Defining Hospitality

This week on Defining Hospitality, we have the pleasure of welcoming back a hospitality veteran who has consistently showcased his exceptional skills in the industry. As the guest on the third episode, he dove into his experiences as the leader of Chesapeake Hospitality. Returning to the show nearly two years later is President of Remington Hospitality, Chris Green. Chris reflects on the ways his...

Our guest on Defining Hospitality this week is an architect with over 2 decades of experience designing spaces. He’s a renowned leader who thrives in the intersection of hospitality, real estate development and technology. Welcome to the show, President of The Hardy Group, Brent Hardy! Dan shares the mic with Brent to learn more about Brent’s background and how The Hardy Group has grown. In this e...

Joining us on this week’s episode is a talented and award winning  designer whose creativity defies the boundaries of the industry. She’s a frequent contributor to Hotel News Now and a recurring speaker at industry events who has been recognized as one of Hotel Management’s Top 30 Influential Women in Hospitality. Welcome to the show, Principal and Managing Director at Pierre-Yves Rochon, Amy Jaku...

Sitting down with us for this week's episode of Defining Hospitality is someone who is highly skilled in modern furniture, retail, and textiles. As the recipient of an honorary doctorate from the NY School of Interior Design, he is revamping the furniture design industry. Our guest this week is the Executive Chairman of Crypton Fabrics, Former CEO of Design Within Reach, and the President and CEO...

While amenities play a role in satisfying customers, true hospitality grows from your team. Our guest this week is on a mission to build things that last, and create places with soul and purpose that leave lasting memories. She grew up in the hospitality industry and is responsible for some of the most iconic hotels in New England. Joining the show this week is Founder and CEO at Main Street Hospi...

Checking in for today’s episode of Defining Hospitality is a passionate member of the hospitality space who sees design through a unique lens. She’s a design maven who flawlessly utilizes her skills for business development. Joining us today is Associate, and Director of Business Development at Looney Associates, Molly McDonald. Molly joins host Dan Ryan to share her journey from Designer to Direc...

Today’s guest is an expert in the hospitality industry who has established his firm as the 3rd most successful US brokerage firm within the hospitality industry. He’s the host of the weekly series Teague Walks and Teague Talks where he focuses on outstanding properties and the people behind them. Joining the show this week is President & CEO at Hunter Hotel Advisors, Teague Hunter. Teague sits...

On this episode of Defining Hospitality we’re shining a spotlight on the work of a previous guest and fellow hospitality podcaster. Josiah Mackenzie is the publisher of Hotel Operations, and the host and writer of the Hospitality Daily podcast and blog. We’re excited to share this compilation episode with recent interviews from Josiah’s podcast. The guests featured today are CEO & President of...

Today’s guest is an innovative industry leader, who is responsible for leading Woodbine's investment strategy across all asset types. Please welcome to the show, Dupree Scovell! Dupree is the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Woodbine Development Corporation, and he joins the host Dan Ryan to share his view on hospitality and how his journey brought him to where he is now.  Takeaway...

Today’s guest disrupted the hospitality industry twice, and he took an inner city motel and turned it into the 2nd largest boutique hotel brand in America. He was once the global head of hospitality at AirBnb. Please welcome to the show, Chip Conley! Chip is the Founder of the Modern Elder Academy and the Author of the book Emotional Equations . Chip has also received the Pioneer reward, the highe...

Today’s guest is passionate about travel, art, history, and horseback riding. She authored her masters thesis toward a study of the intersection of advocacy, historic preservation, and architecture and has completed hotel renovations nationwide from conception through close-out. Please welcome to the show, Shannon Seay! Shannon is the Partner and Project Director at H-CPM, and the founder of an in...

Today’s guest uses the spaces he creates to tell a story, all while re-imagining the visual landscape through stylish, spirited and sophisticated design. Currently, he is working on a diverse array of residential and commercial projects, including high profile hotels, restaurants, and retail. Please welcome to the show, Dan Mazzarini! Dan is the Owner and Creative Director at BHDM Design. He joins...

