Defining Hospitality

This week’s guest specializes in working with local governments to help bring projects to completion. With over 30 years of experience, he knows how to help cities and counties develop crucial assets. Welcome to the show, Chief Development Officer and Head of Design and Construction at Garfield Public/ Private, Steve Galbreath!Steve joins Host Dan Ryan to discuss the ways a hotel can impact a local community. Steve shares why a hotel serves more than just its guests, the methods to use a hotel to benefit small businesses, and the nuances of working with city governments. Takeaways: At its core, hospitality is about making spaces for people. However, it doesn’t revolve around just the customer. Hospitality needs to focus on the whole community, the city, and the workers. Before putting in a new hotel, it’s important to have a thorough plan based on market research. If there are other hotels in the area, it’s crucial to understand how your project will intertwine with what is currently in place.  For many counties, a well thought out hotel can be a major tourist attraction. To pull off a project successfully requires an intimate understanding of the town’s needs, and a connection to key players in the hospitality industry. When working with local governments on a project, contract lengths are often longer than a given official holds office. Maintaining a good relationship as positions change hands is crucial to the success of a project. The job of a hotel is not just to house guests, but to prop up other businesses as well. As travelers come in, they will visit bars and restaurants downtown. Planning location accordingly helps weave the hotel into the fabric of the city. A great way to get a hotel's profitability up and running is to start booking businesses at a local convention center as soon as you start breaking ground. By starting early, you ensure the hotel doesn’t sit underutilized for the first few months. An exciting aspect of the hospitality industry is to see staff grow and evolve within the industries. Most brands want to grow their talent and it’s common for a bartender or room manager to become a GM 10 years down the line. Quote of the Show:“We're not in the business of convincing people to do these projects. We're in the business of helping them do it when they've got the resolve to do it.” - Steve GalbreathLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephengalbreath/ Website: https://garfieldpublicprivate.com/ Shout Outs:4:48 - Abilene DoubleTree: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/abidtdt-doubletree-abilene-downtown-convention-center/ 4:54 - Weston Irving: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/daliw-the-westin-irving-convention-center-at-las-colinas/overview/ 4:57 - Hyatt Regency Conroe: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/iahrc-hyatt-regency-conroe 5:00 - Hyatt Regency Baytown: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/iahrb-hyatt-regency-baytown-houston 8:10 - RTKL: https://www.callisonrtkl.com/ 8:12 - Sheraton San Juan: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjusi-sheraton-puerto-rico-resort-and-casino/overview/ 8:19 - Jerry Faley8:30 - The Diplomat Fort Lauderdale: https://www.diplomatresort.com/ 9:45 - Carl Long: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-long-pmi/ 10:52 - Overton Lubbock: https://www.overtonhotel.com/ 10:55 - Texas Tech University: https://www.ttu.edu/ 17:27 - ExxonMobil: https://www.exxon.com/en 17:28 - Chevron: https://www.chevron.com/sustainability 21:02 - Abilene Convention Center Hotel Corporation28:10 - Perini Ranch: https://www.periniranch.com/ 34:00 - Jefferson City, MO: https://www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/ 34:41 - Robert Hanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hanna-536a192/ 53:53 - Toyota Music Factory: https://www.toyotamusicfactory.com/ 1:01:34 - Conrad Hilton1:03:23 - Buddy Holly Hall: https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is a partner who enjoys helping people disrupt the hospitality space, and who has represented billions of dollars in acquisitions. Please welcome to the show, Partner and Co-Leader of the Hospitality Industry Team at Baker Hostetler, Jeff Diener!Jeff sits down with Dan Ryan to discuss the role of a partner in the hospitality industry. Jeff shares tips for partners who are looking to emulate his skills in the industry, the importance of spending time with your clients to learn about them, and what the future holds for property investments. Takeaways: At its core, hospitality is about providing someone with customized service. It involves creating the right combination of satisfaction, comfort, security and enthusiasm for each individual client. Understanding the value of relationships and collaboration in the hospitality industry can lead to more successful outcomes. Embracing a service-oriented mindset is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in the world of hospitality.When negotiating deals for smaller clients, you are typically negotiating on their behalf, whereas with large clients you are negotiating with them. Understanding what a brand cares about and how to get them on board are integral skills. One of the most important things you can do with your client is spend time with them in both formal and informal settings. As you spend time together, you better understand what