Joann V. Saucier, Ed.D. has 30 years experience in hospitality/tourism, government, education, and real estate management. She served as Director of Operations and Senior Regional Manager, ResortQuest, Destin, FL 1985–2005, and went on to serve as a Management Consultant for several companies and organizations, including the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association.

Joann earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Studies Education from Dominican College, New Orleans, LA, a Masters of Education in Counseling from Loyola University, New Orleans, LA, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In This Episode, Joann Reveals

• Her background in Educational Psychology and Adult Education, why she chose to get her Ph.D., and how that translated to a successful career in hospitality spanning nearly three decades.
• The importance of mentorship, and her experience as both mentee and mentor.
• Some of the mistakes managers make, and what you can do to avoid them.
• Her views on staffing, training, corporate culture, motivation and developing teams.
• Her philosophy that the most important investment you can make is in your people – your employees – and that it’s both a financial investment, and a psychological investment.

Joann is amazing. She really seems to get people, what’s important to them, how to support them and she genuinely wants to help. And, after talking with her for a couple of hours now, I can see clearly why people would seek her out as a mentor.

Resources & Links

Joann Saucier, Ed. D

• [email protected]
• LinkedIn

Mentioned in this Episode

• ResortQuest
• Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association

Connect with Jon Albano

• [email protected]
• Schedule a call with Jon
• Leave Jon a voice message

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 094 | Investing in Your People with Joann Saucier appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Dr. Joseph Hegarty M.Ed., Ed. D is an educator, author, and international consultant. He has 35+ years experience as a professional manager with innovative organizations including, international and local hotels in management/proprietorship, a full academic career in professional vocational & higher education institutions, and as a published hospitality & culinary education researcher.

He holds a Doctoral Degree in Education from University of Sheffield. A Masters Degree in Education from Trinity College Dublin and a Diploma in Hotel Management from Shannon College of Hotel Management.

He is Past Treasurer/President/Chairman of EuroCHRIE 1996-2000; Director-at-Large CHRIE International 1999-2000; Past Vice-President Association Mondiale pour la Formation Hoteliere et Touristique (AMFORHT) 1998-2001; Fellow of the Irish Hotel and Catering Institute (1994); Lifetime member of International Institute for Quality and Ethics in Service and Tourism (IIQEST) (since 1992) and Member of the Board of Senior Associates at International Washington-based Tourism Policy, Forum (1989).

In This Episode, Joseph Reveals

• His hospitality journey as a second generation hotelier, and how he went from from managing hotels to teaching.
• Hospitality’s links to the social, the natural sciences, and to the arts.
• His passion for raising the status of culinary, gastronomy, and hospitality education, and his vision to have it recognized as a “proper academic discipline”.
• His passion for hospitality research and challenging the status quo.

Resources & Links

Joseph Hegarty M.Ed

• [email protected]
• LinkedIn
• Standing the Heat: Assuring Curriculum Quality in Culinary Arts and Gastronomy

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 093 | Hospitality Education and Research with Dr. Joseph Hegarty appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Dr. Kate Price-Howard has 30 years experience in the fields of hospitality and commercial recreation. Her work experience includes recreation positions on board cruise ships, hotels, summer camps, psychiatric units, nursing homes, and serving as Director of Recreation for several Florida resorts.

In 2001, she founded Go Play, Inc., providing recreation consultation to resort and property management companies, corporate team building, and special events. She has taught more than 600 students that have come through her company as recreation interns.

Kate received a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Parks and Recreation Administration, with an emphasis and certification in Therapeutic Recreation, from Florida International University and went on to complete her PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Utah.

In 2013, she accepted a full-time faculty position with Troy University and teaches hospitality students all over the world in an online format. She teaches courses in Hospitality, Restaurant, and Hotel Management, Recreation Programming and Leadership, and Social Psychology of Leisure, Recreation Principles, and Revenue Management, Generation and Human Resources with the Hospitality Industry.

In This Episode, We Talk About

• Commercial recreation – what it is, and why a property might want to add a recreation component to their existing amenities.
• How a property can add a recreation component, even if they are not a destination-type location, and why that might be a good investment.
• The costs, and why some properties choose to outsource versus staffing year round.
• Her experience teaching hospitality 100% online, and how she is able to engage students from all over the world.
• Mentorship – and how her mentor changed the course of her life.

Resources & Links

Kate Price-Howard

• [email protected]
• LinkedIn

Troy University

• Website

Go Play Inc.