Today’s guest is a valued member of the hospitality community with over 30 years of experience. She consistently composes and collaborates with world-class teams of architects and designers to execute unique and innovative hotel concepts. Please welcome to the show, Christina Zimmer. Christina is the Senior Vice President of Design at Highgate Hotels, and she joins the host Dan Ryan to share her v...

Today’s guest is a 2022 Inductee into Interior Design Hall Of Fame,and he approaches design with 5 key elements; sustainability, technology, the client, timelessness and innovation. He pushes beyond the familiar to create buildings and interiors that are distinctive, imaginative and site specific. Please welcome to the show, Gray Davis! Gray is the Co-Owner & Co-Founder of Meyer Davis, Designe...

Today’s guest is an entrepreneur and opportunist at heart. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has discovered his favorite part is “wowing” his clients. Please welcome to the show, Scott Lee! Scott is the President and Principal at SB Architects. Scott joins the host Dan Ryan to share his experiences from working on the architecture of a prison to where he is now.    T...

Today’s guest is a hotel project management expert with extensive experience leading the development, renovation, and repositioning of upscale hospitality assets. Please welcome to the show, Ethan Gabany! Ethan is the Senior Manager of Hospitality Project Management at CBRE. Ethan joins the host Dan Ryan to talk about his journey from pumping gas in a small rural town in Pennsylvania to where he i...

Today’s guest is committed to elevating communities and creating wealth through hospitality ownership and leadership. She is a recent recipient of the FIU Alumni Award, and a hospitality sharpshooter. Please welcome to the show, Ashli Johnson! Ashli is the ​​Executive Director of the Marriott Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University. Ashli joins the host Dan Ryan to talk abo...

Today’s guest is a leader and motivator who champions involvement. He is an innovative problem solver and has a progressive record of achievements with significant experience in global business strategy. Daniel del Olmo is the President of Hotels and Restaurants at Sage Hospitality Group. Daniel joins the host Dan Ryan to share his views on the hospitality industry and talks about how enriching li...

Today’s guest found his passion for hospitality at a young age. He is a results driven global hospitality executive with extensive operational and development experience, as well as being a passionate, driven leader with a no-nonsense approach. Keith Pierce is the EVP, President Franchise & Development at Sonesta. Keith joins the host Dan Ryan to share his viewpoints on the benefits of franchi...

Today’s guest is passionate about the design of communities, spaces, and experiences that connect people. She is an architect, innovator, and culture advocate. Alex Lopatynsky is a Principal & The Managing Director of the NY Office at Cooper Carry. Alex joins the host Dan Ryan to talk about her views on hospitality and what it all means to her.   Takeaways:  Hospitality doesn’t necessarily hav...

Today’s guest loves helping create spaces and experiences where people will make lasting memories. With hospitality being engrained in her soul, she is ready to see it make a comeback. Stephanie Hopkins is the Senior Interior Design Manager at Marriott International. Stephanie joins the host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey in this beautiful industry and how she sees hospitality through her eyes...

Today’s guest is an accidental hospitality leader. She has been in the hospitality industry for more than a decade and half, all while managing the ongoing renovation work across the growing portfolio for the 8th largest hotel company in the US. Bridget Rooks is the Senior Director, Renovation and Capital Projects at Sonesta Hotels. Bridget joins the host Dan Ryan to share her journey through the...

Today’s guest is accredited by the American Institute of Architects, LEED AP, and certified with the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards. He also has over 25 years of experience with award winning projects around the world. Chris McDonough is the Principal at The Gettys Group Companies. Chris joins the host Dan Ryan to share his journey through the hospitality industry and what it...

Today’s guest is an entrepreneur and leader with a passion for change. He’s the host of the podcast “Scaling Culture” and the author of a couple of books - Outrageous Empowerment & Scaling Culture. Ron Lovett is the Founder and Chief Community Officer at VIDA. Ron joins the host Dan Ryan to share his hospitality journey and what it all means to him.   Takeaways:  When you are looking at buildi...

Today’s guest is an interior designer with a focus on and passionate about hospitality design. Valentina Castellon is the Principal and National Hospitality Design Leader at DLR Group based in Minneapolis. She enjoys seeing a project work its way from birth to completion. Valentina was also a Boutique 18 Inductee in 2020. Valentina joins the host Dan Ryan to share her journey and thoughts about th...