On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality, to explore how he harnessed the power of mentorship to modernize a company with a 100+ year heritage. Having led teams across multiple regions and industries, Agnelo shares how investing in people and nurturing talent can transform both careers and organizations. In this conversation, they explore: How mentorship shapes leaders and drives company growth The leadership lesson that changed his career Strategies for fostering team development while honoring a century-old legacy Whether you’re a hospitality professional or a business leader, Agnelo’s journey shows that thoughtful mentorship, curiosity, and human-centered leadership can unlock remarkable results. Connect with Agnelo: Agnelo's LinkedIn Cote Hospitality's Website Thank you to this week's sponsors! Presented by Lodgify FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Phil McAveety, CEO of Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, together in New York City at Skift Global Forum. From advertising to sports, retail, and hospitality, Phil’s career demonstrates how transferable skills and storytelling drive exceptional guest experiences. Having lived in seven countries across four continents, he brings a global perspective to every decision he makes.In this conversation, they explore: Operational innovations, including the use of AI to improve efficiency and reduce waste How personal human connection in hospitality—small gestures and genuine interest—can create memorable guest experiences Iberostar’s commitment to responsible tourism, from coral labs to sustainable seafood initiatives Whether you’re a hospitality professional or a business leader, Phil’s journey demonstrates that thriving in diverse industries and cultures comes down to adaptable skills, curiosity, and human-centered leadership. Phil’s Presentation at Skift Global Forum 2014:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2SooNoVSGbA Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline chats with Bella and Levi Linchenko, the powerhouse couple who co-founded co-founders of Let's Go Design Co. As married real estate investors and coworkers, Bella and Levi have managed to merge love, strategy, and design into a thriving business and partnership. From their Hallmark level meet-cute to running a boutique short-term rental and design firm, they share how collaboration, intention, and creativity drive everything they do. Bella’s background as a designer brings creative prowess to their pursuits, while Levi’s training as an engineer contribute next level problem-solving skills. Together, they combine to transform short-term rental properties into places with unique amenities and thoughtful design. Whether you’re a short-term rental owner, design enthusiast, or entrepreneur looking for actionable strategies to build a business with your partner, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical takeaways, and stories that prove love and design really can coexist—and thrive—together. Connect with Bella and Levi: Bella's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levi's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's Go Design's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's Go Design's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does it take to lead one of the world’s most iconic travel magazines in a time when travel is constantly evolving? On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure. The two talk about how Jacqui’s global upbringing influenced her love for travel, her dynamic journey from studying English at Princeton to becoming a prominent figure in travel journalism, and the evolving nature of travel media. They discuss: Why perfection in travel (and hotels) doesn’t exist, and why that’s a good thing The art of reinvention and the story only you can tell How Travel + Leisure balances timeless print with the digital future What luxury travelers really want (and where brands get it wrong) The hotel lesson Jacqui never forgot—and what it taught her about grace in leadership From growing up overseas to guiding a legacy magazine into its next chapter, Jacqui offers powerful insights on travel, media, and living a life well told. Connect with Jacqui: Jacqui's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Travel + Leisure's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What’s the real difference between being rich and being wealthy? And is investing really just a fancier name for gambling? On this episode of Suite Success, Katie Cline sits down with Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia and host of The Investopedia Express. Caleb shares his remarkable path from producing wildlife documentaries in Central and South America to leading one of the world’s most trusted financial platforms. He unpacks essential financial principles like the importance of starting early and knowing what you own, while dispelling common misconceptions about investing and financial literacy. Together, they explore the impact of today’s market trends, the massive generational wealth transfer from Boomers to Millennials, and the nuanced difference between being rich and being truly wealthy. Caleb emphasizes spending intentionally on experiences that matter — from unforgettable travel to time with loved ones — reminding us that true wealth is measured not just in dollars, but in the freedom to live meaningfully. Whether you’re building wealth, navigating financial uncertainty, or simply trying to better understand the money game, this episode will reshape the way you think about your finances. Connect with Caleb: Caleb's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Investopedia's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Kassidy Warren—hotel investor and host of the For Your Own Good podcast. Kassidy shares his journey from a disillusioned corporate engineer to a successful real estate investor, specializing in hotels and short-term rentals worth $13 million. From walking away from burnout, to taking up van life, to buying short-term rentals and ultimately, finding his stride in hotel investing, Kassidy’s story is a masterclass in taking bold leaps. Together, Katie and Kassidy explore the balance between ease and ambition, what it means to double down on your “zone of genius,” and how to build businesses that truly scale. Kassidy also pulls back the curtain on the creative financing strategies fueling hotel acquisitions — insights that every aspiring investor, hotelier, or short-term rental owner can apply. Connect