matters to your clients, and can speed up further aspects of the project. Looking towards the future of deals that are yet to come, many owners are buying properties and wanting to make adjustments. When working with owners, understand the story they are trying to convey, to help them make the necessary changes. Investing in real estate requires a shift in mindset post-COVID, where traditional assets like offices and multifamily properties may not always guarantee returns. Diversifying across asset classes can be key to maximizing returns in the current market.Embrace market turbulence as an opportunity for growth and value creation when looking at properties. Stay informed, stay prepared, and capitalize on deals to thrive in a dynamic environment.Quote of the Show:“It's getting more and more involved in their business, and that's where the joy is.” - Jeff DienerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-diener-0132564/ Website: https://www.bakerlaw.com/ Shout Outs:3:38 - Cornell: https://www.cornell.edu/ 10:59 - W Union Square: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycnu-w-new-york-union-square/experiences/ 11:03 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 13:11 - ULI European Hospitality Council: https://europe.uli.org/ 20:21 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/ 26:46 - Ohana Real Estate Investors: https://ohanare.com/ 26:55 - Peter Fischer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-fischer-438ba97/ 30:42 - Chuck Feeney30:47 - Warren Buffett30:50 - Bill Gates30:53 - Duty Free Shopping: www.dfs.com 30:58 - Atlantic Philanthropies: https://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/ 31:58 - Bob Goldman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-goldman-13986812/ 33:03 - Homewood Ski Resort: https://www.skihomewood.com/ 35:02 - Apple: https://www.apple.com/ 35:23 - Tiffany’s: https://www.tiffany.com/ 40:03 - ALIS: https://www.burba.com/ALIS 46:32 - The Peninsula Hotels: https://www.peninsula.com/en/default 55:32 - Adam Smith1:02:48 - BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com 1:03:08 - Christie Pink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpink449/ 1:03:10 - Ritz Carlton: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 1:04:08 - Horst Schulze: https://www.linkedin.com/in/horstschulze/ 1:07:08 - Keith BrennanWays to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a global design and development leader who excels at hospitality. With over 25 years of experience, he helps developers and owners turn their vision into reality. Joining us is Principal at DW Design Strategy, Dan Welborn!Dan and Host Dan Ryan chat about his journey into the hospitality industry. Dan dives into what it takes to be a good leader, the importance of aligning decisions with business goals, strategies for getting unstuck, and why as a solo practitioner you’re selling yourself everyday.Takeaways: Hospitality is about blending all aspects of design into one. You are combining residential, guest rooms, office space, and convention spaces. In hospitality you get to create a building with one unified experience. While planning is critical for any project's success, it doesn’t happen as often as it should. Before implementing a PIP, take time to review and assess if everything is necessary. Having a tight plan to send to designers results in a better finished product. Knowing your goals from both a personal and business perspective will help you make better decisions. When deciding to pursue a project, attend a conference, or shift directions, aligning those decisions with your goals creates better outcomes. As a sole proprietor, you are selling not only your business, but yourself as well. What matters most to clients is how you make them feel, and every interaction you have with your clients is a reflection of the work you do and who you are. Effective leadership in project management requires setting the tone early and ensuring continuous course corrections. It is crucial to actively engage with clients throughout the project and prioritize being present until the very end for a successful outcome.When faced with a project deadlock, bringing in a fresh perspective and facilitating group discussions can help in finding innovative solutions. Utilizing visual tools like mind mapping can aid in visual problem-solving and spark creativity among team members.The key to successful collaboration is openness and a willingness to explore solutions together, regardless of their size or experience. Embracing constraints and challenges in projects leads to innovative design solutions that wouldn't be possible in ideal scenarios.Quote of the Show:“I love a difficult, highly constrained project and problem to solve.” - Dan WelbornLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwelborn/ Website: https://dwdesignstrategy.com/dw-design-strategy Shout Outs:5:32 - Georgia Tech: https://www.gatech.edu/ 7:24 - Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/ 12:35 - Royal Caribbean: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/14:45 - Gettys: https://www.gettys.com/  17:58 - Roger Hill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerghill/ 22:35 - Art Wilde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artwilde/ 26:42 - Warren Buffett48:22 - New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/ 52:50 - Thomas Jefferson University: