From Muffin Maker to Inn Keeper

The Power of Discomfort with Andrew Benioff

What do a Japanese apprenticeship, a career in luxury hospitality, commercial real estate, and 45 years of martial arts have in common? According to Andrew Benioff, they all teach the same lesson – growth rarely comes from comfort. Andrew shares stories from his time living in Japan, apprenticing at a traditional ryokan, working with the Ritz-Carlton, and eventually becoming a real estate investor and developer. He and Doug explore resilience, failure, mindfulness, and why some of life’s most valuable lessons come from learning to sit with discomfort instead of avoiding it. Andrew has 25+ years’ experience in real estate finance and transactional activities and 15 years experience in the operation and management of luxury hotels. He is the founder of the Independent Lodging Congress, the premier gathering of independent hoteliers, restaurateurs, designers, financiers, investors, tech start-ups and media companies focused on the independent and boutique hospitality sector. He is also the Founder and Chairman of the Philadelphia Real Estate Council, a nonprofit organization of real estate executives focused on the mid-Atlantic region.

More Than Food and Drinks with Alexander Buchholz

Two restaurateurs get real about what it takes to build something of your own — long hours, real pressure, and getting your team to believe it’s all worth it.  Alex shares how his experience with Ralph Lauren and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts shaped the way he approaches building Bar Rêve from the ground up. Doug talks about the good kind of stress, and they both agree that the best ideas don’t stay in one industry. Alex is Co-Founder of Bar Rêve in New York City. He has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, and LOOP, and speaks globally on how luxury brand experience translates into independent hospitality.

Pounding the Pavement with Amy Kelly

Amy and Doug have a shared love of boutique hotels. But as entrepreneurs and business owners, they cover a lot of ground in this lighthearted discussion about generosity, lessons learned, and how people are their favorite part about their jobs. Amy is a Principal at Hatteras Sky, a commercial real estate development firm with properties across the country, committed to creating places that move, inspire, and serve as the backdrop for lifelong memories. Her properties have received national acclaim, with restaurants earning placement in the Michelin Guide for the Southeast.

The Case for Storytelling in Hospitality with Omar Boubess

Omar is a true champion of the boutique hotel and a firm believer that the right story can transform a property. This episode is a deep dive into why storytelling isn’t just creative fluff, but a strategic advantage. Call it “Storytime with Omar and Doug” — a conversation about helping brands of all kinds uncover what makes them distinct and worth desiring. Creative Director at Studio Circa, Omar helps bridge the emotional gap between people and place by designing brand platforms that reflect the soul of boutique hotel properties with a focus on driving direct bookings and long-term appeal. He also partners with developers early in the process to shape brands that elevate perceived value and ROI in real estate with the maxim – Distinction Drives Desire.

I Speak for The Dead with Amy Haiar

Amy Haiar’s unique perspective on marketing and branding is founded on the values of nostalgia and human emotion and she draws from her diverse experiences across industries. We talk about the struggle to measure brand loyalty, staying creative as a business owner, and what can be learned from The Grateful Dead.Equal parts indoorsy and outdoorsy, fueled by fresh air, PB&Js, pop culture, and a deep love for dogs and design – Amy is a senior creative leader with a digital-first mindset. She was recognized by FastCo and Cannes for digital innovation in design, has worked on brand collabs with Athena Calderone, Jeremiah Brent, Jane Goodall and more, and has led teams for iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, Vail, Nissan, and United Airlines.