Defining Hospitality

Today’s guest has more than 14 years of experience in the lodging industry. She also has a passion for people and pineapples. Davonne Reaves is Founder/Hospitality Strategist at The Vonne Group. She is also the author of How To Buy A Hotel - Roadmap to Hotel Ownership. Davonne joins host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey in hospitality and what it all means to her.  Takeaways:  Owning a hotel req...

Today’s guest has extensive global experience in designing mixed use developments. He has a passion for design and uses that passion to create beautiful spaces. Host Dan Ryan is joined by Aaron Richter, The Senior Vice President of Design for Equinox Brands at Equinox to talk about hospitality and what it all means to him    Takeaways:  Having a good sleep cycle is incredibly important to having a...

Dina Lamanna is the Principal, Director of Hospitality Interior Design at The HOK NY Studio. She is a seasoned veteran in the design and development of international hotel projects. Her passion for guiding the next generation of designers is evident in her work as an adjunct professor at New York School of Interior Design. Dina joins host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey through #hospitality and...

Jim Looney is the Owner and Founder of Looney & Associates. With over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he’s an industry leader and a mentor to many. His passion for hospitality is obvious in how he carries a tradition of integrity, quality and service in all of his projects. Jim joins host Dan Ryan to talk about his journey though #hospitality and what it all means to him. T...

Staci Patton is a Principal of Hospitality Interior Design Director at DLR Group. She's a passionate and creative designer who creates indigenous and authentically curated spaces. Staci joins host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey through #hospitality and how she brings her southern hospitality charm and collaborative effort to a wonderful industry. Takeaways:  Leadership in the hospitality indus...

Will Meyer is the Owner and Co-Founder at Meyer Davis Studios Inc. He believes that great design works on multiple levels and designs seamless physical experiences tailored to his clients individuality. Will joins host Dan Ryan to talk about his journey through #hospitality and what it all means to him. Takeaways:    When working in a partnership, it’s important to have respect for the other perso...

Jennifer Barnwell is the President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection. She can see through the maze of real estate economics and is passionate about hospitality. She is also a member of and also on the Board of Advisors at the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association. Jen joins host Dan Ryan to talk her journey in #hospitality and what it all means to her. Takeaways:    You want to surprise an...

Ian Rolston is the Founder of Decanthropy and the President at Interior Designers of Canada He knows how huge of a role that community and diversity play in hospitality and design, and he wants everyone else to see that. Ian joins host Dan Ryan to talk about his journey through #hospitality and what it all means to him. Takeaways:    Hospitality is a great opportunity to serve humanity. It allows...

Clodagh is the Founder of Clodagh Design. After suffering a horrible accident, she found her passion for being a designer. Her Irish heritage gives her a unique perspective of design, which she approaches with love and reckless abandon. Clodagh joins host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey through #hospitality and how she got to where she is now. Takeaways:    Approach design with love and reckles...

Kristen Conry is the Senior Vice President of Global Design for Marriott International. She is a hospitality design guru and is the embodiment of the spirit of generosity. She’s worked with some of the most influential leaders in this industry and she shares their passion for creating unique experiences for guests. Kristen sits down with host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey in #hospitality and...

James Cull is the Design Director at Rottet Studio. He has had a passion for design since he was 10 years old, and he brings that passion to every project that he works on. James sits down with host Dan Ryan to share his journey through #hospitality and what it all means to him.   Takeaways:    It’s the job of the hospitality expert to take a hotel and make it a special place that feels warm and k...

Shari Bayer is the Founder and President at Bayer Public Relations. She’s been working in the restaurant industry since she was 16, so she knows the industry inside and out. Her passion for this beautiful industry is evident, especially through her podcast “All In the Industry”. She sits down with host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey through #hospitality and what it all means to her. Takeaways:...

Shaun de Vries is the Founder and Director at Open Pantry Consulting as well as the co-founder and host of the long running and very popular Principle of Hospitality podcast. He sits down with host Dan Ryan to talk about what #hospitality is like in Australia and his journey working in this beautiful industry.  Takeaways:    North America has always been a figurehead of the best level of hospitali...

