Suite Success: Masters of Hospitality
Skift
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Suite Success: Masters of Hospitality is a Skift podcast hosted by Katie Cline. It features exclusive interviews with top executives and innovators in the hotel and hospitality industry. Each episode explores strategies that drive guest loyalty, enhance customer experiences, and build standout brands. The show aims to provide actionable insights for hospitality professionals and aspiring industry leaders.
Afleveringen
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The Man Behind Hospitality’s Top Events on the Biggest Threat to AI 13.08.2026 1u 11minAs artificial intelligence gets better at answering questions, analyzing data and automating work, the things it can’t replicate—bringing people together, building relationships, telling stories and making someone feel genuinely seen—could become more valuable than ever. On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Alexi Khajavi, Group President of Hospitality and Operational Real Estate at Questex, where he oversees an international portfolio of some of hospitality’s leading media platforms and live events, including The Hospitality Show and NYU IHIF. After a career spanning online travel, launching an airline in Central America, hospitality, real estate and events around the world, Alexi has built a career around connecting people. He shares why getting the right people in the room matters more than ever, how to make the most of industry events, what the best networkers and speakers do differently, and why the relationships built in those rooms can ultimately lead to some of the biggest opportunities in business. The conversation also explores the forces shaping hospitality today, from changing travel behavior and the return of midscale hotels to labor, AI and the growing importance of storytelling. Alexi shares why simply delivering data is no longer enough, what hospitality can teach other industries about making people feel valued and why, in an increasingly AI-driven world, the most powerful thing hospitality has going for it might be its humanity. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:36 Meet Alexi Khajavi 01:34 Career Path to Questex 06:15 Global Citizen Mindset 10:54 Starting an Airline in Costa Rica 15:11 Learning Spanish 16:54 Favorite Places 19:01 Industry View 23:41 Conference Overview 26:38 How to Win at Events 33:49 Why NYU IHIF Matters 37:47 Industry Optimism vs Reality 39:44 Travel Is Still Essential 41:41 AI Questions Outpace Answers 43:40 Human Connection at a Premium 46:11 Labor and Politics 50:39 Surprises from the Stage 53:38 Building Stage Confidence 57:41 Proust Questionnaire 01:02:19 Last Three Questions 01:07:20 Suite Summary Connect with Alexi: Alexi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexihuntleykhajavi Questex Website: https://questex.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
The CEO of a 100-Year-Old Hotel on What You Should Never Preserve 06.08.2026 49minHow do you keep a 100-year-old hotel relevant in a world that's constantly changing? On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Tom Prescott, President & CEO of Seaway Hotels Corporation and steward of the iconic Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables, as the National Historic Landmark celebrates its centennial. Tom shares what it really takes to operate one of America's most historic luxury hotels—from balancing preservation with innovation to investing millions in the guest experience without sacrificing the property's identity. Along the way, he reveals why great hospitality isn't about preserving everything—it's about knowing what to let go of. Tom also reflects on growing up in a family hospitality business, why he intentionally built his career elsewhere before returning, and how those outside experiences shaped his leadership style. Together, Katie and Tom explore the value of challenging "the way we've always done it," the rise of independent luxury hotels, why consistency matters more than perfection, and what every business can learn from a brand that's successfully evolved for 100 years. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:36 Meet Tom Prescott 01:23 Family Roots in Hospitality 02:16 Working with Dad 05:40 Fresh Ideas and Culture Shift 07:10 Biltmore History 10:13 Running a Historic Hotel 15:49 CapEx and Guest Experience 20:50 Miami Boom and Competition 24:33 Hard vs Soft Brands 30:09 Owner, Operator, Steward 32:16 The Next 100 Years 37:21 Kids and Succession 44:47 Suite Summary Connect with Tom: The Biltmore Hotel Website: https://biltmorehotel.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
