: Masters of Hospitality

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Davonne Reaves—hotel owner, asset manager, and founder of The Vonne Group—to break down how hotel deals actually get done. From her start at the front desk to managing over $1 billion in hotel assets, Davonne has built a career rooted in understanding both the operational and financial sides of the business. Today, she’s focused on making hotel ownership more accessible and showing others what’s truly possible. This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. Davonne unpacks the realities of the capital stack, how investors play a role in funding deals, and why most people are thinking about “affordability” all wrong. She also shares why starting smaller is often the smartest move, and how building the right team can make or break a deal. The result is a clear, honest look at what it really takes to buy a hotel—and why it might be more within reach than most people think. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ Bilt⁠ 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Davonne Reaves 03:04 Path to Ownership 05:10 Asset Management Lessons 08:39 First Hotel Deal 12:25 Capital Stack Basics 17:27 Crowdfunding  22:36 Asset Management Explained 25:52 Hotels Need Humans 26:57 Service Scores Collapse 28:37 You Cannot AI Hospitality 29:50 Start Small Strategy 32:06 How to Pick the Right Investment 33:58 Big Brands versus Independent 35:13 Pitching Lenders 37:05 Build the Right Team 39:39 First Deal Fundamentals 40:44 Passive Investing  49:14 Suite Summary ⁠Connect with Davonne:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Davonne's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereaves ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Vonne Group's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://thevonnegroup.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vesterr's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://vesterr.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Jim Nagle, owner and managing partner of the Drake Oak Brook, an Autograph Collection Hotel, to unpack one of the most unconventional paths into hotel ownership. From starting as a Chicago attorney and bus driver to acquiring a legacy hotel with no money down, Jim’s story challenges everything we think we know about risk, experience, and what it really takes to win in real estate. But this isn’t just a story about a deal—it’s about proximity, persistence, and the mindset required to see opportunity where others see uncertainty. In fact, a visit to Richard Branson’s Necker Island offered a front-row seat to world-class brand building and reframed how he thought about opportunity. Today, The Drake Oak Brook is recognized as one of the Top 50 hotels by Condé Nast Traveler, but getting there required navigating the Great Recession, rebuilding during COVID, and redefining what hospitality means at its core. This episode is brought to you by ⁠Lodgify⁠ &⁠ Bilt⁠ 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet Jim Nagle 01:48 From Law to Real Estate 03:38 Mentor and Mindset 05:14 Buying the Drake Brand 06:21 Necker Island Lessons 08:59 Pulling the Trigger 11:38 CTA Bus Driver Days 13:21 Drake Decline and Ponzi Scheme 14:28 Rebuilding Through Crises 19:31 Hard Times  20:18 COVID Renovation Hustle 21:07 Discovering Hidden Talent 24:45 Hospitality Learning Curve 26:34 Top 50 In The World 29:41 Scholarships For Families 31:48 Expanding Into Africa 37:43 Suite Summary ⁠Connect with Jim:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-nagle-b6777368/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Drake Oak Brook's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline interviews Dieter Schmitz, an original cast member of Laguna Beach who has since built a distinguished career in hospitality. From starting as a beach attendant to becoming a General Manager at just 25 years old, Schmitz has opened and repositioned nine hotels throughout his career across brands including Accor, IHG, Marriott and more. Now, as General Manager of the Sofitel New York, he led a full-scale renovation of the flagship property while maintaining operations—an undertaking that required both operational precision and cultural transformation. In this conversation, Schmitz reflects on the experience of early visibility, the professional implications of reality television, and the deliberate choice to pursue a long-term career in hospitality. He also shares a detailed look at building culture and assembling teams, while underscoring the central role people play in driving performance and guest satisfaction. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:34 Meet Dieter Schmitz 01:39 From Beach Attendant to GM 02:32 Laguna Beach Fame 05:57 Stigma and Persona 10:53 Laguna Beach Reunion 15:55 Hospitality as a Safe Space 17:30 AI and the Future of Hospitality 19:24 Opening Hotels  21:02 Sofitel Renovation Playbook 24:16 Guest Communication Tips 25:20 Winning Back Guests 26:05 Reopening for Staff 28:27 Culture is Key 31:19 Restaurant Gamble 35:01 Big Brands vs Independent 40:27 Improving Struggling Hotels 47:14 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Dieter:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kolin's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dieterbschmitz ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sofitel New York's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.sofitel-new-york.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does it really take to break into one of the most exclusive industries in the world? On this episode of Suite Success, Katie sits down with Kolin Jones, Founder and CEO of Amalfi Jets—a $120M private aviation company he started at just 19 years old with no planes, no capital, and no connections. On the heels of Masters Weekend, now one of the biggest private aviation events in the world, Kolin takes us behind the scenes of what it actually looks like to operate at the highest level of luxury, logistics, and demand. But this conversation goes far beyond private jets. From sending 2,500 cold emails a day, to creating a fake persona just to get industry intel, to building the most-followed private aviation brand on social media, Kolin shares how doing things differently became his greatest competitive advantage. And why in today’s world, attention isn’t optional—it’s everything. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:36 Masters Weekend 04:36 Parking Chaos 05:14 Ways To Fly Private 08:30 Augusta Volume Crunch 09:56 Pilot Origin Story 13:41 Founding Amalfi Jets 17:47 Hustle 20:09 TikTok Growth Engine 28:10 Brand And Operation 31:39 Beyond Aviation Influencers 32:05 Platform Strategy and Tracking 33:57 Algorithm Hacks 39:12 Hiring Outside the Industry 40:50 Authenticity 44:26 Hospitality and Tech 50:37 Triathlon Content Flywheel 57:39 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Kolin:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kolin's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolin-jones/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amalfi Jets's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://amalfijets.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by Fran Maier—entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Match.com. After helping build one of the most iconic companies of the internet era (and selling it far earlier than she would have liked), Fran went on to do what most people don’t: she started again. Her next company, BabyQuip, is now the leading baby gear rental platform in the world, operating in thousands of locations and helping families travel more easily. Along the way, she took the company to Shark Tank, scaled a nationwide network of providers, and built a business rooted in trust, safety, and hospitality. In this conversation, Fran reflects on the early days of building Match.com, the lessons she learned from selling too soon, and how those experiences shaped the way she approaches BabyQuip—from fundraising to brand-building to long-term vision. She also shares what it was like to pitch on Shark Tank, why she believes AI is the next major technological shift, and how she’s created opportunities for thousands of women to build businesses of their own. Throughout the episode, one theme is clear: success isn’t about getting it perfect the first time—it’s about having the conviction to build again, and the resilience to keep going. