The Modern Hotelier

In this episode, we sit down with Summer Shoemaker, General Manager of the stunning San Diego Mission Bay Resort, to talk all things independent hotels. Summer shares how growing up across California, Colorado, and Hawaii sparked her love for travel and hospitality. She opens up about what makes independent properties so powerful, the creative freedom they offer, and how tools like Curator Hotel & Resort Collection give GMs the backup they need to thrive in a competitive market. From slashing wine costs by 50% to saving over $200,000 on AV, Summer walks us through the real-world wins that prove independents can compete with the big brands, and win. If you’re a hotelier who wants to stay independent and profitable, this is the episode for you. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q9EZscjVCDc [https://youtu.be/q9EZscjVCDc] This episode is sponsored by Curator: https://www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com/ [https://www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com/] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Summer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summer-shoemaker-53a1535/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/summer-shoemaker-53a1535/] San Diego Mission Bay Resort: https://www.missionbayresort.com/ [https://www.missionbayresort.com/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/109https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/162 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/162] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili are once again joined by Josiah Mackenzie, Head of Marketing at Actabl, to break down the biggest stories in hospitality from May 2025. From Marriott’s bold acquisition of CitizenM to Airbnb’s major relaunch of Experiences, Josiah shares sharp insights into how innovation, scale, and branding are reshaping the industry. They also dive into Springboard’s merger with Hotel Equities, the $1.1B Sabre hospitality tech deal, and why transparency in resort fees is long overdue. In this episode, you'll learn about: * Marriott Buys Citizen M [https://skift.com/2025/04/28/marriott-to-buy-citizenm-for-355-million/]  * Springboard merged with Hotel Equities  [https://skift.com/2025/05/06/hotel-managers-springboard-and-hotel-equities-are-merging-exclusive/] * Airbnb Relaunches Experiences, Adds Hotel-Style Services [https://skift.com/2025/05/13/airbnb-relaunches-experiences-adds-hotel-style-services-latest-move-to-go-beyond-rentals/] * Sabre Sells Hospitalty Business for $1.1 Bill [https://www.phocuswire.com/sabre-sells-hospitality-solutions-business-tpg] * Resort Fees Must Now Be Disclosed [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/resort-fees-must-be-disclosed-what-to-do-if-youre-charged-one.html] * Running Vacations, next travel trend? [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/running-vacations-are-next-big-travel-trend] * Latest things happening at Actabl [https://actabl.com/news/] Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GUOswVHyGzA [https://youtu.be/GUOswVHyGzA] This episode is sponsored by Actabl: https://actabl.com/ [https://actabl.com/] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Josiah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahmackenzie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahmackenzie/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/109https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/161 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/161] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

Get ready to set sail with one of the most innovative minds in hospitality. In this episode, we're joined by Colin Hughes, Director of Operations & Experience at Virgin Voyages. From spa decks to tattoo studios, Colin walks us through how Virgin is redefining the cruise experience, making it simpler, sexier, and more sustainable. We dive into: * How Virgin Voyages creates stress-free, all-inclusive adventures for adults only * Personalization strategies that keep both sailors and crew at the heart of the experience * What hotels can learn from Virgin’s award-winning approach to entertainment, F&B, and sustainability * Colin’s inspiring journey from Manchester to becoming a U.S. citizen, cruise industry veteran, and change-maker at Virgin Whether you’re a cruise sceptic, or seasoned traveler, this episode might just have you booking your first voyage. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zBG0kfmC4AY [https://youtu.be/zBG0kfmC4AY]  Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Colin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-hughes-a8596215b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-hughes-a8596215b/] Virgin Voyages: https://www.virginvoyages.com/ [https://www.virginvoyages.com/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/109https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/160 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/160] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Eric Jenkins, General Manager of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. From his roots in Savannah, Georgia, to his hands-in-the-soil leadership style in La Jolla, Eric shares his unconventional path through hospitality, starting as a fry cook and rising through the ranks to manage one of Southern California’s most unique independent hotels. In this episode, you'll learn about: * How Southern hospitality shaped his career * Why gardening, monarch butterflies, and creative outdoor spaces are part of his GM toolkit * The power of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection in helping independent hotels compete with major chains * Lessons from overseeing a major ownership transition and renovation Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E0nQehs3a3I [https://youtu.be/E0nQehs3a3I] This episode is sponsored by the Curator Hotel & Resort Collection: https://www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com/ [https://www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com/] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Curator: https://www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com/ [https://www.curatorhotelsandresorts.com/] Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa: https://www.estancialajolla.com/ [https://www.estancialajolla.com/] Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-jenkins-04a475a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-jenkins-04a475a/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/109https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/159 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/159] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

What makes Chick-fil-A’s hospitality more than just good service? In this episode, we're joined by Nicholas Lawrence, Executive Director of People & Culture, Chick-fil-A Local Franchise - Indianapolis and the founder of Lawrence Leadership. Nick takes us behind the scenes of Chick-fil-A’s legendary hospitality culture—where “my pleasure” isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a moral obligation. From his early days selling shirts and ties at Macy’s to leading people and culture at a top-performing franchise, Nick shares how leadership, emotional intelligence, and ownership are at the heart of every great customer experience. What You’ll Learn: * How Chick-fil-A builds a customer-first culture that rivals the best in hospitality * Why local ownership makes all the difference in maintaining brand excellence * Lessons from retail and HR that translate directly into hotel leadership * Why emotional intelligence is the competitive edge for any hospitality business * What “serving a higher purpose” really looks like in day-to-day operations Whether you're leading a hotel team or running a restaurant, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to elevate your guest experience. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/68j5jerfiG8 [https://youtu.be/68j5jerfiG8] This episode is sponsored by Jonas Hospitality: https://www.jonashospitality.com/ [https://www.jonashospitality.com/] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Nicholas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-lawrence-shrm-cp-59b76289/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-lawrence-shrm-cp-59b76289/] Chick-fil-A Local Franchise: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/ [https://www.chick-fil-a.com/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/109https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/158 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/158] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]