How Two Founders Made Impossible Reservations Possible 30.07.2026 41minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Mena Barakat and Sarah Goldring, co-founders of ResX, a New York-based reservation exchange platform that’s changing the way people access some of the hardest-to-book restaurants. What began as an Instagram page where two friends shared reservations they could no longer use has grown into a thriving technology platform with more than 150,000 users—all without raising venture capital. In this episode, Mena and Sarah share the unlikely origin story behind ResX, why they deliberately spent years doing everything manually before building an app, and how staying incredibly close to their customers helped them create a product people genuinely wanted. They also discuss the changing economics of restaurant reservations, the influence of social media on dining culture, and why they're on a mission to make dinner feel spontaneous again. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:39 Meet the founders of ResX 01:29 Company Origin Story 03:06 Launching on Instagram 04:26 Building Community 06:24 What Restaurants Thought 07:40 Monetization 09:17 Bootstrapping 10:46 Going Full Time 12:20 Building a Team 14:17 Valentine’s Day Rush 16:29 Why Reservations are Hard 19:12 Co-Founder Dynamics 21:20 Hardest Moments 24:12 Future Vision 26:52 Rapid Fire 37:08 Suite Summary Connect with Mena and Sarah: Mena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mena-barakat/ Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-goldring/ ResX Website: https://www.resx.co/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
Inside One of the World's Most Remote Luxury Hotels 23.07.2026 55minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Kurt Berman, General Manager of Eleven Deplar Farm, a 13-room ultra-luxury adventure lodge on Iceland’s Troll Peninsula. Kurt is also the founder of Wild Hospitality and Wild Wander. With more than three decades of experience leading iconic properties across the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, the Caribbean, and now Iceland, Kurt shares why true luxury has far less to do with marble bathrooms and white-glove service than most people think. Together, they explore the realities of operating in some of the world's most isolated destinations, from sourcing everyday items and adapting to unpredictable weather to creating unforgettable guest experiences that couldn't happen anywhere else. Kurt also shares his philosophy that the greatest luxury isn't extravagance—it's removing decision fatigue and allowing guests to be fully present. You'll also hear the incredible story of how Kurt met his wife (a helicopter pilot), what it was like raising a son across six countries, and why some of the most memorable hospitality moments come from embracing the unexpected rather than trying to control it. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet Kurt Berman 02:21 Remote Luxury Myths 04:52 Heli-Ski Season 06:10 Career Highlights 06:56 Seychelles Love Story 08:15 Difficult Requests When Remote 11:11 True Luxury Defined 16:58 Raising Global Kids 22:01 Where is Home? 24:12 Surprising Destinations 25:35 Slovenia Travel Dreams 26:00 Deplar Farm Origins 29:05 Outposts and Adventures 31:20 “Wellbeing” Beyond the Buzzword 34:02 Iceland Tourism 37:14 Culture and Hospitality Styles 40:11 Why Adventure is Luxury 49:09 Suite Summary Connect with Kurt: Kurt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtberman/ Eleven Deplar Farm Website: https://elevenexperience.com/lodge-destinations/iceland/eleven-deplar-farm Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
The Truth About the World Cup Hotel Boom 16.07.2026 55minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with one of the industry's most trusted data experts, Jan Freitag, National Director of Hospitality Analytics at CoStar, to separate hype from reality. Together, they unpack all things World Cup—from returned room blocks and evolving booking patterns to what the tournament actually meant for hotel occupancy, room rates and performance across host markets. But this conversation goes far beyond the World Cup. Jan explains why the best hotel owners learn to ignore headlines, how to distinguish signal from noise, and what current hotel performance tells us about the broader U.S. travel market. He also shares why successful operators make decisions based on long-term trends rather than emotion—and why that mindset may be one of the biggest competitive advantages in hospitality. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet Jan Freitag 01:43 Jan’s Career Path 03:54 World Cup Data Headlines 08:25 Booking Windows 10:27 Room Blocks and Cancellations 14:10 Industry Health 16:58 Luxury and Experience Spending 19:47 RevPAR Explained 23:07 Margins and Cost Pressures 25:56 Buying and Building Hotels 29:48 Risk Perception 30:48 Luxury Costs 31:51 Financing Small Boutique Hotels 33:42 What Makes Hotels Win 35:48 Misreading Data 37:08 Short Term Rentals Shift Demand 39:39 Hotel Brands Adapt 43:06 Generations Shaping Travel 46:00 AI in Hospitality 51:11 Suite Summary Connect with Jan: Jan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janfreitag Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
