In this episode of ‘Elevate Hotel Design,’ host Lorraine Francis from Cadiz Collaboration welcomes Rich Levins, Senior Vice President at Fulcrum Hospitality. Rich provides a deep dive into the intricacies of hospitality asset management and development. They discuss significant transformation projects like the conversion of Cambria hotels in Sonoma and Napa into Hilton Tapestry hotels. Rich shares his personal journey from aspiring chef to hospitality expert, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, relationships, and strategic planning in the industry. Additionally, they explore upcoming trends, challenges, and the critical role of thoughtful design and management in elevating the hospitality experience. Tune in to gain valuable insights and hear inspiring stories from the world of hotel design and management. 00:00 Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design 00:13 Introducing Rich Levins from Fulcrum Hospitality 01:22 Rich Levins’ Journey into Hospitality 03:26 Starting at Fulcrum Hospitality 06:12 Role of an Asset Manager 08:06 Partnership with Ohana Real Estate Investors 09:50 Transforming Cambria Hotels into Hilton Tapestry 19:27 Design and Development Trends in Hospitality 21:46 New Construction Challenges in Aruba 28:03 The Allure of Aruba: A Year-Round Destination 28:38 Development Challenges and Opportunities 31:04 The Importance of Collaboration in Hospitality 34:16 Navigating Project Hurdles and Success Stories 38:10 Current Market Challenges and Financing 45:17 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Hoteliers 49:54 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 52:46 Conclusion and Future Insights