Hotels 101 Podcast

Episode 14: Sonny Sra, Board Member of Ashford Hospitality Trust

Today on Hotels 101, Rob Hays discussed the incredible journey of Sonny Sra, an industry icon and a personal friend with a remarkable career in the hospitality industry spanning more than 3 decades. Sonny shares his journey from India to the U.S., switching from a science background to an MBA in Information Systems, and eventually finding his footing in the hospitality industry as a night auditor in Savannah, Georgia. Sonny’s eventual decision to join Remington Hospitality was tied to a deal involving the hiring of his mentor. This marked the beginning of a successful career where Sonny has held roles from General Manager to Senior Vice President of the Independent Luxury Division. The conversation transitions to the evolution of the hospitality industry over the past 50 years. Sonny reflects on the transformation from rudimentary methods to sophisticated data and technology, arguing that despite these advancements, the core business of hospitality should not be neglected. He stresses the importance of leaders spending time engaging with their teams, especially in the post-pandemic landscape where new challenges arise. Join Rob and Sonny for an insightful discussion filled with personal stories, leadership philosophies, and a holistic conversation into what makes the hospitality industry both challenging and rewarding.

Episode 13: John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured

John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured | Hotels 101 Episode 13 In this episode of 'Hotels 101', host Rob Hays interviews John Bourret, Managing Director of Eastdil Secured. Starting as a generalist analyst at HFF (now JLL Capital Markets), John was encouraged to dive into the hospitality sector. Despite entering the market during the 2007 financial crisis, John and his partner grew a successful hotel platform over the next decade.  John joined Eastdil Secured in 2022 to focus on expanding its traditionally bi-coastal presence into the Sunbelt. Over the past 5 years, Dallas has grown to become the fourth largest office in the Eastdil system. John acknowledges several key figures who have shaped his professional approach and attitude. He attributes his success to hard work, humility, and authenticity, stressing the importance of building genuine relationships and trust in the business world.  John also candidly discusses the best and worst aspects of working in hotel brokerage, highlighting the rewarding relationships and the challenges of constant availability and unsuccessful transactions. Join us for this insightful episode of Hotels 101 for valuable perspectives on the hotel investment landscape with industry veteran John Bourret!

Episode 12: Haley Payne, Head of Commercial at Pure Wellness

Today on Hotels 101, Rob Hays discusses the fascinating journey of Haley Payne, the Head of Commercial at Pure Wellness. From her early days growing up in the industry as a 'hotel brat' in New Orleans to her current role at Pure Wellness, Haley's story is a testament to her dedication to the hospitality industry. In this episode, Haley shares her experience working in hotels across 26 states, and eventually transitioning to Pure Wellness. She explains the company's mission to enhance hotel room quality, providing a haven for allergy sufferers and promoting overall wellness. Haley also reflects on her role in bridging the gap between Pure Wellness and hotels, emphasizing the importance of training hotel staff to effectively communicate the benefits of their program. She shares valuable lessons learned from industry figures and her father, highlighting the significance of guest satisfaction in hospitality. Join us for this insightful episode and discover the world of hospitality through the eyes of an industry veteran.

Episode 11: Stan Kennedy, Retired COO of Remington Hospitality

Welcome to the latest episode of Hotels 101, where we dive into the heart of the hospitality industry with a seasoned veteran who has helped to shape it.  In this captivating episode of Hotels 101, we're joined by Stan Kennedy, the recently retired COO of Remington Hospitality, for a look back at his impressive 42-year journey in the hospitality industry and a glimpse into his retirement plans. Stan takes us through his early days, pivotal roles, and the lessons learned along the way, offering invaluable insights for anyone with a passion for hospitality. Stan shares the secret to his successful career, the joy and challenges of his various roles, and how he's managed to balance a demanding career with family life. He also touches on the urgent need for career development in the hospitality industry and gives us a peek into his personal life, revealing his passion for woodworking. As we discuss his transition into retirement, Stan teases the projects he's excited to embark on and reflects on the importance of finding balance and fulfillment beyond the workplace. Tune in to Hotels 101 for a special episode that not only celebrates Stan Kennedy's legacy in hospitality but also inspires us to pursue our passions and create a fulfilling life post-retirement.

Episode 10: Fred Kleisner

Tune in to Hotels 101 as host Rob Hays and hospitality expert Fred Kleisner engage in a captivating conversation, offering insights into the hotel business from the perspective of an industry veteran. Fred Kleisner, a seasoned Hotelier/Corporate CEO/COO with over four decades of experience, has spearheaded successful management teams across the globe, contributing expertise in every aspect of the hospitality industry. His experience is unparalleled, ranging from one of the original Holiday Inns to individual, world-class hotels and resorts, to worldwide branded hospitality companies including Waldorf Astoria, Westin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham where he served as Chairman, President & CEO. In this episode, Fred reflects on the current state of the hotel industry, drawing on his experiences throughout multiple economic cycles, highlighting the importance of managing for economic downturns and the role hotels play as a bellwether for economic trends. He even shares his interactions with the entertainment business and the challenges of accommodating VIP requests from notable celebrities such as Elvis Presley. Join us for a comprehensive journey through the hospitality industry and discover the secrets to running a hotel operation that stands the test of time in today's episode.