The Hospitality Secrets That Built America's #1 B&B 09.07.2026 54minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Marco DiDomizio, hospitality strategist, real estate broker, consultant, and coach at InnAdvisors. Before advising hotel owners across the country, Marco spent nearly a decade transforming the Candleberry Inn on Cape Cod from a dated bed and breakfast into the #1 inn in the United States according to both Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor. Together, they unpack the strategies that helped Marco command higher nightly rates, create unforgettable guest experiences, build a fiercely loyal customer base, and ultimately sell the business at the top of its game. Whether you own a hotel or dream of purchasing your first hospitality asset, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on creating a business guests can't stop talking about. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Marco DiDomizio 01:29 From Finance to Running a B&B 03:38 Choosing Cape Cod 06:57 Finding the Candleberry Inn 08:07 Renovation Vision 09:22 Guest Experience 13:13 Funding the Deal 16:21 Renovations That Pay 17:52 Valuation and Appraisals 21:19 Leaving Corporate Behind 23:02 Websites and Content Marketing 27:40 Romance vs Reality 28:21 When Guests Become Friends 29:17 Staffing and Culture 30:09 Winning Awards 32:54 Why They Sold 36:06 Owner vs Operator 38:51 InnAdvisors 41:51 Deal Green Flags 43:52 Advice for Aspiring Owners 50:05 Suite Summary Connect with Marco: Marco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-didomizio-mba-837873/ Inn Advisors Website: https://innadvisors.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
140 Years. Four Generations. Inside One of America’s Last Great Family Resorts. 02.07.2026 57minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Bob Beach, fourth-generation steward of Basin Harbor, one of America’s last great family-owned resorts. Now celebrating its 140th season, the lakeside Vermont property has remained in the same family since 1886—a remarkable feat in an industry increasingly dominated by global hotel brands. Bob shares the incredible history of the resort, from his great-aunt Ardelia Beach’s bold decision to purchase the property in the 1880s to the unexpected tragedy that brought him back to the family business after he’d planned to leave for good. He also reflects on leading the resort through family ownership transitions, evolving guest expectations, and the COVID-19 pandemic, when Basin Harbor came closer than ever before to losing everything. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet Bob Beach 01:36 Dirty Dancing Vibes 04:33 Ardelia’s Founding Story 08:21 Lake Champlain Shipwrecks 11:08 Hotel Life 13:20 Bob Joins the Business 18:15 Hospitality Lessons 21:20 Stewardship 25:00 Kids Camp 27:11 Staying Independent 28:12 Cottages Built to Last 29:42 Studless Construction Secrets 30:54 Retrofitting and Expanding 34:12 Modern Upgrade Mindset 34:54 Becoming the Historian 37:36 Maritime Museum Origins 39:50 COVID Crisis and Comeback 44:17 Family Turning Point 48:01 Staffing Realities 52:38 Suite Summary Connect with Bob: Basin Harbor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/basin-harbor/ Basin Harbor Resort Website: https://www.basinharbor.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
CEO of Fairmont & Raffles: Luxury Isn't What You Think It Is 25.06.2026 41minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Throughout his remarkable career, Omer has held leadership roles at Four Seasons, Harrods, The Ritz Paris, and more, while living and working everywhere from Hawaii and California to Egypt, London, Paris, and now New York. Together, they explore how luxury hospitality has evolved from a focus on opulence and perfection to something far more powerful: emotional connection. Omer shares why great hotels make people feel seen, valued, and understood, why the best service often reveals itself when things go wrong, and how brands can modernize without losing the heritage that made them iconic in the first place. They also discuss the future of luxury travel, the continued importance of experiences over possessions, and why technology will never replace genuine human connection. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Omer Acar 01:21 Early Passion for Hotels 04:36 Club Med and Choreography 06:49 Scaling Culture 08:16 Hawaii 09:50 Global Career Lessons 13:21 What Luxury Really Means 16:44 Modernizing Heritage Brands 19:02 Service Recovery 20:51 Doorman Secrets 23:29 Luxury Trends 26:39 Emotional Personalization 29:35 Growth Plans for Raffles & Fairmont 36:05 Suite Summary Connect with Omer: Omer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-acar-a9685810/ Raffles & Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Website: https://www.raffles.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