• Website
• Facebook page

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 092 | Value-Added Amenities with Kate Price-Howard appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Kerry V. Ranson is Chief Development Officer, Business & Acquisitions, for HP Hotels – a Birmingham, Alabama-based 3rd party management group with a portfolio of over 30 hotels in 12 states comprised of Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental, Choice, and Independent full-service and select-service hotels. Kerry is also the outgoing Chairman of the Board for the IHG Owners Association.

In 2015, HP Hotels ranked #63 in the Hotel Business Top 100 Management Companies report.

In This Episode, Kerry Reveals

• His entrepreneurial journey, from a Unit General Manager for the Ruby Tuesday’s Restaurant chain back in 1992, to serving as a senior executive for two top ranking hotel management companies in less than 25 years.
• His philosophy that “Consistency developed through systems execution is the groundwork for any successful venture.” That, if a property has proper systems in place, the hotel can withstand any conditions.
• Some of the tools he uses and how they have contributed to their success.
• How HP Hotels approaches recruiting and retaining top talent, and why some of the generally accepted hospitality norms for the type of people we hire may need to change.

Resources & Links

Kerry Ranson

• kranson@hp-hotels.com
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

HP Hotels

• Website
• Facebook page
• Phone: (205) 879-7004

1 Chase Corporate Drive Ste 210,
Birmingham, AL 35244

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 091 | An Entrepreneurial Mindset with Kerry Ranson appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Atul G. Patel, CHO is a second generation hotelier. He and his family moved to the United States in 1979 and settled in Tifton, GA, where his family bought their first independent hotel. After learning the trade in the family business, Atul went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Emory University, and a Master’s Degree in Finance Georgia State. He now has an interest in seven properties, and he and his partners manage a portfolio of five.

In This Episode, Atul Reveals

• What it was like growing up in the hotel business, actually living on property for many years, and why he decided to return to hospitality after college.
• Some of the challenges he’s faced over the years, including the ADR at one of his properties that remained flat for over 10 years ago, while profitability decreased due to rising costs, and what he did about it.
• Why he chose to serve on multiple brand Franchise Advisory Councils (FACs), on the AAHOA Board of Directors, and what he learned from that experience.
• The secret to vendor relations, and how vendors can build meaningful relationships with hoteliers that are mutually beneficial.

Resources & Links

Atul G. Patel, CHO

• [email protected]
• LinkedIn
• Phone: (678) 898-9138

Mentioned in this Episode

• The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 090 | Hotelier Vendor Relations with Atul Patel appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Amanda is an entrepreneur, speaker and consultant who helps corporations develop strategies around attracting, retaining and engaging top millennial talent. She has spoken to Millennials over 800 times in the last 5 years. In fact, one group of college students dubbed her the “Millennial Translator” after speaking to them, so clearly she understands, and knows how to connect, with this generation.

In This Episode, We Talk About

• What a Millennial is, including the date range for when they were born, how old they are now, and some of the many names this generation has been given.
• Millennial characteristics, an not just the negative stereotypes you often hear, but some of the amazing strengths that they have to offer.
• Statistics – how many people make up this generation, their incredible buying power, how many are in the workforce now, and the rapid growth we can expect in the future.
• How companies can attract Millennials, and Amanda shares an amazing example of ways to leverage your current Millennial staff to attract others.
• How to connect with Millennials, how to engage them, and retain them.

Resources & Links

Amanda Hammett

• amanda@amandahammett.com
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• Phone: 404-913-0033

2897 North Druid Hills Rd NE, Ste 188
Atlanta, GA 30329

Mentioned in this Episode

• “The 7 Positive Qualities of Millennials That Can Help You Improve Your Business” – by Jim Moffatt, Chairman and CEO, Deloitte Consulting
• “Millennials Are Pretty Terrible, According To A Poll Of Millennials” – by Ariel Edwards-Levy, Staff Reporter and Polling Director, The Huffington Post
• Sto Corp Website

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 089 | How to Attract, Retain and Engage Millennials with Amanda Hammett appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Luis Fernandez, and his wife Yanin, own and operate two restaurants located in Historic Downtown Norcross, Georgia. In 2008, they opened their first restaurant, Mojitos Cuban American Bistro, offering authentic Cuban cuisine in a casual 50’s atmosphere. In 2014, they opened their second restaurant, The Crossing, in the more than a century old Norcross train depot. The casual, fine dining establishment offers steaks, chops, and a contemporary American menu. Both restaurants deliver amazing cuisine, great service, and quality live music.

Luis earned a Hospitality Administration/Management degree from Florida International University (FIU).