with Kassidy: Richard's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Richard Brekelmans, a seasoned hospitality executive with more than three decades of experience at Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and now the founder of RICHMANS Hospitality Advisory. Katie and Richard dive into his unique perspective on the hospitality industry, having worked on every side of it—from being the General Manager for Europe’s hottest hotel opening (W Barcelona) to various corporate leadership roles. Today, he advises hotel owners, operators, and investors on strategy, operations, and brand development. They explore how early exposure to hospitality and entrepreneurship shaped his career, and why growing up in Holland, immersed in multiple languages, gave him a lifelong edge. Richard shares what it really takes to open a luxury hotel under intense pressure, from hiring the right team—sometimes with no prior industry experience—to empowering them to act like business owners themselves. He explains why balancing stakeholders, brand expectations, and guest experience is both the challenge and the beauty of being a GM, and why “good enough” often beats perfect when it comes to launching a hotel. Katie and Richard also unpack the importance of hiring people who fit your brand’s values and culture, professionalizing hotel marketing, and taking calculated risks that pay off. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on leadership, recruitment, and creating a culture that makes a hotel—and its team—truly extraordinary. This conversation is equal parts hospitality strategy, leadership insight, and career inspiration—and a reminder that the right team and mindset can make all the difference in bringing big visions to life. Connect with Richard: Richard's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Emily Lethgo, founder of Match Point Socials and a seasoned social media strategist specializing in short-term rentals and hospitality. Emily pulls back the curtain on the ever-evolving world of social media marketing, revealing the biggest mistake hosts make to hold back bookings. From the power of authentic engagement to the secret sauce behind influencer partnerships, Emily shares how to build a powerhouse team that not only manages your social media but actually converts followers into loyal guests. She dives into why user-generated content often outperforms big influencers, how to vet the right influencers for your brand, and the importance of over-communicating with guests to set expectations and build trust. Emily also predicts the future of social media in hospitality — where storytelling, unpolished honesty, and direct bookings will reshape how hosts connect with travelers. Whether you’re managing one property or a portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your digital presence and drive real revenue. Highlights include: -The biggest social media mistake STR owners make — and how to fix it -Why genuine user-generated content beats flashy influencer campaigns -How to vet influencers and build effective partnerships without breaking the bank -Tips for creating authentic, story-driven content that builds trust and loyalty -Why social media is becoming the new frontline for direct bookings -How to leverage platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn to reach your ideal guests Connect with Emily: Emily's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Profitable Host's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram Course for STR Hosts – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PHLANX's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes two of her longtime colleagues and friends: Yamil Errasti, the Founder of Everything Now, a marketing studio that helps brands find their voice and cut through the noise; and Pelayo Pintado, the CEO and Founder of Idónea Comunicación, one of the top PR and communications agencies in Spain. They also happen to be married — and Katie takes full credit, having set them up on a blind date years ago. The trio revisit that first date (spoiler: tapas were involved), and explore how two people from very different backgrounds — Mexico and Spain — ended up building a life together and growing two wildly successful businesses in the process. You’ll hear how cultural nuance, communication styles, and a shared love of storytelling helped shape their partnership. Yamil shares what it means to build a brand from the inside out, and how he helps clients uncover not just what they do, but why it matters. Pelayo opens up about navigating the fast-paced world of PR and the art of managing clients, media, and moments that matter. Together, they discuss how they’ve built trust with global brands, maintained creative integrity, and supported each other every step of the way. They also address the age old question: which matters more- marketing or PR? This conversation is equal parts creative inspiration, business strategy, and personal love story — and a reminder that sometimes, the best partnerships begin with a leap of faith (and a nudge from a mutual friend). Connect with Yamil and Pelayo: Everything Now's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything Now's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Yamil's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Idonea's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Idonea's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Idonea's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Top Chef judge and culinary storyteller Gail Simmons to talk travel, taste, and the unexpected power of a good meal. From her early days in food media to two decades on Top Chef, Gail reflects on how curiosity—and a few bold leaps—shaped her career. She shares how food became her lens for understanding people and places, and why the best bites often come from the most surprising cities. Whether you’re building a brand, booking a trip, or dreaming up your next dinner party, Gail’s insights will leave you hungry for more. Connect with Gail: Gail's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