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Fran Maier 01:40 Introducing BabyQuip 02:33 A Vacation Saved 04:59 Hospitality And NPS 07:27 Shark Tank Storytime 10:55 Valuation And Growth 12:59 AI And The Next Wave 14:27 Word Of Mouth Marketing 15:35 Pandemic Pivot Lessons 17:32 Trust and Safety Standards 19:57 Training Entrepreneurs 20:27 Working With Family 23:22 Startup Dynamics 24:49 Moms And Career Shifts 25:26 Why Providers Join 26:18 Financial Freedom Stories 27:54 Travel Gear Pain Points 29:58 Partnerships and Expansion 31:09 From Host To CEO 36:47 Match.com Lessons Learned 43:22 Women and Venture Capital 50:02 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Fran:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fran's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franmaier/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BabyQuip's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.babyquip.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by architect and hospitality design expert David Shove-Brown, co-founder of the award-winning firm //3877. With a portfolio spanning hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use spaces across the country, David brings a rare perspective on how design, operations, and human behavior intersect to shape the guest experience. In this conversation, David shares what he notices within seconds of walking into a hotel and why those first moments matter more than most operators realize. From the layout of a front desk to the lighting in a bathroom, he explains how seemingly small design decisions can influence how a guest feels about their entire stay—often without them even realizing it. Katie and David also explore the tension between designing spaces that look impressive versus those that actually function well, and where hotels often misallocate budget as a result. They discuss the psychology behind guest satisfaction, the importance of designing for both employees and guests, and why great design is often invisible when done right (but immediately noticeable when it’s not). Finally, David reflects on how guest expectations have evolved in the age of social media, why design is becoming table stakes, and what today’s travelers are really looking for—from ease and intuitiveness to values like sustainability and authenticity. 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet David Shove-Brown 02:51 First Impressions 04:52 Design Details That Fail 06:35 Designing for Operations 08:43 What Feels High End 13:08 Bathroom Lighting Psychology 15:28 Common Hotel Design Mistakes 19:19 Guest Room Details 23:40 How to Balance Your Budget 24:47 Rising Guest Expectations 26:17 Designing Beyond Instagram 27:46 Favorite Projects 30:44 Next Gen Values Shift 33:26 Brands vs. Independents 34:40 Future of Hospitality Design 42:15 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with David:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsb3877/ David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsb3877/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠//3877's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.3877.design/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline interviews Gary Sherwin, President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, to unpack the strategy behind building a destination people don’t just visit but aspire to be part of. Gary shares why most destinations get branding wrong, the surprising shift from selling hotel rooms to telling holistic stories, and how a single, well-defined brand promise can influence everything from luxury hotel development to how local police interact with visitors. From celebrity influence and global perception to the power of authenticity over aspiration, this conversation reveals what it really takes to create a place people fall in love with and keep coming back to. Whether you're in hospitality, marketing, or building a brand of your own, this episode will change how you think about experience, storytelling, and what it means to be truly essential. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Gary Sherwin 01:49 What Is Destination Marketing 03:45 Tourism As Economic Engine 06:40 Aligning Local Stakeholders 09:41 The Newport Beach Brand  11:55 Building Brands With Data 14:28 Delivering on a Brand Promise 17:05 Social Media and Reputation 18:20 Police as Tourism Ambassadors 22:02 Brand Research 26:17 Authenticity Over Aspiration 28:09 Taglines Done Right 32:45 Celebrity Pop Culture Halo 35:33 The Future of Destination Marketing 45:05 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Gary:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gary's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-sherwin-a261871/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Newport Beach's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://visitnewportbeach.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline interviews Carlotta Carabba Tettamanti, owner of Tenuta di Murlo, an 18,000-acre Umbrian estate in Italy that has been in her husband’s family for 300+ years. What began as a castle, working farmland, and a collection of abandoned stone farmhouses has, over the past 18 years, been thoughtfully restored into a luxury hospitality concept featuring private villas, hotel suites, a restaurant, and more. In this conversation, Carlotta shares how she and her husband transformed the estate without a background in hospitality, the realities of restoring centuries-old buildings for modern guests, and how they balance preservation with luxury. She also discusses what today’s traveler is truly looking for, why authenticity has become such a powerful driver in travel, and the operational complexities of running a storied hotel across such a vast property. We also get into how she built a service culture rooted in passion, why overcommunicating with guests before arrival is critical, and the role of storytelling, history, and human connection in creating memorable stays—along with the unexpected experiences guests love most, from truffle hunting to ceramics. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Carlotta 01:48 Vision for the Estate 04:50 First Villa Restoration 07:23 Building Hotel Services 11:39 Luxury Meets Heritage 15:43 Five Star Service 19:56 Hiring and Training Staff 23:11 The Piazza Hub 27:19 Guest Activities 30:40 Estate Activities Beyond Truffles 31:27 Why Umbria Feels Wilder 33:22 Assisi And Hidden Frescoes 37:40 Motherhood And Managing Tenuta di Murlo 41:14 What Travelers Want Today 43:19 Best Guest Moments 48:10 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Carlotta:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Carlotta's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlotta-carabba-tettamanti-radziwill-097a5427/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenuta di Murlo's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.murlo.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline speaks with Barry Collymore, a prominent Barbadian-born hotelier, developer, and tourism leader based in Grenada. His work spans multiple facets of the Caribbean tourism industry—he’s the Owner and Executive Chairman of Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort, as well as the Director and Partner of the West Indies Management Company. He also co-founded the West Indies School of Hospitality, which aims to create learning paths for Caribbean people in the Hospitality and Service Industries. Barry’s career spans journalism, government, tourism leadership, and resort ownership — including serving as Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Grenada and Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority. Today, he’s focused on developing world-class Caribbean hospitality while investing in the next generation of industry leaders. This conversation explores what true wellness really looks like, and why it has far more to do with nature, community, and rhythm of life than spa menus and cold plunges. It also highlights Barry’s vision for the Caribbean as a collective tourism powerhouse. Whether you're a hotelier, a tourism leader, or simply someone who loves to travel, Barry’s perspective offers a thoughtful look at the future of hospitality. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet Barry Collymore 02:34 All About Grenada 03:42 Mount Cinnamon 05:48 Defining Wellness 09:28 How Grenada Became Home 11:08 From Guest to Owner 15:56 Public and Private Sector Work 20:29 Caribbean Unity  26:44 Building Talent With WISH 31:35 Next Gen Skills 38:34 Grenada Misconceptions 43:36 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Barry:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Barry's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-collymore-99222a10/ ⁠⁠⁠Mount Cinnamon's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.mountcinnamon.