AiLun Ku is the President and CEO of the Opportunity Network. She sees the talent in the next generation and is committed to making sure they are given the same chances as others. AiLun sits down with host Dan Ryan to talk about her view on #hospitality and how to give everyone the sense of being welcomed. Takeaways:    Inspiring the youth can have such a great lasting impact. They are the ones wh...

David Tracz is the Partner and Founder at 3877. He knows the importance of building a good relationship with your clients and making sure you are working with them on a project. He sits down with host Dan Ryan to share his thoughts on #hospitality and what it all means to him.  Takeaways:    You want to make your clients feel welcomed and comfortable in the environment that you build for them. Whe...

Christina Flannery is the Director of Design at Park Hotels and Resorts. She uses her keen eye for renovation to help the design of hotels and provide a sense of community and belonging to them. She sits down with host Dan Ryan to share her journey through the world of #hospitality and what it all means to her.  Takeaways:    Hospitality is all about being social and feeling that sense of communit...

Karin Harrington is the Principal at Studio Partnership. With almost 30 years of experience in the industry, she has a keen eye for quality design. She has won many awards from many of the major hospitality brands. She joins host Dan Ryan to talk about her journey through the world of #hospitality and what it all means to her.  Takeaways:    The hospitality industry is full of people who love what...

David Allen is the Founder at the David Allen Company. He’s also the author of many books, including “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity”. Having your mind open and a clear space can help to keep you functioning at a high level and be better at what you do. David sits down with host Dan Ryan to share his thoughts on #hospitality and what it all means to him.  Takeaways:    Ha...

Carrie Tolman is the Associate Principal at KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group. She has a keen eye for interior design and uses her roots in southern hospitality to help influence the style she uses today. She joins host Dan Ryan to share her #hospitality journey and how she got to where she is now. Takeaways:    Hospitality by definition is temporary lodging. You want to make it feel like more than...

Dyonne Fashina is the Principal at Denizens of Design Inc. She sees the beauty in designs and the passion it takes to create them. She sits down with host Dan Ryan to share her #hospitality journey from her memories about Canadian art culture to where she stands now.  Takeaways:    You have to learn to pick yourself back up when you get knocked down. In life, it’s not about how you fall but how yo...

Christian Schnyder is the owner at Beleco. He’s been inspired and informed by over 30 years of experience. He specializes in hospitality and residential interiors. He’s used his roots from Switzerland to influence his view on the world and #hospitality. He joins host Dan Ryan to talk about his journey into the world of hospitality.   Takeaways:    The culture in Switzerland is driven towards servi...

Avi Brosh is the CEO and Founder of Palisociety. At his core, he is a modern day inn keeper. He’s been involved in real estate and hospitality for over 30 years. He joins host Dan Ryan to talk about his #hospitality journey all the way from a small school in New Jersey all the way to  Malibu, California.  Takeaways:    It’s better to get up earlier and accomplish some goals earlier in the day. It’...

Sara Duffy is a Principal Partner at Stonehill & Taylor Architects. She recalls moments from her childhood at a restaurant where they treated everyone like family, and that has led her to her career in hospitality. She joins host Dan Ryan to share some of her #hospitality experiences and what it all means to her.  Takeaways:    Hospitality is the true sense of being welcome. You want to feel a...

David Kaplan is the Founder of Death & Company, the CEO at Gin and Luck, Co-author of several books including “Cocktail Codex”, the Co-Founder of Midnight Auteur. He likes to create human connections and memorable moments through cocktails and wonderful hospitality service. He sits down with host Dan Ryan to share his insight on #hospitality and how important it is to just be nice.  Takeaways:...

Aliya Khan, VP of design lifestyle brands at Marriott, promotes a positive lifestyle for brands and global design strategy. In 2019, she was an honoree for women in design from Hospitality Design magazine. Aliya joins host Dan Ryan to discuss her view on #hospitality and how important it is to be more open to change and face it with a positive attitude.  Takeaways:    Hospitality is about bringing...