On this very special episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline takes you behind the velvet rope of Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Summit. The event, described by one panelist as the “Super Bowl of Travel” brought together influential voices from across the industry for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and spirited debates on the trends shaping global travel today. Katie shares personal reflections and standout takeaways—from how brands can cultivate emotional connection to the explosive growth of sports and events tourism. But this episode isn’t just a SparksNotes version of the summit. It also features exclusive interviews with four of the event’s powerhouse speakers: Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure and host of the event.  Gail Simmons, culinary expert, author, producer, and judge on Bravo’s Emmy Award-winning Top Chef, on building a brand that lasts.  Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the New York Liberty, on sports becoming a major driver of travel demand. And Caleb Silver, Editor in Chief of Investopedia, with an incredible overview of consumer spending across the industry. Whether you were in the room or wished you were, this episode brings you front-row access to the bold ideas, candid conversations, and unexpected insights shaping the future of hospitality. Connect with the guests: Jacqui's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shana's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Caleb's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline talks with Dr. Meghan Grace—generational researcher, podcast host, and resident Gen Z expert—to break down what makes each generation tick and how those insights can unlock better hiring, stronger culture, and more thoughtful guest experiences. Meghan shares why Gen Z is craving more than a paycheck—and why hospitality might be the perfect match. From purpose-driven work to inclusive environments and visible growth paths, this generation isn’t afraid to walk away if they don’t see a future. She also reveals how outdated messaging and stale employer branding are holding companies back from connecting with the next wave of talent. Whether you’re hiring or hosting, Meghan’s insights will help you meet Gen Z where they are—and build something they want to be a part of. Connect with Meghan: Meghan's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Meghan's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Meghan's Website - Link Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline speaks with Patryk Swietek, owner of The Cohost Company. Patryk is a master of property management and serial entrepreneur who scaled his portfolio to over 100 short-term rentals in just one year. He shares how he built and acquired property management companies and reveals the mindset that helped him grow fast—despite the inevitable mistakes along the way. He dives into what sets top-performing hosts apart in today’s competitive market and breaks down the red flags to watch for before hiring a property manager. Patryk also explains why growth happens outside the comfort zone and how thinking two steps ahead keeps him ahead of the curve. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, Patryk’s practical advice and real-world stories offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to level up in short-term rentals and property management. Connect with Patryk: Patryk's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patryk's LinkedIn – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patryk's Podcast – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patryk's YouTube Channel – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don’t miss the conversation with Rory Sutherland! Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Paolo Lorenzoni, the legendary General Manager of The Gritti Palace. Known for hosting world dignitaries, celebrities, and royalty, Paolo opens up about his extraordinary career—and the diagnosis that nearly ended it all. Before arriving at The Gritti, Paolo held leadership roles at some of the most prestigious hotels in the world. But just as his career was reaching new heights, a sudden brain cancer diagnosis threatened to take everything away. After undergoing surgery, he returned to the industry stronger than ever, stepping into the role of General Manager at one of the most iconic hotels in Venice, just as it was about to undergo a multimillion-euro restoration. With over four decades in luxury hospitality, he shares the lessons that shaped him, the standards he refuses to compromise on, and the secrets behind creating unforgettable guest experiences. From surviving a health crisis to stewarding one of Italy’s most luxurious properties, Paolo’s story is a rare glimpse into the resilience and passion behind true five-star hospitality. Connect with Paolo: The Gritti Palace Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Gritti Epicurean School - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Gritti Palace Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Club Del Doge Restaurant - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Keir Weimer, Founder and CEO of Weekender Hotels. His journey is one of profound transformation, marked by tragedy, resilience, and remarkable reinvention. At just 23 years old, Keir was involved in a tragic accident that claimed the life of his best friend. Sentenced to 2-6 years in prison, what followed was not just time served but a powerful personal transformation fueled by sobriety, radical self-ownership, and an unshakable commitment to starting over. Keir shares the challenges of rebuilding his life from the ground up, navigating the stigmas of his past, and charting a new path in luxury hospitality. From acquiring his first hotel with no prior experience to growing a portfolio of nine unique properties—with more on the way—he embodies what it means to turn hardship into opportunity. Listen for an inspiring conversation about the power of owning your story, embracing second chances, and building a future on your own terms. Connect with Keir: Weekender Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keir's LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Weekender Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keir's Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline chats with Jasmine Seliga, the founder and CEO of Affixify- an unbiased, algorithm-based platform that matches hotels with hospitality technology providers. With a career spent selling hospitality software, leading corporate sales teams, and consulting for tech companies, Jasmine knows just how fragmented and overwhelming the hotel tech landscape can be. She breaks it all down with clarity, offering a 101-style explanation of how hoteliers should approach their tech stack, what “table stakes” to prioritize, and why integration is king. Jasmine also shares the personal story behind launching Affixify—including