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does it really take to deliver true five-star service? On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Sarah Dandashy, world-class concierge, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author. She unpacks the mindset that separates good service from a truly unforgettable experience. From her early days working at the Four Seasons in Washington, DC to refining luxury standards at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and The London West Hollywood, Sarah has had a front-row seat to how the world’s best hotels operate. But as she explains, the real differentiator isn’t memorizing restaurant lists or knowing every answer off the top of your head. It’s something far more powerful. In this episode, Sarah shares: -The #1 mindset shift that distinguishes five-star concierges from everyone else -Why “I don’t know” can actually build credibility (when handled correctly) -How eliminating red tape elevates luxury service -Why the best hotels empower their teams instead of scripting them -The difference between standards and trust — and why both matter -What winning Best Young Concierge taught her about legitimacy and positioning Whether you’re in hospitality, short-term rentals, building a personal brand, or simply looking to level up how you show up for others, this episode reveals a timeless truth: five-star service isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about owning the outcome. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Sarah:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Sarah's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: linkedin.com/in/sarahdandashy ⁠⁠Ask A Concierge's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://askaconcierge.tv/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline interviews Nicole Robinson, Chief Marketing Officer of andBeyond, the luxury adventure company operating in some of the world’s most rare and irreplaceable places. Nicole’s career path is anything but traditional. She began her journey with the company as an auditor more than 25 years ago and has since held roles across finance, risk, commercial strategy and now global marketing. In this conversation, she shares how embracing what she calls the “Rookie Advantage” — stepping into opportunities before feeling fully ready — ultimately reshaped her career trajectory and leadership style. Katie and Nicole also explore the evolution of luxury travel, the role of sustainability in modern hospitality, and how andBeyond balances commercial success with conservation impact. From building brand trust through PR and storytelling to creating experiences that make guests feel truly seen, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership within the hospitality industry. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Nicole:⁠ ⁠⁠Nicole's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-robinson-za/ ⁠andBeyond's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.andbeyond.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with journalist-turned-founder Samantha Shankman to explore how an eight-year obsession with farm hotels evolved into a global hospitality movement. What started as a simple Google Doc—tracking the most compelling farm stays around the world—became the foundation for something much bigger. After years reporting for Skift, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, and more, Samantha found herself drawn to a question she couldn’t shake: Why are so many visionary founders building hotels around farms—and why does it feel like the future of hospitality? That curiosity turned into a Vogue feature, a viral Instagram reel (1.1 million views and counting), and now the launch of Farm Hospitality, a curated platform spotlighting premium farm hotels and the founders behind them. This conversation is part industry trend report, part founder journey, as well as a masterclass in building something meaningful long before the world catches up. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Samantha:⁠ ⁠Samantha's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthashankman Samantha's Website⁠⁠⁠: https://www.samanthashankman.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by Netflix stars and owners of The June Motel, April Brown and Sarah Sklash. April and Sarah are best friends who left careers in PR and government to pursue something entirely different: hospitality. In 2016, they purchased a rundown motel in Prince Edward County, Canada, rolled up their sleeves, and reimagined what a modern roadside stay could be—creating what is now known as The June Motel. The opening of their second location in Sauble Beach was documented on the Netflix series Motel Makeover, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of renovation, risk, and entrepreneurship—made even more complicated by the onset of COVID. Two years later, they added a third property in Beaver Valley, continuing to grow the June Motel brand with intention. In this conversation, April and Sarah reflect on the early days of The June Motel, the learning curve of entering hospitality without prior experience, and what it takes to build a brand with a clear point of view. They also discuss the dynamics of working with a best friend, the evolution of their roles as the business has grown, and how defining “June” as a fully imagined character continues to guide everything from design decisions to guest experience. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with April and Sarah:⁠ April's LinkedIn⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april101/ Sarah's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-sklash-71730831/ ⁠⁠The June Motel Website⁠⁠: https://thejunemotel.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Steph Weber, founder and CEO of The Weber Co. and co-owner of Cabins on the Cumberland — a 12-cabin micro-resort on the river in Kentucky.Steph’s journey is anything but linear. She began her career in fashion, became a full-time influencer, lost access to her entire business overnight when she was locked out of Instagram, and used that moment to reinvent how she builds — and owns — her audience. Today, she runs a branding agency for hospitality operators, co-hosts short-term rentals, and co-owns a $2.7 million micro-resort. At the heart of it all? A belief that transformation stories sell better than finished products. In this conversation, Steph reveals how documenting the messy middle—the construction, the pivots, the uncertainty—creates emotional buy-in that turns followers into guests, email subscribers into direct bookers, and brands into movements. You’ll also hear how she and her husband are stepping off the “hamster wheel” of conventional life to travel full-time in a camper with their two young kids. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠ ⁠Connect with Steph:⁠ Steph's LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephweberbrandcoach/ ⁠The Weber Co.'s Website⁠: https://www.theweberco.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Peter Greenberg—Emmy Award–winning journalist, CBS News travel editor, and one of the most trusted voices in global travel. Together, they explore a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about journalism, hospitality and curiosity. From covering campus riots as a college student with a gas mask, to becoming the youngest correspondent in Newsweek’s history, to shaping how millions of people understand travel, Peter’s career has been anything but conventional. Along the way, he’s moved fluidly between investigative reporting, television, film, and travel journalism, always guided by a commitment to telling the truth rather than selling a story. In this conversation, Peter reflects on the lessons that have shaped his career, from frontline reporting and fact-checking to the responsibility that comes with being a trusted voice. He shares his candid perspective on the travel industry today: passenger rights, airline accountability, the role of AI and the future of hospitality. He offers listeners an unbiased look at how the industry really works. Whether you’re in hospitality, media, or simply a curious traveler, this episode offers insight you won’t hear anywhere else. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Lodgify!⁠ ⁠Connect with Peter:⁠ Peter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergreenberg/ Peter's Website: https://petergreenberg.