https://www.jefferson.edu/index.html Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a designer who treats each project as a chance to innovate. He’s worked across the globe on hotel, restaurant, and office projects. Please welcome to the show, Principal and Studio Leader at Rockwell Group, Brad Zuger!Host Dan Ryan joins Brad at the Rockwell office in New York to discuss some of the recent projects the firm has been involved in. Brad shares the importance of having passion, the best ways to design with curiosity, and why Rockwell has a strong focus on incorporating wellness into the projects they design. Takeaways: Hospitality is about making meaningful connections and indulging in people's curiosity for life. Craft narratives, prompt curiosity, and create spaces that make people want to connect and return.Consider how personal narratives can inspire unique experiences and meaningful connections within a space. Understanding the client's vision and creating innovative entry points can lead to transformative dining experiences.Design decisions should be made with depth of curiosity, allowing for interpretations that spark conversation and connection with spaces. Embrace layers of discovery in design to create rich and engaging experiences that invite people to return.The key to creativity lies in embracing risks and individuality, while finding purpose in meaningful work. Embrace risks, celebrate individuality, and find purpose in your work to make a meaningful impact.An often overlooked design element is dynamic change. Through a change in layout and lighting, a space can serve multiple purposes and engage with customers in multiple instances throughout the day. Wellness encompasses more than just physical well-being; it also involves mental revitalization and meaningful connections with others, which are crucial for overall wellness and cognitive health as we ageTo improve engagement and attract people to office spaces, consider redefining shared spaces based on common interests. Emphasize creating a sense of community through innovative design elements and versatile spaces that facilitate connections.Quote of the Show:“How could we think about this whole restaurant experience in a new way?” - Brad ZugerLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bzuger/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-zuger-aia-7151321/ Website: https://www.rockwellgroup.com/ Shout Outs:4:21 - USC: https://www.usc.edu/ 4:28 - Howards End5:43 - W Union Square: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycnu-w-new-york-union-square/overview/ 5:45 - Seahorse5:53 - Coqodaq: https://www.coqodaq.com/ 7:54 - Simon Kim: https://www.instagram.com/simonkimnyc/?hl=en 8:16 - COTE: https://www.cotekoreansteakhouse.com/ 21:44 - John McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcdonald-2b22b8151/ 21:48 - Mercer Street Hospitality: https://www.mercerstreethospitality.com/ 21:50 - Lure Fishbar: https://www.lurefishbar.com/ 35:24 - Philip Johnson36:42 - The Olayan Group: https://olayan.com/ 39:56 - Assouline: www.assouline.com 44:38 - Naftali Group: https://naftaligroup.com/ 44:46 - JEM: https://thejem.com/ 48:53 - Miki Naftali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikinaftali/ 55:24 - Greg Keffer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-keffer-aia-leed-04aa101b/ 1:01:13 - David RockwellWays to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is someone who rejects normality in his pursuit to disrupt the hospitality industry, and who uses hospitality as a tool for preservation. Please welcome to the show, Author of the book “More Escapism”, and Director of Bensley Studios, Bill Bensley!Bill sits down with Host Dan Ryan for an enlightening conversation on the intersection between hospitality and conservation. Bill shares the importance of understanding the natural site you’re building on, the benefit to training a local talent pool, and how his paintings build houses. Bill also shares some of the work the Shinta Mani Foundation has done including building over 150 houses and 1800 water wells, and funding local conservation projects. Takeaways: Hospitality involves sharing the deep knowledge of a place through architecture and design. A good project should always reflect the culture and the environment in which it is based. While much of hospitality is focused on sharing new experiences, it also needs to be focused on protecting the local environments. Through the revenue generated at a hotel, conservation programs should be put in place. Understanding the idiosyncrasies of natural sites is key to successful projects. Embracing and respecting Mother Nature's beauty is crucial in landscape and architectural design.Budget is a key component of any project, and when clients come in with big dreams, balancing those two desires can be tricky. To alleviate this, strong communication allows you to educate clients on what can realistically be achievedThe best way to learn about a site is to physically  spend time there before you start designing. By sketching on site, you get new perspectives and up close details that may not be accounted for on a first pass render. If you are building a hotel in an area with a limited talent pool, training local citizens is a strong strategy. This approach both develops a local workforce for the hotel, and offers local communities the chance to learn new skills and find employment. Quote of the