Inside the Data-Driven Strategy Powering One of the World’s Fastest-Growing Luxury Destinations 18.06.2026 46minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, to explore the data-driven strategy behind one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury destinations. Over the past decade, Los Cabos has achieved nearly 130% growth in visitation while simultaneously strengthening its luxury positioning, protecting its natural environment, and increasing visitor spending. Rodrigo shares how destination marketing has evolved far beyond advertising and storytelling into a sophisticated blend of analytics, stakeholder alignment, infrastructure planning, and long-term economic development. Katie and Rodrigo discuss how Los Cabos uses data to identify emerging travel trends, influence investment decisions, secure new airline routes, and shape the future of the destination. Rodrigo also explains why the region prioritizes quality over quantity, the role AI is playing in destination management, and how thoughtful tourism development can create meaningful economic opportunities for local communities. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Rodrigo Esponda 01:34 From Architecture to Tourism 04:15 Modern Destination Marketing 07:35 Data Trends and Experiences 10:16 AI Powered Visitor Insights 13:24 Luxury Shift 19:10 Social Media Storytelling 22:02 Sustainable Growth Strategy 26:28 Building Nonstop Airlift 29:22 Crisis Management 32:37 Future of Los Cabos 41:01 Suite Summary Connect with Rodrigo: Rodrigo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/responda/ Los Cabos's Website: https://www.visitaloscabos.travel/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
Inside NYU IHIF 2026: What CEOs, Investors & Industry Leaders See Next 11.06.2026 49minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline takes listeners inside the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum (NYU IHIF), one of the most influential gatherings in global hospitality, travel, and hotel real estate. Featuring exclusive conversations with Alexi Khajavi, Group President of Hospitality and Operational Real Estate at Questex; Robert O'Leary, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism; and Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, this special roundup episode explores the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of hospitality. From investor sentiment and artificial intelligence to luxury travel, mega-events, and the enduring power of human connection, Katie uncovers why industry leaders remain optimistic about the future despite economic uncertainty and global volatility. You'll hear why travel demand continues to defy expectations, what hospitality investors representing more than $700 billion in assets are focused on, how the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games are expected to influence tourism for years to come, and why the next era of luxury hospitality will be defined by personalization, flexibility, and meaningful human connection. Whether you're a hotel owner, investor, operator, developer, or simply passionate about the future of travel, this episode offers a front-row seat to the conversations shaping hospitality's next chapter. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:34 NYU IHIF 2026 Overview 03:22 Meet The Guests 04:17 What is NYU IHIF 08:02 Big Themes 15:53 Alexi Khajavi on Underdiscussed Labor Politics 19:57 Why Midscale Hotel Returns Are Defying Expectations - Alexi Khajavi 22:50 Robert O'Leary on What's Driving Global Travel Demand 24:05 Travel Tailwinds, Mega Events, and Tourism Growth - Robert O'Leary 29:21 How Destinations Are Preparing for the World Cup - Robert O'Leary 33:51 Robert O'Leary on Building a National Travel Strategy 39:55 Omer Acar on the Strength of Luxury Travel Demand 43:40 The Future of Luxury Experiences According to Omer Acar 45:02 Conference Takeaways Connect with the guests: Alexi Khajavi's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexihuntleykhajavi National Travel and Tourism Office: https://www.trade.gov/national-travel-and-tourism-office Omer Acar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-acar-a9685810/ NYU IHIF's Website: https://www.ihifamericas.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