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We’re sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d⁠⁠ Skift.com: ⁠⁠https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Lori Mukoyama, Principal and Global Hospitality Leader at Gensler, to get a first look at Gensler’s 2026 Design Forecast. Lori shares the macro trends influencing design overall, and zooms in on the four biggest shifts set to shape hotels, resorts, and guest expectations in 2026 and beyond. With real-world examples from her more than 20 years in hospitality design, Lori brings these trends to life. She shares how hyper-personalization, offline luxury, wellness, and adaptive reuse are already reshaping everything from luxury resorts to neighborhood hotels—and what that means for operators, brands, and guests alike. This episode is brought to you by ⁠Lodgify! Connect with Lori: linkedin.com/in/lori-mukoyama-4a71a57 Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline interviews Rafat Ali, CEO and Founder of Skift, to unpack the forces quietly reshaping travel right now, and why the most consequential shift has far less to do with technology than most people think. Rafat traces the unconventional path that led him from journalism to building Skift into the world’s leading travel intelligence platform, sharing the pivotal decisions, near-misses, and moments of reinvention that shaped the company over the last 13 years. From breaking major M&A stories to launching what’s now known as the “Davos of Travel,” he reveals what it really takes to build credibility, trust, and longevity in a global industry. The conversation goes deeper into leadership and media, including why scripted executives lose audiences instantly, what separates great interviews from forgettable ones, and how authenticity—not polish—has become the most valuable currency in public-facing leadership. Most importantly, Rafat offers a macro lens on where travel is headed next. Rather than chasing the loudest trends, he argues that demographic shifts, global population changes, and evolving social behavior will have a far greater impact on how—and why—people travel in the years ahead. This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and leaders who want to understand the signals beneath the noise—and stay ahead of the shifts already underway. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! Connect with Rafat! Visit Skift.com to stay up to date with the latest travel industry news, trends, and insights! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes back Chris Sanderson, co-founder of The Future Laboratory, to discuss the transformative role of AI in luxury hospitality in 2026. The conversation reveals key insights from a new report- New Codes of Luxury: Elevating the Hospitality Guest Experience with AI, produced in partnership with Together Group. Chris explains how AI can close the innovation gap in luxury hospitality, providing a competitive advantage and redefining service excellence. They explore how AI can elevate the guest experience by enabling curated discovery, seamless journeys, and personalization at scale. Chris emphasizes AI's potential to act as a leveler, allowing mid-range hotels to offer five-star service, and predicts a broader transformation across the luxury sector. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways to help industry leaders embrace AI-driven innovation, highlighting the importance of removing friction from the travel experience and anticipating guests' needs. Tune in for an eye-opening look at the future of hospitality and how brands can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Connect with Chris: Chris's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanderson-99b583/ Be sure to check out Chris Sanderson’s previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-5-trends-that-will-define-2025-according-to/id1771523488?i=1000682381749 Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rather than approaching the new year with generic goal-setting, this episode revisits the conversations that defined Suite Success in 2025. The moments that lingered. The insights that challenged conventional ideas of success. The lessons that revealed themselves not as sound bites, but as lived experience. Drawing from a year of interviews with founders, CEOs, editors-in-chief, and hospitality disruptors, this episode distills those conversations into ten New Year’s resolutions — each one inspired by a guest whose story reshaped how host, Katie Cline, thinks about fear, focus, reinvention, money, and meaning. Tune in to hear: Why confidence is built after doing the uncomfortable thing, not before How choosing the harder path now can prevent living someone else’s version of success Why reinvention is not a failure, but a feature of a fulfilling career The difference between being rich and being wealthy How focus creates long-term impact Why leaving space for the unexpected often leads to the most meaningful outcomes Whether you’re entering 2026 with clarity or uncertainty, this episode offers perspective, reflection, and a reminder that progress doesn’t always come from setting new goals, but from choosing intention over autopilot. Brian Kelly: https://youtu.be/MUcOkEMwmM4?si=i3QZpsG0JUzHLV2Z Gail Simmons: https://youtu.be/f7DLWdz2HjU?si=OoQ29YNllKHrot58 Keir Weimer: https://youtu.be/nN5gkC4K2l8?si=Hq-sgBSuU8m4mjmv Jacqui Gifford: https://youtu.be/1-2SkSLr1Pw?si=kCWpTueq-uY_FtSE Leo Ghitis: https://youtu.be/X_lTp6Jh8ag?si=zkZhoqKKxZGv-BIg Phil Mc Aveety: https://youtu.be/QTM5xdu_cBw?si=VQ4WUQno0pXC8IWE Caleb Silver: https://youtu.be/JotexwVOXtw?si=J5_9crr4IcKHu8S0 Richie Khandelwal: https://youtu.be/g9bG5lOQRYA?si=-plnutQ3Os_2GKc- Jasmine Seliga: https://youtu.be/XNid0dQiAlU?si=f7Wjkfuq06FV9dPh Dr. Brittney Conners: https://youtu.be/PGh3ZdnCzko?si=aNcEH_CGU2Nrny9m Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this special holiday episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline hosts a roundtable discussion with some of the leading voices in the hospitality industry, including Josiah Mackenzie of Hospitality Daily; Zach Busekrus from Behind the Stays; David Millili and Steve Carran from The Modern Hotelier; and Glenn Haussman of No Vacancy. The discussion reflects on the pivotal stories and trends of 2025, such as the completion of the restoration of the Waldorf Astoria New York, the degradation of loyalty programs, trade show fatigue, and the role of AI in hospitality. They also each share their predictions for 2026 including the impact of economic bifurcation, the ongoing evolution of branded short-term rentals, and how AI will reshape the workforce. This episode emphasizes the industry’s continued commitment to exceptional guest experience amidst a rapidly evolving landscape. Connect with the hosts: Josiah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahmackenzie/ Zach's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-millili/ Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/modernhoteliersteve/ Glenn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennhaussman/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the best hotels weren’t designed to keep you inside—but to get you out into the world? On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Mike Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn Hotels and Resorts, to unpack how he’s building a boutique hospitality brand around nature, experience, and intentional growth. Mike’s path to hospitality wasn’t linear. From investment banking and real estate private equity to early-stage startups and product leadership, his career ultimately converged on one clear insight: travelers don’t just want beautiful rooms—they want meaningful experiences rooted in place. Mike shares how Trailborn identifies iconic outdoor destinations, repositions existing assets near national parks, beach towns, and mountain towns, and designs hotels that act as a launchpad for exploration—not a retreat from it. Together, Katie and Mike discuss what takes to build a modern hospitality brand: balancing growth with quality, real estate returns with guest experience, and ambition with restraint. They also dig into co-founder dynamics, the realities of scaling in remote markets, and why clarity about your customer is one of the most powerful competitive advantages you can have. Connect with Mike: Mike's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedweiss/ Trailborn Hotels & Resorts Website: https://www.trailborn.