Show:“Even though I'm a pretty darn good architect, no matter what I put on that site, it's never gonna be as good as what Mother Nature has already given us.” - Bill BensleyLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billbensley/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-bensley-336984b3/ Website: https://www.bensley.com/ Website: https://shintamanifoundation.org/ Book Link: https://thamesandhudson.com/more-escapism-hotels-resorts-and-gardens-around-the-world-by-bill-bensley-9780500024683 Shout Outs:04:20 - Shinta Mani Wild: https://shintamani.com/wild/ 07:50 - Cal Poly Pomona: https://www.cpp.edu/ 08:05 - Intercontinental Danang: https://www.danang.intercontinental.com/ 08:06 - JW Marriott Phu Quoc: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pqcjw-jw-marriott-phu-quoc-emerald-bay-resort-and-spa/overview/ 08:08 - Rosewood Luang Prabang: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/luang-prabang 15:57 - Capella Ubud: https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud 18:31 - Coleman: https://www.coleman.com/ 23:29 - Shinta Mani Mustang: https://shintamani.com/mustang/ 23:58 - Conde Nast: https://www.condenast.com/ 25:27 - Hôtel de la Paix26:40 - Park Hyatt Siem Reap: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/cambodia/park-hyatt-siem-reap/repph 28:58 - MOCA Bangkok: https://mocabangkok.com/about-us/ 31:58 - Shinta Mani Foundation: https://shintamanifoundation.org/ 37:32 - Baker Furniture: https://www.bakerfurniture.com/ 38:04 - Restoration Hardware: https://rh.com/us/en/ 38:18 - Jim Thompson: https://www.jimthompson.com/en 38:39 - High Point Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/ 44:36 - Jim Thompson House: https://jimthompsonhouse.org/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is a talented multi-disciplinary designer with over 25 years managing a variety of projects. As a designer, she’s led teams through the full life of a project. Our guest this week is none other than the Managing Director at AvroKO’s Miami Studio, Kimberly Jackson!In a candid conversation with Host Dan Ryan, Kimberly shares her insights about her journey in the field of design and hospitality. She sheds light on her practice of incorporating "hospitable thinking" into all of the spaces she designs, highlighting the aspects of security, surprise, significance, and synergy, and emphasizes the role of diversity in the industry.Takeaways: Hospitality extends beyond mere spaces like hotels and restaurants, and is fundamentally a mindset. It revolves around how we interact with everyone around us, including friends, family, colleagues, bosses, and employees. The concept of hospitable thinking revolves around four key elements: security, surprise, significance, and synergy. It is important to create spaces that make guests feel comfortable, delighted, and important.Pushing boundaries and surprising both guests and the ownership team is a key aspect of innovative projects. Incorporating unexpected elements and layering them into the design process will drive innovation and shape future designs.Collaboration between the interior design team and the brand bureau is crucial in creating a cohesive narrative and strategy for each design. By combining their expertise, they can develop a unified vision that incorporates both spatial and branding elements.When crafting a spatial-heavy brand, it is important to set up a cohesive brand identity across all spaces. If a brand focuses on individuality, it is advisable to create unique and hospitable spaces that complement the brand without overshadowing it.The Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) was formed to create a more diverse hospitality industry at all levels. By embracing diversity, the industry can craft more hospitable spaces where everyone feels comfortable.Ensuring security in a space involves more than just the physical layout, such as not placing people in high-traffic areas. It also means creating an environment where all the elements work together seamlessly, providing comfort for everyone involved.Quote of the Show:“What is it about this project that is going to push the boundary a little bit? That's going to surprise the guest?” - Kimberly JacksonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-jackson-aia-noma-11215a8a/ Website: https://www.avroko.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avroko/?hl=en Shout Outs:15:50 - Brand Bureau: https://www.brandbureau.com/ 21:32 - Danny Meyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhmeyer/ 27:56 - Hospitality Diversity Action Council: http://www.wearehdac.org/ 28:35 - Stacy Shoemaker Rauen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-shoemaker-rauen-766b253/ 29:34 - HD Expo: https://hdexpo.hospitalitydesign.com/ 29:35 - BDNY: https://bdny.com/ 37:06 - Saxon and Parole38:02 - Madame Geneva38:05 - Ghost Donkey: https://www.ghostdonkey.com/ 39:20 - MIT: https://www.mit.edu/ 42:18 - William Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-harris-901b1b139/ 42:19 - Kristina O'Neal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinao1/ 42:19 - Adam Farmerie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-farmerie-a6a7b5a1/ 42:20 - Greg Bradshaw46:57 - Mike McCall54:05 - Tory Schenkkan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tory-schenkkan-82b39812/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