The Billion-Dollar Business Hidden Inside a Jimmy Buffett Song 04.06.2026 46minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline interviews John Cohlan, CEO and Co-Founder of Margaritaville, to explore how a single Jimmy Buffett song evolved into a global lifestyle brand spanning hotels, resorts, cruises, active adult communities, restaurants, consumer products, and more. John shares the unlikely story of how a Princeton graduate and Georgetown-trained lawyer who never practiced law found himself partnering with Jimmy Buffett to build one of hospitality’s most recognizable brands. Along the way, they discuss why Margaritaville isn’t really in the hotel or restaurant business—it’s in the business of emotion. From brand extensions and company culture to customer loyalty and the power of escapism, this conversation is a masterclass in creating a brand people don’t just buy from—they believe in. Along the way, John shares stories from his nearly 30-year friendship and partnership with Jimmy Buffett, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the man, the music, and the philosophy that inspired one of hospitality's most beloved brands. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet John Cohlan 01:34 From Studying Law to Meeting Jimmy Buffett 04:28 Universal CityWalk 06:35 Building a State of Mind 08:08 Emotion as the Product 12:04 Why “Margaritaville” Endures 16:32 The Business Today 20:05 Brand Extensions 21:51 Training and Culture Systems 25:52 Lyrics and Guest Connection 29:46 Marketing Escapism 33:55 Future Growth 40:18 Suite Summary Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/margaritaville/ Margaritaville's Website: https://www.margaritaville.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
How This Entrepreneur Turned Hospitality Into a $90 Million Fitness Empire 28.05.2026 56minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with entrepreneur and boutique fitness executive Adam Shane for a conversation about hospitality, wellness, entrepreneurship, and the power of immersive experiences. Adam is the owner of Yoga Joint New York, a premier chain of infrared-heated fitness and hot yoga studios. Adam started his career in investment banking and corporate finance on Wall Street. But despite the prestige of that path, he found himself drawn to something entirely different: the sense of community and emotional connection he experienced in fitness spaces. After roles with Town Sports and Equinox, Adam eventually became the most successful global franchisee in the Barry's system, scaling seven Bay Area studios into a business valued at more than $90 million before later joining the company’s executive team as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Development Officer. Together, Katie and Adam explore how boutique fitness evolved from traditional gym culture into a fully immersive hospitality experience — one rooted in emotion, design, community, and human connection. Adam shares how pivotal moments at SoulCycle, Barry’s, and now Yoga Joint shaped the trajectory of his career and taught him how to identify brands with massive growth potential. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet Adam Shane 01:34 From Wall Street to Fitness 02:42 Corporate Real Estate 04:06 “Start in the Mailroom” 06:40 Boutique Fitness Awakening 10:17 Hospitality is Everywhere 13:18 Finding Barry’s 17:53 Franchise Mindset 19:58 Moving to San Francisco 21:13 Four Walls Economics 24:47 Scaling to Seven Studios 26:33 COVID and a New Chapter 28:34 Discovering Yoga Joint 29:53 Workout Experience 30:20 Brand Research 32:11 Values and Partnership 33:52 New York Expansion Plan 35:33 How to Pick Locations 36:45 Entrepreneur Mindset 41:32 Future of Wellness 51:39 Suite Summary Connect with Adam: Adam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-shane14/ Adam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamjshane/?hl=en Yoga Joint's Website: https://www.yogajoint.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
The Cold DM That Sparked a Real Estate Movement 21.05.2026 44minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Grace Gudenkauf and Amelia McGee, co-founders of WIIRE (Women Invest in Real Estate), the fast-growing community helping women pursue financial and time freedom through real estate investing and entrepreneurship. What started with a cold Instagram DM between two strangers in Iowa has since grown into a movement serving thousands of women through retreats, masterminds, education, and community. Together, they discuss why so many aspiring investors are waiting for permission to get started, how community can completely transform what feels possible, and why creating “W2-optional” lives has become such a powerful motivator for women seeking more flexibility. Grace and Amelia also share the behind-the-scenes story of building WIIRE organically from the ground up, hosting retreats before they felt fully ready, and learning how hospitality principles—from onboarding to first impressions—have shaped every aspect of their business. The conversation also explores co-founder dynamics, the confidence gap in investing, how women often approach business and risk differently, and why being surrounded by people “moving in the same current” can accelerate growth in ways you never imagined. Plus, they share lessons from their book, The Self-Managing Landlord (https://amzn.to/49enAme), and explain why hospitality and customer service are at the heart of successful property management. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt WIIRE Summer Retreat: $200 off with code KATIE - Wiire.com/summercamp Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:39 Introducing Grace Gudenkauf and Amelia McGee 01:26 How it Started: A Cold DM 02:47 First Meetup 03:28 Start Before You’re Ready 05:36 Hosting a Retreat 08:34 Gatlinburg Lessons 10:45 Co-Founder Workflow 17:41 Onboarding with Hospitality 20:10 WIIRE Summer Camp 24:12 Women Invest Differently 29:59 The Self-Managing Landlord 40:15 Suite Summary Connect with Grace & Amelia: Grace's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grace-gudenkauf-321186112 Amelia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-mcgee-b1a1b464/ WIIRE's Website: https://wiire.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
How This Founder’s Cancer Diagnosis Sparked One of the World’s Most Unique Wellness Retreats 14.05.2026 40minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Marina Efraimoglou, the founder of Euphoria Retreat, to uncover the deeply personal story behind one of the world’s most unique wellness destinations. Before founding Euphoria Retreat, Marina built a powerful career in finance, becoming the first chairwoman of a Greek bank. But everything changed when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 29 years old, with a 20–25% chance of survival. What followed wasn’t an overnight pivot, but a 15-year journey of healing, studying, and redefining what success really means. In this conversation, Marina shares how that diagnosis became the catalyst for a completely new approach to health, leadership, and hospitality—one that blends ancient Greek philosophy, Chinese medicine, and modern science into what is now known as the Euphoria Methodos. This episode explores what it really takes to build something truly differentiated in a crowded market and why the most meaningful concepts are often the ones that are allowed to unfold over time. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:39 Meet Marina Efraimoglou 01:53 Cancer Diagnosis 03:19 Conscious Capitalism 04:29 Finding Her Calling 10:31 Leadership and Balance 15:41 Building Euphoria Retreat 18:14 Key Points of Differentiation 21:11 Euphoria Methodos 25:50 Seasonal Programming 26:54 Biomarker Testing 31:47 Wellbeing Festival 37:00 Suite Summary Connect with Marina: Marina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-efraimoglou-5787a0ba/ Marina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinaefrai/ Euphoria Retreat's Website: https://www.euphoriaretreat.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
How to Buy a Hotel (Without Being Rich) 07.05.2026 53minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Davonne Reaves—hotel owner, asset manager, and founder of The Vonne Group—to break down how hotel deals actually get done. From her start at the front desk to managing over $1 billion in hotel assets, Davonne has built a career rooted in understanding both the operational and financial sides of the business. Today, she’s focused on making hotel ownership more accessible and showing others what’s truly possible. This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. Davonne unpacks the realities of the capital stack, how investors play a role in funding deals, and why most people are thinking about “affordability” all wrong. She also shares why starting smaller is often the smartest move, and how building the right team can make or break a deal. The result is a clear, honest look at what it really takes to buy a hotel—and why it might be more within reach than most people think. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Davonne Reaves 03:04 Path to Ownership 05:10 Asset Management Lessons 08:39 First Hotel Deal 12:25 Capital Stack Basics 17:27 Crowdfunding 22:36 Asset Management Explained 25:52 Hotels Need Humans 26:57 Service Scores Collapse 28:37 You Cannot AI Hospitality 29:50 Start Small Strategy 32:06 How to Pick the Right Investment 33:58 Big Brands versus Independent 35:13 Pitching Lenders 37:05 Build the Right Team 39:39 First Deal Fundamentals 40:44 Passive Investing 49:14 Suite Summary Connect with Davonne: Davonne's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereaves The Vonne Group's Website: https://thevonnegroup.com/ Vesterr's Website: https://vesterr.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