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Richie Khandelwal, Co-Founder of PriceLabs, the dynamic pricing and revenue management platform transforming how short-term rentals and independent hotels optimize revenue. Long before AI became mainstream, Richie was already building an AI-driven product to solve one of the most persistent challenges in hospitality: how to price intelligently, dynamically, and with confidence. Across their conversation, Richie shares the story behind PriceLabs, from a spare bedroom in Chicago to a tool used across thousands of markets worldwide. He discusses the early days of dynamic pricing in STRs, why the industry lagged behind airlines and hotels, and the technological shifts that finally made advanced pricing possible for everyday operators. Listeners will learn: How Richie’s global background shaped his philosophy on personalization and hospitality The origin story of PriceLabs and why “AI” had to be removed from the company’s early messaging How PriceLabs thinks about the balance between automation and human intuition The three characteristics Richie believes every hospitality entrepreneur needs Why failure is often the clearest indicator that someone is finally operating at their full potential This episode offers an inside look at the future of revenue management, the evolving role of AI in hospitality, and the mindset required to build something that lasts. Connect with Richie: Richie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richiekhandelwal/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Mark Andrus, the co-founder of Stacy’s Pita Chips, whose career path is one of the most unexpected and compelling stories in hospitality and entrepreneurship. Mark never set out to build a beloved consumer packaged goods brand. His original plan was far simpler: run a small food cart in Boston with his partner Stacy and, if everything went well, maybe open a restaurant one day. But when he began baking leftover pita into chips just to keep customers in line, he unknowingly sparked the idea that would shape the next decade of his life. After scaling Stacy’s into a national favorite and selling the company to PepsiCo, Mark didn’t retire or slow down. Instead, he picked up a backpack, set off across Central America and the Caribbean, and discovered 55 acres of untouched coastline on the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. Fourteen years, countless setbacks, and a steep learning curve later, that land is now Ocama—a sustainable, design-driven boutique hotel surrounded by dense jungle and panoramic views of Rincon Bay. This conversation is a rare look inside the mind of a founder who has reinvented himself multiple times while staying committed to creativity, flexibility, and following his instincts. Ocama Website: https://ocama.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Dr. Brittany Conners, founder and CEO of Optimistic Theory, who has pioneered in-home silent retreats. Dr. Brittany shares the benefits of incorporating silence into daily life, especially during the hectic holiday season. The conversation explores practical, guilt-free methods to build quiet time into busy schedules, manage stress, and achieve clarity. Dr. Brittany also discusses her personal journey that led her to this path, the challenges faced, and her framework for rest and capacity building. Tune in for insights on setting boundaries, embracing rest, and making impactful changes in your personal and professional life. Connect with Dr. Brittany: Dr. Brittany's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-brittany-conners-a6b48218/ Optimistic Theory Website: https://www.optimistictheory.com/ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when someone grows up across multiple countries, works nearly every job inside a hotel, and then spends 30 years rising through one of the world’s biggest hospitality companies? On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by a true global citizen: Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO for Europe and the Americas at Minor Hotels. Gonzalo shares how an international childhood—spanning Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Brazil, Spain, and the U.S.—gave him an early crash course in adaptability, culture, and human connection. He walks through his three decades at Marriott, including opening hotels in challenging markets, integrating the AC Hotels brand, and navigating the Starwood merger from the inside. Katie and Gonzalo dig into the business differences between asset-light giants and Minor’s asset-heavy model, how ownership perspective changes decision-making, and why testing, speed, and control look completely different when you own 84% of your portfolio. Gonzalo also breaks down Minor’s multi-brand strategy—from Anantara and Tivoli to NH and NHOW—and what today’s travelers are actually looking for in experiential and urban stays. They also touch on: -How early exposure to every job in a hotel shaped Gonzalo’s leadership style -Why curiosity, not a master plan, drove his career -What he learned moving between the U.S., Caribbean, South America, and Europe -Minor’s growth plans and the benefits (and pressures) of an asset-heavy model -How loyalty is evolving under the consolidated Minor Discovery program If you’re interested in the realities of global hospitality leadership, this conversation delivers an unfiltered look at the operational, cultural, and strategic decisions shaping hotels today. Connect with Gonzalo: Gonzalo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar Minor Hotels Website: https://www.minorhotels.com/ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What really happens when an independent brand gets acquired by a global hotel company—and can it stay “boutique” after the buyout? On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Vicki Poulos, Vice President of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, for an honest look at growth, scale, and authenticity in modern hospitality. With over two decades of experience, Vicki shares how her Greek roots shaped her creative instincts, how she built the Moxy Hotels brand at Marriott, and how she now leads some of IHG’s most iconic names. Vicki and Katie unpack what happens after independent brands are acquired, why “scaling” isn’t the dirty word people think it is, and how strong leadership and brand clarity can actually make both sides stronger. She also opens up about balancing personal growth with professional ambition, especially as a working parent in an industry that never sleeps. Connect with Vicki: Vicki's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickipoulos Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline speaks with Diana Ossa and Josh Dobken, two professional architects turned passionate hoteliers. When they stumbled upon a 13-room, half-demolished motel in Palm Springs, most first time investors would’ve ran the other way. But where others saw risk, they saw potential. Drawing on their backgrounds in architecture and design, they transformed the property into Terra Palm Springs, a serene, wellness-forward boutique hotel that was recently named to Travel + Leisure’s It List. In this conversation, they share how they were able bring a new level of hospitality to one of the most saturated markets in the U.S. and how they believe that everyone has an unfair advantage-–it’s just a matter of finding yours. Tune in to hear: Why they walked away from two failed hotel deals before finding Terra How they used their design expertise to turn a gutted concrete shell into a sanctuary Why they built a brand rooted in grounded luxury and restorative calm The secret to balancing creative control with smart partnerships And, how they translated lessons from architecture into hospitality success We also dive into their predictions for the future of hotels, why wellness is the (not so) new luxury, and how thoughtful design and human connection can turn even the smallest property into a five-star experience. Connect with Diana and Josh: Diana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-ossa-sierra-aia-82237837/ Josh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-dobken-75417015/ Terra Palm Springs Website: https://www.terrapalmsprings.com/ Design Invest Fi Website:https://www.designinvestfi.com/ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When most people go into the delivery room, they’re focused on diapers and nap schedules. But Haley Brosa was buying a house. What started as an idea to reclaim her sense of self evolved into a creative outlet—and a serious business. Four months after the birth of her second child, what became known as Holly House went live on Airbnb. Within ten days, the home was booked solid for six months and went on to earn the distinction of being in the top 1% of listings—all while being in one of the most competitive short-term rental markets in the country: Scottsdale, Arizona. In this episode, Haley shares the story behind her viral success, how she balances creativity and motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned about building a brand that stands out in a crowded market. From trusting her instincts to designing a space worthy of Architectural Digest, Haley’s journey is proof that timing doesn’t have to be perfect—you just have to start. Whether you’re an aspiring Airbnb host, a design lover, or someone chasing a creative spark, tune in for a reminder that your next big idea might start in the most unexpected place. Connect with Haley: Haley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleybrosa/ HOLLY HOUSE: https://www.instagram.com/stayathollyhouse/ HOWDY HOUSE: https://www.instagram.com/stayathowdyhouse/ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the New York