In This Episode, Luis Reveals

• The vision behind their first restaurant, Mojitos, and what it was like opening a new restaurant at the beginning of a recession.
• The shift from single to multi-restaurant ownership when they opened their second property, the Crossing.
• How he has formed so many strong relationships with his clientele, and how that has built customer loyalty.
• Why they have chosen NOT to advertise.
• How they have improved employee retention and take care of their associates.

Resources & Links

Luis Fernandez

• [email protected]
• Luis on LinkedIn
• Luis on Facebook

Mojitos Cuban American Bistro

• Mojitos website
• Mojitos Facebook page
• Mojitos Facebook group
• Phone: (770) 441-2599
  35 South Peachtree St
  Norcross, GA 30071

The Crossing of Norcross

• The Crossing website
• Phone: (678) 280-9081
  40 South Peachtree St
  Norcross, GA 30071

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 088 | The People Business with Luis Fernandez appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

John J. Hogan, CHA CMHS CHE CHO is a career business professional and educator who has held senior leadership with responsibility in several organizations involving operational, academic and entrepreneurial enterprise. He has demonstrated competencies as a strong leader, relationship builder, problem solver and mentor and is frequently invited to speak at franchise meetings, management company and hospitality association industry events. He also acts as an expert witness in both research and testimony in hospitality industry related cases.

John is Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer of HospitalityEducators.com, a hotel consulting resource for hospitality professionals focused on making hotels more profitable. And among other things, Hospitality Educators is the creator and facilitator of the AAHOA Leadership Gold CHO Program.

In This Episode, John Reveals

• The benefits of a strong training and development program, and how that can lead to higher employee retention.
• The first steps in evaluating your current training, how to identify the gaps, and how to address them.
• Various resources available to hotels, whether branded or independent, and ways you can find other great resources to round out your training.
• Some of the reasons that hotels miss the mark with training.
• The essentials of a successful training and development program.

Resources & Links

John Hogan

• [email protected]
• John on LinkedIn

Websites

• HospitalityEducators.com
• HoganHospitality.com
• JohnJHogan.com

Social Accounts

• Facebook
• Twitter

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 087 | Improving Retention Through Training and Development with John Hogan appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Al Munguia is the general manager of the Jupiter Hotel, a mid-century renovated motor inn turned boutique hotel in the heart of Portland. He has worked in the travel and tourism industry since the age of 20 and has worked in many major destinations, including San Francisco, San Diego and Guadalajara, Mexico. Using his experience with Starwood, Marriott and Holiday Inn Hotels, Al has been successful in helping make Portland a unique destination for travelers from around the globe. He enjoys using his network to attract international visitors to the broad range of activities, hotels, restaurants and events that the state of Oregon has to offer.

Through his involvement in the Oregon Tourism Commission and other organizations, Al has helped drive incremental business to Portland and Oregon through niche markets including international and LGBTQ groups. Earlier this year, Al was named Lodging Operator of the Year by Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA).

In This Episode, Al Reveals

• How Jupiter Hotel’s converted from Travelodge to independent, and the ideal customers they now attract.
• Some of the tools they use, that not only help them grow their business, they also help them better serve their guests.
• That the Jupiter is passionate about creating a place where people can come and be who they are, rather than the hotel forcing the guest to conform to their identity.
• Some of the innovative things they do to take care of their associates.

Resources & Links

Al Munguia

• al@jupiterhotel.com
• LinkedIn

Jupiter Hotel

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

800 E. Burnside St.
Portland OR 97214
(503) 230-9200
(877) 800-0004

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 086 | Hiring for Personality and Fit with Al Munguia appeared first on LodgingLeaders.

Karen has served as HR Coordinator at a 300 room downtown, full-service Sheraton hotel. She relocated to a 296 unit, all suite airport hotel that she helped open as the HR Director. Following these assignments she served for a number of years as General Manager for a 108 room select service hotel and then a 125 room branded, mid-market property.

In This Episode, We Talk About

• The Welcome and On-boarding process, and how it was different from one property to another.
• How she helped make the First Day of the Welcome experience memorable for new associates.
• Orientation, initial training, and ongoing training.
• How to connect with your team.
• Managing by walking around.
• Supporting your team to set them up for success.

Resources & Links

• kequint[at]hotmail.com
• LinkedIn
• Mobile (615) 207-8967

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. If you have some feedback you’d like to share, leave a note in the comment section below!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lodging Leaders Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They really do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes. It’s FREE. All it means is that you’ll automatically be notified when the next episode is released. There are options for subscribing on Apple and Android devices!

Until the next …

The post 085 | How to Welcome and Onboard New Hires with Karen Quintanilla appeared first on LodgingLeaders.