How This Owner Bought a Property with No Money Down and Turned it into a Top 50 Hotel 30.04.2026 42minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Jim Nagle, owner and managing partner of the Drake Oak Brook, an Autograph Collection Hotel, to unpack one of the most unconventional paths into hotel ownership. From starting as a Chicago attorney and bus driver to acquiring a legacy hotel with no money down, Jim’s story challenges everything we think we know about risk, experience, and what it really takes to win in real estate. But this isn’t just a story about a deal—it’s about proximity, persistence, and the mindset required to see opportunity where others see uncertainty. In fact, a visit to Richard Branson’s Necker Island offered a front-row seat to world-class brand building and reframed how he thought about opportunity. Today, The Drake Oak Brook is recognized as one of the Top 50 hotels by Condé Nast Traveler, but getting there required navigating the Great Recession, rebuilding during COVID, and redefining what hospitality means at its core. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet Jim Nagle 01:48 From Law to Real Estate 03:38 Mentor and Mindset 05:14 Buying the Drake Brand 06:21 Necker Island Lessons 08:59 Pulling the Trigger 11:38 CTA Bus Driver Days 13:21 Drake Decline and Ponzi Scheme 14:28 Rebuilding Through Crises 19:31 Hard Times 20:18 COVID Renovation Hustle 21:07 Discovering Hidden Talent 24:45 Hospitality Learning Curve 26:34 Top 50 In The World 29:41 Scholarships For Families 31:48 Expanding Into Africa 37:43 Suite Summary Connect with Jim: Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-nagle-b6777368/ The Drake Oak Brook's Website: https://www.thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
From Laguna Beach to Luxury Hotels: The Reality TV Star Who Built a Serious Career in Hospitality 23.04.2026 51minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline interviews Dieter Schmitz, an original cast member of Laguna Beach who has since built a distinguished career in hospitality. From starting as a beach attendant to becoming a General Manager at just 25 years old, Schmitz has opened and repositioned nine hotels throughout his career across brands including Accor, IHG, Marriott and more. Now, as General Manager of the Sofitel New York, he led a full-scale renovation of the flagship property while maintaining operations—an undertaking that required both operational precision and cultural transformation. In this conversation, Schmitz reflects on the experience of early visibility, the professional implications of reality television, and the deliberate choice to pursue a long-term career in hospitality. He also shares a detailed look at building culture and assembling teams, while underscoring the central role people play in driving performance and guest satisfaction. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:34 Meet Dieter Schmitz 01:39 From Beach Attendant to GM 02:32 Laguna Beach Fame 05:57 Stigma and Persona 10:53 Laguna Beach Reunion 15:55 Hospitality as a Safe Space 17:30 AI and the Future of Hospitality 19:24 Opening Hotels 21:02 Sofitel Renovation Playbook 24:16 Guest Communication Tips 25:20 Winning Back Guests 26:05 Reopening for Staff 28:27 Culture is Key 31:19 Restaurant Gamble 35:01 Big Brands vs Independent 40:27 Improving Struggling Hotels 47:14 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! Connect with Dieter: Kolin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dieterbschmitz Sofitel New York's Website: https://www.sofitel-new-york.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
How Viral Content Built a $120M Private Aviation Brand 16.04.2026 1u 1minWhat does it really take to break into one of the most exclusive industries in the world? On this episode of Suite Success, Katie sits down with Kolin Jones, Founder and CEO of Amalfi Jets—a $120M private aviation company he started at just 19 years old with no planes, no capital, and no connections. On the heels of Masters Weekend, now one of the biggest private aviation events in the world, Kolin takes us behind the scenes of what it actually looks like to operate at the highest level of luxury, logistics, and demand. But this conversation goes far beyond private jets. From sending 2,500 cold emails a day, to creating a fake persona just to get industry intel, to building the most-followed private aviation brand on social media, Kolin shares how doing things differently became his greatest competitive advantage. And why in today’s world, attention isn’t optional—it’s everything. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:36 Masters Weekend 04:36 Parking Chaos 05:14 Ways To Fly Private 08:30 Augusta Volume Crunch 09:56 Pilot Origin Story 13:41 Founding Amalfi Jets 17:47 Hustle 20:09 TikTok Growth Engine 28:10 Brand And Operation 31:39 Beyond Aviation Influencers 32:05 Platform Strategy and Tracking 33:57 Algorithm Hacks 39:12 Hiring Outside the Industry 40:50 Authenticity 44:26 Hospitality and Tech 50:37 Triathlon Content Flywheel 57:39 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! Connect with Kolin: Kolin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolin-jones/ Amalfi Jets's Website: https://amalfijets.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