Liberty, to explore how culture, fashion, and hospitality can redefine not only a brand, but an entire fan experience. From reimagining game day as a full-sensory event to positioning the NY Liberty as a lifestyle brand, Shana shares how she infused elements of design, community, and care into every touchpoint. The result? A sports franchise that feels more like a five-star stay—one where every fan interaction is intentional, emotional, and deeply personal. Together, Katie and Shana discuss: How the Liberty built a brand rooted in inclusivity and identity Why hospitality principles are reshaping fan engagement The power of cultural partnerships in transforming perception What it takes to turn a team into a movement Whether you lead a brand, manage a property, or simply love sports, this episode reveals how a hospitality mindset can turn any experience into an unforgettable one. Connect with Shana: ⁠Shana's LinkedIn⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Julie Frank, Vice President of Design at Aspen Hospitality Group. Originally from South Africa, Julie started her career as an architect in New York before transitioning into broader hospitality design. Having worked for notable companies and brands such as Rockwell Group, Nobu, W Hotels, Le Meridien, St. Regis, AvroKO, and more, Julie now oversees design and development for Aspen Hospitality. They discuss the skills Julie still draws from her architecture background—like an eye for meticulous detail and a love of process-driven work—while sharing amusing and insightful anecdotes, including the time she had to resign from a job she loved not once, but twice. Julie emphasizes how thoughtful design helps hotel guests feel like the best version of themselves and shares candid insights on managing work-life balance as a solo parent. From creating luxurious, context-rich spaces to exploring emerging trends in hospitality design, Julie’s journey is packed with lessons, inspiration, and actionable advice for anyone in the hotel and hospitality world. Tune in to discover how Julie turns vision into spaces people love and why great design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating moments that matter. Connect with Julie: Julie's LinkedIn Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this special one year anniversary episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline reflects on the podcast's journey over the past year. Tune in for heartfelt stories of personal hardship and behind the scenes tales of the creation of the show, culminating in its acquisition by Skift. Katie also debuts the top five most-loved episodes from the year featuring insightful conversations with industry leaders like Tom Marchant, K.C. Kavanagh, Frits van Paasschen, Dawn McCoy, and Rory Sutherland. Hear standout clips, fresh reflections, and the lessons that continue to inspire hoteliers, hosts, and creative minds around the world. Listen to the episodes featured on the podcast: Tom Marchant: https://youtu.be/2GuvpJDoQHQ K.C. Kavanagh: https://youtu.be/nT023l8L0ps?si=EynbsKNdTr8TfH24 Frits van Paasschen: https://youtu.be/nn38zpdzXC0?si=lb8Sv0TlRIBQcd_m Dawn McCoy: https://youtu.be/HC_7Iz0NCuc?si=FpWGMXVUjkPKgJZc Rory Sutherland: https://youtu.be/YpMuoO0NV_g?si=jAaM7LtfrWWShLjy Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by ⁠Lodgify⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality, to explore how he harnessed the power of mentorship to modernize a company with a 100+ year heritage. Having led teams across multiple regions and industries, Agnelo shares how investing in people and nurturing talent can transform both careers and organizations. In this conversation, they explore: How mentorship shapes leaders and drives company growth The leadership lesson that changed his career Strategies for fostering team development while honoring a century-old legacy Whether you’re a hospitality professional or a business leader, Agnelo’s journey shows that thoughtful mentorship, curiosity, and human-centered leadership can unlock remarkable results. Connect with Agnelo: Agnelo's LinkedIn Cote Hospitality's Website Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by Lodgify Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Phil McAveety, CEO of Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, together in New York City at Skift Global Forum. From advertising to sports, retail, and hospitality, Phil’s career demonstrates how transferable skills and storytelling drive exceptional guest experiences. Having lived in seven countries across four continents, he brings a global perspective to every decision he makes.In this conversation, they explore: Operational innovations, including the use of AI to improve efficiency and reduce waste How personal human connection in hospitality—small gestures and genuine interest—can create memorable guest experiences Iberostar’s commitment to responsible tourism, from coral labs to sustainable seafood initiatives Whether you’re a hospitality professional or a business leader, Phil’s journey demonstrates that thriving in diverse industries and cultures comes down to adaptable skills, curiosity, and human-centered leadership. Phil’s Presentation at Skift Global Forum 2014:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2SooNoVSGbA Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline chats with Bella and Levi Linchenko, the powerhouse couple who co-founded co-founders of Let's Go Design Co. As married real estate investors and coworkers, Bella and Levi have managed to merge love, strategy, and design into a thriving business and partnership. From their Hallmark level meet-cute to running a boutique short-term rental and design firm, they share how collaboration, intention, and creativity drive everything they do. Bella’s background as a designer brings creative prowess to their pursuits, while Levi’s training as an engineer contribute next level problem-solving skills. Together, they combine to transform short-term rental properties into places with unique amenities and thoughtful design. Whether you’re a short-term rental owner, design enthusiast, or entrepreneur looking for actionable strategies to build a business with your partner, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical takeaways, and stories that prove love and design really can coexist—and thrive—together. Connect with Bella and Levi: Bella's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levi's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's Go Design's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's Go Design's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does it take to lead one of the world’s most iconic travel magazines in a time when travel is constantly evolving? On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure. The two talk about how Jacqui’s global upbringing influenced her love for travel, her dynamic journey from studying English at Princeton to becoming a prominent figure in travel journalism, and the evolving nature of travel media. They discuss: Why perfection in travel (and hotels) doesn’t exist, and why that’s a good thing The art of reinvention and the story only you can tell How Travel + Leisure balances timeless print with the digital future What luxury travelers really want (and where brands get it wrong) The hotel lesson Jacqui never forgot—and what it taught her about grace in leadership From growing up overseas to guiding a legacy magazine into its next chapter, Jacqui offers powerful insights on travel, media, and living a life well told. Connect with Jacqui: Jacqui's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Travel + Leisure's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What’s the real difference between being rich and being wealthy? And is investing really just a fancier name for gambling? On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia and host of The Investopedia Express. Caleb shares his remarkable path from producing wildlife documentaries in Central and South America to leading one of the world’s most trusted financial platforms. He unpacks essential financial principles like the importance of starting early and knowing what you own, while dispelling common misconceptions about investing and financial literacy. Together, they explore the impact of today’s market trends, the massive generational wealth transfer from Boomers to Millennials, and the nuanced difference between being rich and being truly wealthy. Caleb emphasizes spending intentionally on experiences that matter — from unforgettable travel to time with loved ones — reminding us that true wealth is measured not just in dollars, but in the freedom to live meaningfully. Whether you’re building wealth, navigating financial uncertainty, or simply trying to better understand the money