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 a recent episode from his podcast where he interviewed Chip Conley, Founder and CEO at Modern Elder Academy.Takeaway: In an environment like AirBNB where there is a lack of real time feedback, exit surveys for guests are important. By collecting this feedback, Chip was able to help hosts improve their offerings to guests. Links:Hospitality Daily Podcast: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/ Original Episode: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/chip-conley-airbnb/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChipConley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/ Website: https://chipconley.com/ Book Link: https://chipconley.com/my-books/ Shout Outs:04:21 - Brian Chesky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianchesky/ 09:05 - PEAK: https://a.co/d/0Bw4n9N Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a designer for whom discovery is at the heart of what she does. Her design skills have been featured on HGTV as the co-host of Aloha Homes, and her firm has won multiple awards, including two gold key awards. Joining the show is President and Creative Director of The Vanguard Theory, Michelle Jaime!Michelle joins host Dan Ryan to discuss Hawaii's unique culture in terms of hospitality. Michelle also shares her experiences as an entrepreneur, and dives into the need for authentic representation of Hawaiian culture in design.Takeaways: Hospitality in Hawaii is ingrained in the culture, where locals often adopt and warmly embrace visitors, sharing their traditions, food, and experiences. Genuine care and immersing guests are authentic aspects of life, both on a personal and industry level.Hawaiian firms often design Hawaiian projects, but rarely design mainland projects, hindering their recognition and opportunities outside of Hawaii. This disparity may be attributed to misconceptions about distance and cultural specificity.To gain recognition and attract profitable opportunities, it is important for small businesses to showcase their achievements. Building successful partnerships and establishing a strong reputation can lead to further growth beyond the local market.When working with clients, it's important to build strong relationships and understand their goals, budgets, and timelines. By designing around constraints and considering logistics, you create high-quality projects that meet expectations regardless of location.It is crucial for non-local design firms working on projects in Hawaii to be sensitive to the local culture and avoid appropriation. Engaging with local fabricators, artists, and designers is essential to ensure an authentic representation of the community.Being cautious about scaling and expanding too quickly is crucial, especially in areas where external factors can significantly impact businesses and lead to layoffs. Prioritizing sustainable growth can help prevent potential negative consequences.Many people face the challenge of lacking business guidance and mentorship, relying on failure to learn and overcome obstacles. Despite the absence of a mentor, the experience of navigating failures can drive personal growth and resilience.Quote of the Show:“If we don't engage the community, that's not really authentic.” - Michelle JaimeLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jaime-487a5b4/ Website: https://www.thevanguardtheory.com/ Shout Outs:1:05 - The Laylow: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnlak-the-laylow-autograph-collection/overview/ 4:26 - Philpotts Interiors: https://www.philpotts.net/ 4:28 - Jonathan Staub: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-staub-a8486914/?originalSubdomain=no 4:30 - Marion Philpotts-Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-philpotts-miller-74127111/ 5:21 - Kelsey Grammer5:44 - Fraiser6:35 - Hirsch-Bedner: https://www.hba.com/ 7:37 - HGTV: https://www.hgtv.com/ 7:40 - David Jaime: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jaime-430a1480/ 9:13 - Shaleah Soliven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaleah-soliven-03191726/ 12:07 - Rockywold Deephaven: https://www.rdcsquam.com/ 18:12 - Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/ 19:37 - Independent Lodging Congress: https://ilcongress.com/ 19:38 - BDNY: https://bdny.com/ 19:40 - Hospitality Design: https://hospitalitydesign.com/ 19:48 - Gold Key Awards: https://goldkeyawards.com/ 20:29 - The Surfjack Hotel: https://surfjack.com/ 21:14 - Green Oak21:19 - Ben Rafter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-rafter-623a702/ 21:26 - Erik Warner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-warner-3139175/ 21:27 - Stephen Chen22:52 - Billy Madison22:56 - Adam Sandler28:08 - White Sands Hawaii: https://www.whitesandshotel.com/ 28:11 - Hotel Renew: https://hotelrenew.com/ 35:02 - Westin Maui: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnmwi-the-westin-maui-resort-and-spa-kaanapali/overview/ 35:32 - JMI Realty: https://www.jmirealty.com/ 38:06 - Small Giants: https://a.co/d/io2lBqt 39:57 - Coach Mackey42:02 - Susan Cain: https://susancain.net/ 42:04 - Quiet: https://a.co/d/38TjZQO Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a designer who believes that the best results come from challenging the norm. With over 20 years in the industry, he knows what makes and breaks a project. Joining the show is Chief Brand and Design Officer at Design