The Modern Hotelier

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Joonas Ahola, founder of Meeting Package. Having started his entrepreneurial journey at age 16 with an event agency, Ahola discusses how his frustration with the RFP process led him to create Meeting Package, a comprehensive CRS platform for groups, meetings, and events sales. He shares insights on the differences between European...

This episode features Ryan Heideman, Vice President of Sales at React Mobile, as he joins hosts Steve Carran and David Millili to discuss the latest innovations in hotel safety technology. Ryan shares his journey into the hospitality tech space and provides an in-depth look at how React Mobile is leading the way in workplace safety for hotels.  In this episode, you'll learn about: The evolution of...

In this episode, host Steve Carran speaks with Pablo Revale, CEO of Zerf, and Rodrigo Perez Garofalo, CPO of Zerf, live from the floor of The Hospitality Show. Zerf is a tech company helping hotels recover lost revenue by securing more direct bookings through website optimization, testing, and data-driven solutions. Pablo and Rodrigo discuss their diverse backgrounds, the challenges hotels face wi...

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Adam Smock from Impulsify, a retail technology company revolutionizing hotel grab-and-go markets. A former hotelier with over 20 years of experience, Smock discusses how Impulsify helps properties maximize their retail spaces through custom technology solutions, data analytics, and innovative design. Learn about their impressive s...

Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili as they interview Josh Graham, Head of Market Development at Cloudbeds, on the trade show floor of The Hospitality Show in San Antonio. In this insightful episode, Graham discusses Cloudbeds' evolution from serving small properties to accommodating larger hotels, their innovative approach to integrations, and the game-changing launch of Cloudbeds Intellige...

Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili on the trade show floor for an insightful conversation with Walt Sheffler, CEO of Avendra, a leading professional procurement services company in the hospitality industry. In this episode, Walt shares his journey from Penn State accounting major to hospitality industry leader, revealing how a shortage of accounting jobs led him to a career-defining role as...

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili speak with Theresa Ellsworth from Sertifi at the Hospitality Show. Theresa, a hospitality technology veteran, discusses the growing challenge of credit card fraud and chargebacks in the hotel industry. She shares valuable insights on preventing criminal fraud, handling friendly fraud, and implementing digital authorization solutions. In this ep...

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tate Hackert, founder and president of ZayZoon, to discuss earned wage access and financial empowerment in the hospitality industry. Hackert shares his entrepreneurial journey from small-town beginnings to revolutionizing employee pay access, along with insights on business growth and workplace benefits. Key...

How is Springboard addressing the housing affordability crisis for hospitality workers in expensive markets? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Benjamin Rafter, President and CEO of Springboard Hospitality, for an insightful discussion about the intersection of technology and hospitality. With a unique background spanning from tech startups to hotel management, Rafter...

Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode, we hear from Brigette Harenda the President of B&Co., Rom...

In this episode, hosts David and Steve speak with Judy Chen from Hyatt Hotels Corporation, who shares her expertise on topics ranging from disaster response in the hotel industry to labor retention strategies and major sporting events' impact on hospitality markets. Key Topics: The hospitality industry's response to Hurricane Milton, highlighting how smaller hotel groups offered discounted rates t...

What valuable insights does she offer for hoteliers looking to enhance their guest experience and brand presence? On this special episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Mandy Murry, CEO of Hospitality Concierge. From her early days as a teenage travel agent in Salt Lake City to running the VIP torch relay program for the 2002 Olympics, Murry shares her fascinating journey in h...

In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eric Lutz, CEO of Olive. A California native who started his career as an overnight front desk agent, Lutz shares his journey from hospitality operations to founding a hotel technology company. The conversation explores how Olive's personalization platform is helping hotels improve their digital presence and direct booking expe...

Want to know how a former touring musician is disrupting the way hotels book live entertainment?  In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Mir Hwang, CEO of GigFinesse - a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing how hotels book live entertainment. Hwang shares his fascinating journey from touring session drummer to tech entrepreneur, including his bold decision to for...

Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode, we hear from Dan Jacobs, the Chef/Owner, of award-winning res...

Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode we hear from Andrew Benioff, the Founder and Chairman of ILC,...

If you are using Online Travel Agencies, you are probably missing out on some of your revenue. In this episode, find out how Janet Ferrer recovered $1 Million from Expedia. Hospitality Holdings founder and President, Janet Ferrer, is an industry leader in progressive and innovative thinking. As both an on-property leader and Corporate Director of Finance her 27 years in Hospitality lends great ins...

What does it take to lead the culinary team at one of America’s largest indoor waterpark resorts and how do you balance tradition and innovation in an ever-evolving culinary landscape? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran, as they dive into the culinary world of Kalahari Resorts with Chef Nick Shaw. Discover the journey from a small-town upbringing to leading the culinary experiences at one o...

Have you ever wondered what happens to the barely-used soap bars and tiny shampoo bottles left behind in hotel rooms?  In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran engage with Shawn Seipler, CEO of Clean the World, to explore how his organization is making a significant impact on global sustainability and hygiene through the hospitality industry. Shawn shares his journey from tech sales t...

Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they welcome Michelle Potorski, VP and General Manager of Duracell Professional. The discussion dives into Michelle's career journey, including her early days with Duracell and her return to the company after stints at Gillette, Proctor & Gamble, and CVS Health. The main focus is on the role of batteries in the hospitality industry, specifically the...

Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili for the latest episode of The Modern Hotelier featuring special guest Bruce Jordan, the Managing Partner of Hotel Guest Management. This monthly show dives deep into the hottest topics in the hospitality industry. In this September edition of Hospitality Hot Topics, our expert panel discusses: The recent acquisition of Motel 6 by OYO Hotels and its implica...

How is Relay's technology improving cross-departmental communication in hotels? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Derek Pando, Director of Product Marketing at Relay. They discuss Relay's innovative communication devices and how they're revolutionizing operations in the hospitality industry. Derek shares insights from Relay's first-ever hospitality report, highlig...

How has David Barry's journey from a ski instructor to President of Pursuit Collection shaped his approach to leadership in the hospitality industry? In this engaging episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with David Barry, President of Pursuit Collection. Barry shares his unique journey from ski instructor to hospitality leader, offering valuable insights into creating exceptional...

Curious about the intersection of luxury and wilderness? Ever wondered how a 37,000-acre ranch became a world-renowned resort?  In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran have an engaging conversation with Steve Hurst, the Managing Director at The Resort at Paws Up. They discuss Steve's career journey from his early days as a barista to managing luxury hotels and resorts, with a special...

Ever wondered what it would be like to turn your childhood treehouse dreams into a thriving resort business? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Amanda Jensen, CEO and co-founder of Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, the world's largest treehouse resort. In this captivating episode, Amanda shares the inspiring journey of how a simple treehouse for her children blossomed into a...