game, this episode will reshape the way you think about your finances. Connect with Caleb: Caleb's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Investopedia's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Kassidy Warren—hotel investor and host of the For Your Own Good podcast. Kassidy shares his journey from a disillusioned corporate engineer to a successful real estate investor, specializing in hotels and short-term rentals worth $13 million. From walking away from burnout, to taking up van life, to buying short-term rentals and ultimately, finding his stride in hotel investing, Kassidy’s story is a masterclass in taking bold leaps. Together, Katie and Kassidy explore the balance between ease and ambition, what it means to double down on your “zone of genius,” and how to build businesses that truly scale. Kassidy also pulls back the curtain on the creative financing strategies fueling hotel acquisitions — insights that every aspiring investor, hotelier, or short-term rental owner can apply. Connect with Kassidy: Richard's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Richard Brekelmans, a seasoned hospitality executive with more than three decades of experience at Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and now the founder of RICHMANS Hospitality Advisory. Katie and Richard dive into his unique perspective on the hospitality industry, having worked on every side of it—from being the General Manager for Europe’s hottest hotel opening (W Barcelona) to various corporate leadership roles. Today, he advises hotel owners, operators, and investors on strategy, operations, and brand development. They explore how early exposure to hospitality and entrepreneurship shaped his career, and why growing up in Holland, immersed in multiple languages, gave him a lifelong edge. Richard shares what it really takes to open a luxury hotel under intense pressure, from hiring the right team—sometimes with no prior industry experience—to empowering them to act like business owners themselves. He explains why balancing stakeholders, brand expectations, and guest experience is both the challenge and the beauty of being a GM, and why “good enough” often beats perfect when it comes to launching a hotel. Katie and Richard also unpack the importance of hiring people who fit your brand’s values and culture, professionalizing hotel marketing, and taking calculated risks that pay off. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on leadership, recruitment, and creating a culture that makes a hotel—and its team—truly extraordinary. This conversation is equal parts hospitality strategy, leadership insight, and career inspiration—and a reminder that the right team and mindset can make all the difference in bringing big visions to life. Connect with Richard: Richard's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Emily Lethgo, founder of Match Point Socials and a seasoned social media strategist specializing in short-term rentals and hospitality. Emily pulls back the curtain on the ever-evolving world of social media marketing, revealing the biggest mistake hosts make to hold back bookings. From the power of authentic engagement to the secret sauce behind influencer partnerships, Emily shares how to build a powerhouse team that not only manages your social media but actually converts followers into loyal guests. She dives into why user-generated content often outperforms big influencers, how to vet the right influencers for your brand, and the importance of over-communicating with guests to set expectations and build trust. Emily also predicts the future of social media in hospitality — where storytelling, unpolished honesty, and direct bookings will reshape how hosts connect with travelers. Whether you’re managing one property or a portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your digital presence and drive real revenue. Highlights include: -The biggest social media mistake STR owners make — and how to fix it -Why genuine user-generated content beats flashy influencer campaigns -How to vet influencers and build effective partnerships without breaking the bank -Tips for creating authentic, story-driven content that builds trust and loyalty -Why social media is becoming the new frontline for direct bookings -How to leverage platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn to reach your ideal guests Connect with Emily: Emily's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Profitable Host's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram Course for STR Hosts – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PHLANX's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes two of her longtime colleagues and friends: Yamil Errasti, the Founder of Everything Now, a marketing studio that helps brands find their voice and cut through the noise; and Pelayo Pintado, the CEO and Founder of Idónea Comunicación, one of the top PR and communications agencies in Spain. They also happen to be married — and Katie takes full credit, having set them up on a blind date years ago. The trio revisit that first date (spoiler: tapas were involved), and explore how two people from very different backgrounds — Mexico and Spain — ended up building a life together and growing two wildly successful businesses in the process. You’ll hear how cultural nuance, communication styles, and a shared love of storytelling helped shape their partnership. Yamil shares what it means to build a brand from the inside out, and how he helps clients uncover not just what they do, but why it matters. Pelayo opens up about navigating the fast-paced world of PR and the art of managing clients, media, and moments that matter. Together, they discuss how they’ve built trust with global brands, maintained creative integrity, and supported each other every step of the way. They also address the age old question: which matters more- marketing or PR? This conversation is equal parts creative inspiration, business strategy, and personal love story — and a reminder that sometimes, the best partnerships begin with a leap of faith (and a nudge from a mutual friend). Connect with Yamil and Pelayo: Everything Now's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything Now's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Yamil's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Idonea's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Idonea's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Idonea's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Top Chef judge and culinary storyteller Gail Simmons to talk travel, taste, and the unexpected power of a good meal. From her early days in food media to two decades on Top Chef, Gail reflects on how curiosity—and a few bold leaps—shaped her career. She shares how food became her lens for understanding people and places, and why the best bites often come from the most surprising cities. Whether you’re building a brand, booking a trip, or dreaming up your next dinner party, Gail’s insights will leave you hungry for more. Connect with Gail: Gail's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this very special episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline takes you behind the velvet rope of Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Summit. The event, described by one panelist as the “Super Bowl of Travel” brought together influential voices from across the industry for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and spirited debates on the trends shaping global travel today. Katie shares personal reflections and standout takeaways—from how brands can cultivate emotional connection to the explosive growth of sports and events tourism. But this episode isn’t just a SparksNotes version of the summit. It also features exclusive interviews with four of the event’s powerhouse speakers: Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure and host of the event.  Gail Simmons, culinary expert, author, producer, and judge on Bravo’s Emmy Award-winning Top Chef, on building a brand that lasts.  Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the New York Liberty, on sports becoming a major driver of travel demand. And Caleb Silver, Editor in Chief of Investopedia, with an incredible overview of consumer spending across the industry. Whether you were in the room or wished you were, this episode brings you front-row access to the bold ideas, candid conversations, and unexpected insights shaping the future of hospitality. Connect with the guests: Jacqui's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shana's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Caleb's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline talks with Dr. Meghan Grace—generational researcher, podcast host, and resident Gen Z expert—to break down what makes each generation tick and how those insights can unlock better hiring, stronger culture, and more thoughtful guest experiences. Meghan shares why Gen Z is craving more than a paycheck—and why hospitality might be the perfect match. From purpose-driven work to inclusive environments and visible growth paths, this generation isn’t afraid to walk away if they don’t see a future. She also reveals how outdated messaging and stale employer branding are holding companies back from connecting with the next wave of talent. Whether you’re hiring or hosting, Meghan’s insights will help you meet Gen Z where they are—and build something they want to be a part of. Connect with Meghan: Meghan's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Meghan's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Meghan's Website - Link Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline speaks with Patryk Swietek, owner of The Cohost Company. Patryk is a master of property management and serial entrepreneur who scaled his portfolio to over 100 short-term rentals in just one year. He shares how he built and acquired property management companies and reveals the mindset that helped him grow fast—despite the inevitable mistakes along the way. He dives into what sets top-performing hosts apart in today’s competitive market and breaks down the red flags to watch for before hiring a property manager. Patryk also explains why growth happens outside the comfort zone and how thinking two steps ahead keeps him ahead of the curve. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, Patryk’s practical advice and real-world stories offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to level up in short-term rentals and property management. Connect with Patryk: Patryk's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patryk's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patryk's Podcast – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patryk's YouTube Channel – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don’t miss the conversation with Rory Sutherland! Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Paolo Lorenzoni, the legendary General Manager of The Gritti Palace. Known for hosting world dignitaries, celebrities, and royalty, Paolo opens up about his extraordinary career—and the diagnosis that nearly ended it all. Before arriving at The Gritti, Paolo held leadership roles at some of the most prestigious hotels in the world. But just as his career was reaching new heights, a sudden brain cancer diagnosis threatened to take everything away. After undergoing surgery, he returned to the industry stronger than ever, stepping into the role of General Manager at one of the most iconic hotels in Venice, just as it was about to undergo a multimillion-euro restoration. With over four decades in luxury hospitality, he shares the lessons that shaped him, the standards he refuses to compromise on, and the secrets behind creating unforgettable guest experiences. From surviving a health crisis to stewarding one of Italy’s most luxurious properties, Paolo’s story is a rare glimpse into the resilience and passion behind true five-star hospitality. Connect with Paolo: The Gritti Palace Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Gritti Epicurean School - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Gritti Palace Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Club Del Doge Restaurant - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Keir Weimer, Founder and CEO of Weekender Hotels. His journey is one of profound transformation, marked by tragedy, resilience, and remarkable reinvention. At just 23 years old, Keir was involved in a tragic accident that claimed the life of his best friend. Sentenced to 2-6 years in prison, what followed was not just time served but a powerful personal transformation fueled by sobriety, radical self-ownership, and an unshakable commitment to starting over. Keir shares the challenges of rebuilding his life from the ground up, navigating the stigmas of his past, and charting a new path in luxury hospitality. From acquiring his first hotel with no prior experience to growing a portfolio of nine unique properties—with more on the way—he embodies what it means to turn hardship into opportunity. Listen for an inspiring conversation about the power of owning your story, embracing second chances, and building a future on your own terms. Connect with Keir: Weekender Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keir's LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Weekender Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keir's Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline chats with Jasmine Seliga, the founder and CEO of Affixify- an unbiased, algorithm-based platform that matches hotels with hospitality technology providers. With a career spent selling hospitality software, leading corporate sales teams, and consulting for tech companies, Jasmine knows just how fragmented and overwhelming the hotel tech landscape can be. She breaks it all down with clarity, offering a 101-style explanation of how hoteliers should approach their tech stack, what “table stakes” to prioritize, and why integration is king. Jasmine also shares the personal story behind launching Affixify—including the unexpected moment of inspiration that hit just before a family trip to the zoo. She discusses why starting with a $10,000 budget (and no idea how much it would actually cost) was actually an advantage, and how pitching at HITEC’s E20X competition helped propel the brand into the spotlight. But this conversation goes far beyond software. Jasmine opens up about the fear that once held her back from even imagining herself as an entrepreneur—and how pushing through that changed everything. Jasmine also offers a powerful reminder that success rarely arrives in a straight line. From juggling two maternity leaves and two business acquisitions within 15 months, to stepping away from corporate life at the height of burnout, her path has been anything but traditional—and is all the more inspiring for it. This episode is for entrepreneurs navigating fear. Hoteliers stuck in tech decision fatigue. Founders questioning their timeline. And anyone who’s ever needed permission to go slow, go deep—and then go all in. Connect with Jasmine: Affixify Website - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Jasmine's LinkedIn - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by Blake Dailey, a boutique hotel investor and former military officer who scaled his business from a single short-term rental to six hotels and six short-term rentals located in multiple states. Blake shares his journey of transitioning from the military to full-time real estate investing, the strategies he used to grow his portfolio, and his insights on the importance of relentless learning and taking action. He also discusses the key pillars of boutique hotel investing: the deal, marketing, and operations. Blake recounts the benefits of seller financing, the importance of unique amenities, and the value of creating memorable guest experiences. Katie and Blake dive deep into the essentials of successful boutique hotel operations and the benefits of leveraging creative financing strategies. Whether you're an aspiring investor or an industry professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you achieve your own suite success in the hospitality industry. Connect with Blake: Blake Dailey Website - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Blake's Instagram - ⁠Link⁠ Hotel Launch Website - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Michael Doneff, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Concept and Brand Development for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. From his Midwestern roots in Minnesota to overseeing Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Michael shares the unexpected journey that shaped his taste—and his career. You’ll hear why simplicity trumps spectacle, what the most overlooked item on a room service menu might be, and how to know when a chef (or bartender) really knows their stuff. Michael also challenges the outdated notion that a hotel bar or a hotel restaurant is just an amenity. When done right, these are sought-after, destination-worthy venues that just happen to be located within a hotel—crafted with care, driven by storytelling, and infused with a genuine sense of place. Whether you’re dreaming up your next concept or just craving a better cocktail, this conversation serves up inspiration, flavor, and a reminder that the best hospitality should always be delicious. Connect with Michael: Four Seasons Website - ⁠Link⁠ Four Seasons Instagram - Link Michael's LinkedIn - ⁠Link⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!