the unexpected moment of inspiration that hit just before a family trip to the zoo. She discusses why starting with a $10,000 budget (and no idea how much it would actually cost) was actually an advantage, and how pitching at HITEC’s E20X competition helped propel the brand into the spotlight. But this conversation goes far beyond software. Jasmine opens up about the fear that once held her back from even imagining herself as an entrepreneur—and how pushing through that changed everything. Jasmine also offers a powerful reminder that success rarely arrives in a straight line. From juggling two maternity leaves and two business acquisitions within 15 months, to stepping away from corporate life at the height of burnout, her path has been anything but traditional—and is all the more inspiring for it. This episode is for entrepreneurs navigating fear. Hoteliers stuck in tech decision fatigue. Founders questioning their timeline. And anyone who’s ever needed permission to go slow, go deep—and then go all in. Connect with Jasmine: Affixify Website - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Jasmine's LinkedIn - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by Blake Dailey, a boutique hotel investor and former military officer who scaled his business from a single short-term rental to six hotels and six short-term rentals located in multiple states. Blake shares his journey of transitioning from the military to full-time real estate investing, the strategies he used to grow his portfolio, and his insights on the importance of relentless learning and taking action. He also discusses the key pillars of boutique hotel investing: the deal, marketing, and operations. Blake recounts the benefits of seller financing, the importance of unique amenities, and the value of creating memorable guest experiences. Katie and Blake dive deep into the essentials of successful boutique hotel operations and the benefits of leveraging creative financing strategies. Whether you're an aspiring investor or an industry professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you achieve your own suite success in the hospitality industry. Connect with Blake: Blake Dailey Website - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Blake's Instagram - ⁠Link⁠ Hotel Launch Website - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Michael Doneff, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Concept and Brand Development for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. From his Midwestern roots in Minnesota to overseeing Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Michael shares the unexpected journey that shaped his taste—and his career. You’ll hear why simplicity trumps spectacle, what the most overlooked item on a room service menu might be, and how to know when a chef (or bartender) really knows their stuff. Michael also challenges the outdated notion that a hotel bar or a hotel restaurant is just an amenity. When done right, these are sought-after, destination-worthy venues that just happen to be located within a hotel—crafted with care, driven by storytelling, and infused with a genuine sense of place. Whether you’re dreaming up your next concept or just craving a better cocktail, this conversation serves up inspiration, flavor, and a reminder that the best hospitality should always be delicious. Connect with Michael: Four Seasons Website - ⁠Link⁠ Four Seasons Instagram - Link Michael's LinkedIn - ⁠Link⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

In this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline chats with Kerri Gibson— former CPA and corporate tech executive turned boutique hotelier, chalet host, and founder of Experiences Hygge. What started as a sabbatical to recover from burnout quickly turned into a passion for hospitality, renovation, and creating warm, welcoming spaces rooted in intention. Kerri shares how her journey from the boardroom to the boutique motel wasn’t a straight line—but it was a fulfilling one. Tune in to hear how she: –Leveraged her accounting background to build a profitable hospitality business –Navigated burnout and reclaimed joy through creative work –Moved from the U.S. to Quebec for love (and learned French along the way!) –Blends Scandinavian-inspired design and French Canadian culture in her properties –Discovered the unexpected magic of slower travel, seasonal rhythm, and thoughtful hosting Kerri also elaborates on how she built a successful direct booking strategy with a 70% direct booking rate and offers practical advice on constructing a tech stack for business efficiency. Whether you’re dreaming of your own pivot or just love a good reinvention story, this episode is filled with actionable takeaways and will leave you inspired to chase your “life 2.0”. Connect with Kerri: Chalets Hygge Website - Link Chalets Hygge Instagram - Link Aux Portes du Soleil Instagram - Link Kerri Reinvented Instagram - Link Kerri's LinkedIn - Link Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠Link⁠ Spotify - ⁠Link⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠Link⁠ ⁠Connect with Katie⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠Hospitality.FM⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠Hospitality.⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!

Summer travel is heating up—and we’ve got the data to prove it. In this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Misty Belles, Vice President of Global Public Relations at Virtuoso, the world’s leading luxury and experiential travel network. Dubbed the Wander Woman of Travel, Misty shares an exclusive first look at Virtuoso’s top travel trends for Summer 2025—just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Tune in to hear about: –Why travelers are skipping the usual capital cities for secondary and off-the-beaten-path destinations –The surprising spike in demand for places like the UK countryside, Montenegro, and Turkey –How climate concerns and overtourism are quietly influencing travel behavior –Why booking windows are longer—and what that says about traveler confidence –Whether luxury travel is immune to economic uncertainty and tariffs Plus, Misty and Katie nerd out on data (in the best way), reflect on post-pandemic growth, and explore what it really means to travel well in today’s world. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠ to book a demo! Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie  — Suite Success is part of the Hospitality.FM podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!