Environments, Ben Nicholas!Ben sits down with Host Dan Ryan for a conversation on the importance of building human connections in all elements of the industry. Ben shares how his route as a paperboy inspired his love for hospitality, his philosophy of creating designs that foster genuine and effortless hospitality experiences, and the importance of challenging the norm.Takeaways: Hospitality is about creating connections and ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging and being part of something. It extends beyond physical spaces like hotels and can be experienced in restaurants, bars, and everyday life.Being open to unexpected opportunities and taking leaps of faith can lead to amazing experiences and personal growth. Embracing naivety and excitement allows us to create unique and memorable journeys in life.Maintaining meaningful connections and cherishing the time spent together are valuable lessons. Prioritizing relationships and seizing opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.Working on projects globally brings challenges that require adaptability and quick learning, such as understanding different markets' expectations and keeping teams motivated to deliver great design.The future is full of exciting opportunities and possibilities, especially when it comes to establishing and growing a service design team. Embracing the potential and putting in the necessary work can lead to exciting outcomes and personal fulfillment.The most cherished memories from working on projects are not about the physical outcomes, but rather the people and experiences that were shared. These memories serve as a reminder of the joy and bonds formed during the collaborative process.In design and project planning, having a well-defined process and being open to exploration are crucial. Renovation presents greater challenges than new builds, requiring creativity to enhance the space within constraints.Quote of the Show: “I like the term tour guide. I don't like the word boss.” - Ben NicholasLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_tcbn/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nicholas-id/ Website: https://www.designenvironments.com/ Shout Outs:04:10 - Iowa State:https://www.iastate.edu/ 04:41 - The Gettys Group Companies: https://www.gettys.com/ 05:32 - Agatha Christie05:35 - Thomas Mann11:54 - Ali Bacon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alibacon/ 31:07 - Katy Daly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-daly-0bb40579/ 31:29 - Elvis38:48 - Mongoose: https://www.mongoose.com/ 38:51 - Huffy: https://www.huffy.com/ 38:57 - Stranger Things: https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281 39:41 - Magnum PI39:48 - Golden Girls41:29 - Bea Arthur45:36 - Oreos: https://www.oreo.com/ 48:24 - Madonna48:25 - Dick Tracy48:53 - Warren Beatty49:14 - Regent Beverly Wilshire: https://www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Welcome to 2024! As we embark on a new year, our resolution is to shift our attention to the remarkable sustainability initiatives happening within the hospitality industry. In the current climate, sustainability has become increasingly crucial, benefiting not only the planet but also businesses themselves.To kick-start this focus, we’re bringing you a compilation of past episodes centered around sustainability and adaptive reuse. In this compilation, we feature conversations with past guests who are true experts in the field of sustainability and at transforming old buildings into vibrant, renewed spaces. Join us as we explore innovative solutions and inspiring stories in our quest for a more sustainable future.In this episode you’ll hear from Founder and CEO of MindClick: JoAnna Abrams, Partner at Dutch East Design: Dieter Cartwright, President at Becker + Becker Associates: Bruce Becker, and Chief Development Officer at NuovoRE: Heather Ciszczon.Takeaways:The importance of measuring and recognizing the impact of sustainability is increasing in the marketplace. Financial institutions are leading the way by committing to carbon neutrality in lending and embracing measurement practices for a sustainable future.Making the decision to disconnect from fossil fuels and prioritize sustainable qualifications, such as Passive House and Net Zero, are crucial steps towards achieving a high level of performance and sustainability in building projects.Despite brands making pledges to reduce fossil fuel emissions, emissions in full-service hotels have been increasing. This disconnect between intentions and actions calls for more integrated efforts in the hospitality industry to achieve sustainable practices.Historic tax credits play a vital role in preserving and adapting old buildings for revitalization, but navigating the requirements and preferences of review programs can be challenging.Links:Connect with JoAnnaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannaabrams/ Website: https://mindclick.com Connect with DieterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dieter-cartwright-assoc-aia-ba859318/ Website: https://www.dutcheastdesign.com/ Connect with BruceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-redman-becker-383b34152/ Website: https://www.beckerandbecker.com/ Connect with HeatherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherciszczon/ Website: https://nuovore.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419