The Modern Hotelier

Join Steve Carran and David Millili as they sit down with Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Resorts, to discuss how AI-driven technology is revolutionizing the guest experience and easing staff challenges at high-end resorts like the Argonaut in San Francisco.  In this episode, we cover: The front desk challenges at luxury resorts, including high phone call volume and guest ser...

Join us on this episode of The Modern Hotelier as we go live from the Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! We sit down with Tim Hansen, VP of Sales for hotels, resorts, and cruise ships at Agilysys, to explore how modern technology is transforming the hospitality industry. Tim shares his journey from a California upbringing and college basketball dreams to leading a sales team that’s revolutioniz...

In this episode, we’re live from the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! Steve and David are joined by Gabriella Forss, Hospitality Engagement Leader of North America for SALTO Systems — one of the leading providers of electronic access control in hotels around the world. Gabriella shares her journey from Cornell’s Hotel School to over eight years with SALTO, and explains...

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Randy Haveson, Founder & President of Worth@Work, to explore how personal empowerment and team culture can transform the hospitality industry. Randy shares his journey from psychology and counseling to speaking, coaching, and consulting in hospitality. Discover how his unique approach—focusing on staff energy, self-esteem, and commu...

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran chat with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, live from the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado. Will shares the original “aha moment” behind creating Bodhi — a platform born from 25+ years of systems integration and a real-world need for hotels and mixed-use properties to manage smart devices under one pane of glass. What began as one-of...

How do you keep hotel laundry running when every minute counts?  In today’s episode, Steve Carran sits down on the trade show floor with Zach Yaeger, Business Development Manager at LaundryLux — a company making major waves in the hotel laundry and commercial laundry space. Zach shares how he went from college intern to spending 12+ years growing with LaundryLux, why their European-engineered Elec...

In this episode, we’re coming to you live from the bustling show floor of The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado, inside the WorldVue booth.  Steve Carran sits down with four of WorldVue’s top leaders to uncover how the company has evolved into one of the most trusted hotel technology partners in the world — and where guest experience technology is headed next. Tune in for real talk on global ro...

In this episode, we’re live on the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado, sitting down with Wendy Zapach, Chief Revenue Officer at Optii. We dive into the major shifts happening in hotel technology, why mergers and acquisitions are shaking up the industry, and what hoteliers should be demanding from their tech partners moving forward. Key Topics Discussed: Why consolidation...

What happens when a lifelong hotelier challenges the traditional franchise model — and discovers a better way to grow brands, revenue, and guest loyalty? In today's episode, David and Steve sit down with Fredrick Schoener, Brand Director at Silverstone Inns and a lifetime hotelier known for his innovative approach to the hotel business, franchise models, and revenue growth. Fredrick shares his inc...

In this episode, Steve and David sit down with Tiffany Donato, Chief Investment Officer at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, for a candid deep dive into hotel investments, portfolio strategy, and the art of turning underused spaces into revenue and memorable experiences. Tiffany shares lessons from Hyatt and beyond, why Marcus pairs long-term thinking with entrepreneurial experiments (think igloos, moc...

In today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Fredrik Sjoberg, the visionary CEO and founder of Maison — an AI-driven platform revolutionizing how hotels interact with guests and manage their digital presence.  Fredrik's story is extraordinary — from acting on national TV and earning a Ph. D. at Harvard to leading hotel chains and founding two hotel tech companies. He shar...

Ever wondered how a world-class coffee program can transform a boutique hotel’s guest experience and boost revenue?  In this episode, hosts David M. and Steve Carran sit down with Gage Johnston, Marketing Manager at Dalla Corte, to explore the art and science of coffee in hospitality.  Gage shares his incredible journey in the coffee industry—from barista roles in California to launching his own s...

On today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, at the company’s Training and Testing Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bodhi is transforming hospitality technology with a manufacturer-agnostic platform that unifies every system in a hotel—from door locks and lighting to PMS, POS, and housekeeping—into one seamless interface. Will shares...

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Zack Gharib, the President of Red Roof, to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of hospitality. Zack shares his incredible journey — from growing up in Lebanon and discovering his passion for hotels, to leading one of America’s most recognized hospitality brands. Learn how Red Roof is embracing AI-driven technology, enha...

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics , hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by the legendary Anthony Melchiorri to break down what’s been happening in the hospitality world throughout September. From ongoing labor shortages and AI’s role in hotel operations, to the impact of the government shutdown on travel, visa challenges for international tourism, and skyrocketing holiday trave...

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier , we sit down with Robert Grosz, President & COO of WorldVue, a nearly 50-year leader in hospitality technology solutions. Bob shares his journey from the Midwest to the forefront of real estate and tech, and how culture, quick decision-making, and loyalty have shaped his leadership style. We dive into: Why “culture eats strategy for breakfast” and how ka...

How can independent hotels win in today’s digital landscape with creators, podcasts, and emerging platforms? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Podcast , hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with hospitality leaders Hillary Folkvord (Hotelier & Entrepreneur, Sacajawea Hotel), Melissa Benhaim (Founder of Benhaim Public Relations), Jennifer Glatt (M.A., Boutique & Independent Ho...

We’re live from the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, Florida, joined by Munir Maluf, CEO & Founder of MP Parking. In this episode, we dive into the future of hotel valet parking and how the Smart Valet Podium is transforming the guest arrival experience. Munir shares his insights on:  Why the valet experience is the first impression of a hotel  How MP Parking bridges the gap between hotel cult...

In this episode, we sit down with Jaimey Bembry, CEO & Founder of Bhlen, to explore how hotels can transform the guest experience by replacing outdated paper lists and brochures with digital guest guides. Discover how Bhlen helps hotels and hospitality brands:  Eliminate paper lists with eco-friendly digital solutions  Deliver personalized, hyper-local experiences for guests  Boost revenue by...

In this episode, recorded live at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, hosts Steve and David sit down with Gage Johnston from Dalla Corte, a Milan-based manufacturer of premium espresso machines and grinders. Gage shares how Dalla Corte is helping boutique and independent hotels elevate their coffee programs with innovative automation, Italian design, and practical solutions for low-staff environm...

In this episode, we sit down at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami with Venkatesh Sakamuri, CEO of Stayflexi, and Krishna Talasila, CIO & Co-Founder of Stayflexi, to explore how they’re transforming hospitality technology.  Venkatesh introduces Stayflexi IQ, their new AI-powered data intelligence and revenue management platform designed to help independent hotels compete with big brands. He s...

In this episode, David and Steve sit down in person with global traveler and hospitality expert Scott Eddy at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami. Scott shares why he believes independent hotels have a major edge over big brands, the growing importance of wellness and quiet luxury, and why storytelling and showcasing the destination and people are key to standing out. From behind-the-scenes F&...

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Trent Freeman, Vice President of Operations at Valencia Hotel Group. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality and leadership roles at Four Seasons, Omni, and Peabody Hotels & Resorts, Trent brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creating authentic guest experiences. He shares how his career journey—from starting a...

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran, sit down for a fast-paced and insightful conversation with Steven Kinsley, President of Kinsley Meetings. From his beginnings as a Ski Bum in Vail to leading a nationally recognized meetings and events company, Steve shares stories, lessons, and perspectives shaped by decades in hospitality and association event planning. What You’ll Hear in T...

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Ken Butler, Executive Chef at Hotel Polaris, to explore the art of hospitality, the evolution of food and beverage trends, and the behind-the-scenes dedication that makes guest experiences unforgettable. From rooftop sushi to locally sourced Colorado flavors, Chef Ken shares his insights on how culinary innovation and health-conscious choices are shaping the...