After Selling Match.com, She Built Again—and Then Took It to Shark Tank 09.04.2026 53minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by Fran Maier—entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Match.com. After helping build one of the most iconic companies of the internet era (and selling it far earlier than she would have liked), Fran went on to do what most people don’t: she started again. Her next company, BabyQuip, is now the leading baby gear rental platform in the world, operating in thousands of locations and helping families travel more easily. Along the way, she took the company to Shark Tank, scaled a nationwide network of providers, and built a business rooted in trust, safety, and hospitality. In this conversation, Fran reflects on the early days of building Match.com, the lessons she learned from selling too soon, and how those experiences shaped the way she approaches BabyQuip—from fundraising to brand-building to long-term vision. She also shares what it was like to pitch on Shark Tank, why she believes AI is the next major technological shift, and how she’s created opportunities for thousands of women to build businesses of their own. Throughout the episode, one theme is clear: success isn’t about getting it perfect the first time—it’s about having the conviction to build again, and the resilience to keep going. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:38 Meet Fran Maier 01:40 Introducing BabyQuip 02:33 A Vacation Saved 04:59 Hospitality And NPS 07:27 Shark Tank Storytime 10:55 Valuation And Growth 12:59 AI And The Next Wave 14:27 Word Of Mouth Marketing 15:35 Pandemic Pivot Lessons 17:32 Trust and Safety Standards 19:57 Training Entrepreneurs 20:27 Working With Family 23:22 Startup Dynamics 24:49 Moms And Career Shifts 25:26 Why Providers Join 26:18 Financial Freedom Stories 27:54 Travel Gear Pain Points 29:58 Partnerships and Expansion 31:09 From Host To CEO 36:47 Match.com Lessons Learned 43:22 Women and Venture Capital 50:02 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! Connect with Fran: Fran's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franmaier/ BabyQuip's Website: https://www.babyquip.com/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie -
Is Good Design No Longer Enough? What Actually Makes Guests Come Back 02.04.2026 45minOn this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by architect and hospitality design expert David Shove-Brown, co-founder of the award-winning firm //3877. With a portfolio spanning hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use spaces across the country, David brings a rare perspective on how design, operations, and human behavior intersect to shape the guest experience. In this conversation, David shares what he notices within seconds of walking into a hotel and why those first moments matter more than most operators realize. From the layout of a front desk to the lighting in a bathroom, he explains how seemingly small design decisions can influence how a guest feels about their entire stay—often without them even realizing it. Katie and David also explore the tension between designing spaces that look impressive versus those that actually function well, and where hotels often misallocate budget as a result. They discuss the psychology behind guest satisfaction, the importance of designing for both employees and guests, and why great design is often invisible when done right (but immediately noticeable when it’s not). Finally, David reflects on how guest expectations have evolved in the age of social media, why design is becoming table stakes, and what today’s travelers are really looking for—from ease and intuitiveness to values like sustainability and authenticity. 00:00 Welcome to Suite Success 00:37 Meet David Shove-Brown 02:51 First Impressions 04:52 Design Details That Fail 06:35 Designing for Operations 08:43 What Feels High End 13:08 Bathroom Lighting Psychology 15:28 Common Hotel Design Mistakes 19:19 Guest Room Details 23:40 How to Balance Your Budget 24:47 Rising Guest Expectations 26:17 Designing Beyond Instagram 27:46 Favorite Projects 30:44 Next Gen Values Shift 33:26 Brands vs. Independents 34:40 Future of Hospitality Design 42:15 Suite Summary This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! Connect with David: David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsb3877/ David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsb3877/ //3877's Website: https://www.3877.design/ Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie
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