Join Steve Carran and David Millili as they sit down with Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Resorts, to discuss how AI-driven technology is revolutionizing the guest experience and easing staff challenges at high-end resorts like the Argonaut in San Francisco.
In this episode, we cover:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4ncSX5P6v0
Links:
Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smaraisnoblehouse/
Noble House Hotels & Resorts: https://www.noblehousehotels.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/233
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Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
Join us on this episode of The Modern Hotelier as we go live from the Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! We sit down with Tim Hansen, VP of Sales for hotels, resorts, and cruise ships at Agilysys, to explore how modern technology is transforming the hospitality industry.
Tim shares his journey from a California upbringing and college basketball dreams to leading a sales team that’s revolutionizing hotel operations. We dive into how Agilysys’ integrated software solutions are helping hotels, resorts, and cruise lines understand their guests like never before—turning data into personalized experiences, improving operations, and driving revenue.
In this episode, we cover:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jQcdKVgc-Tg
Links:
Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-hansen-6489095b/
Agilysys: https://www.agilysys.com/en/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/232
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Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, we’re live from the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! Steve and David are joined by Gabriella Forss, Hospitality Engagement Leader of North America for SALTO Systems — one of the leading providers of electronic access control in hotels around the world.
Gabriella shares her journey from Cornell’s Hotel School to over eight years with SALTO, and explains how the company is helping hotels modernize access control while keeping the guest experience seamless. She breaks down how SALTO’s connected ecosystem reaches far beyond guestroom locks — spanning back-of-house access, lockers, padlocks, parking gates, and more, all within one scalable platform.
We dive into major topics shaping the future of hotel technology:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kr1_Javur7Y
Links:
Gabriella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellaforss/
SALTO Systems: https://saltosystems.com/en/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/231
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Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Randy Haveson, Founder & President of Worth@Work, to explore how personal empowerment and team culture can transform the hospitality industry.
Randy shares his journey from psychology and counseling to speaking, coaching, and consulting in hospitality. Discover how his unique approach—focusing on staff energy, self-esteem, and communication—helps hotels improve morale, reduce turnover, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jpsa495idYU
Links:
Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-haveson/
WORTH@WORK: https://worthatwork.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/230
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Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, hosts Steve Carran chat with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, live from the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado.
Will shares the original “aha moment” behind creating Bodhi — a platform born from 25+ years of systems integration and a real-world need for hotels and mixed-use properties to manage smart devices under one pane of glass. What began as one-off software has evolved into a global solution trusted by integrators, manufacturers, resorts, and hotels worldwide.
In this episode, we cover:
From AI-powered automation to quarter-million data messages per second, Bodhi is transforming how properties manage systems, respond to guest needs, and create unforgettable stays.
Whether you're running luxury hotels, select-service properties, or multifamily communities — this episode is packed with insight into the future of smart operations.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NeThDs6pbbs
Links:
Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-gilbert-0348586/
Bodhi: https://www.gobodhi.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/229
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
How do you keep hotel laundry running when every minute counts?
In today’s episode, Steve Carran sits down on the trade show floor with Zach Yaeger, Business Development Manager at LaundryLux — a company making major waves in the hotel laundry and commercial laundry space.
Zach shares how he went from college intern to spending 12+ years growing with LaundryLux, why their European-engineered Electrolux equipment is changing the game for hotels, and the biggest challenges they solve for hoteliers — especially fast lead times, reliability, and utility savings.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WxkMXOo7Y2w
Links:
Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-yaeger-77ab9499/
LaundryLux: https://laundrylux.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/228
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, we’re coming to you live from the bustling show floor of The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado, inside the WorldVue booth.
Steve Carran sits down with four of WorldVue’s top leaders to uncover how the company has evolved into one of the most trusted hotel technology partners in the world — and where guest experience technology is headed next. Tune in for real talk on global rollout, partnership criteria, AI & IoT personalization, and making hotel tech “invisible” for better stays.
What you’ll hear in this episode
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gLK3KQZSGBE
Links:
WorldVue: https://www.worldvue.com/
Robert Grosz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-g-9806552/
Chris Guthery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisguthery/
Scott Jamison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jamison-yyz28/
Mark Schaps: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mschaps/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/227
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Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, we’re live on the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado, sitting down with Wendy Zapach, Chief Revenue Officer at Optii. We dive into the major shifts happening in hotel technology, why mergers and acquisitions are shaking up the industry, and what hoteliers should be demanding from their tech partners moving forward.
Key Topics Discussed:
Wendy shares insider insights on predictive intelligence, machine learning, open APIs, data transparency, and how hotel teams can protect guest experience while modernizing operations.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BRH7_W6sVZs
Links:
Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyzapach/
Optii: https://www.optiisolutions.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/226
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Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
What happens when a lifelong hotelier challenges the traditional franchise model — and discovers a better way to grow brands, revenue, and guest loyalty?
In today's episode, David and Steve sit down with Fredrick Schoener, Brand Director at Silverstone Inns and a lifetime hotelier known for his innovative approach to the hotel business, franchise models, and revenue growth.
Fredrick shares his incredible journey in hospitality — from front desk to owner, to brand director — and reveals why he believes membership-based hotel branding models will redefine the future of hospitality.
Today, you'll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y7li-1ysP6g
Links:
Fredrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrick-schoener-cha-a5153517/
SilverStone Inns: https://www.silverstoneinns.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/225
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, Steve and David sit down with Tiffany Donato, Chief Investment Officer at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, for a candid deep dive into hotel investments, portfolio strategy, and the art of turning underused spaces into revenue and memorable experiences.
Tiffany shares lessons from Hyatt and beyond, why Marcus pairs long-term thinking with entrepreneurial experiments (think igloos, mocktails, and ski hills), and how co-investing, recapitalizations, and smart PIPs shape their expansion outside the Midwest. Plus: texting over email, AI for call handling, and why serving locals is a growth strategy.
You’ll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zYPYxG0AZJA
Links:
Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-leadbetter-donato-46b1027/
Marcus Hotels Management | Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants: https://www.marcushotels.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/224
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Fredrik Sjoberg, the visionary CEO and founder of Maison — an AI-driven platform revolutionizing how hotels interact with guests and manage their digital presence.
Fredrik's story is extraordinary — from acting on national TV and earning a Ph.D. at Harvard to leading hotel chains and founding two hotel tech companies. He shares how his diverse background shaped his leadership style, why AI will redefine hospitality forever, and how Maison helps hotels tackle labor shortages, improve upsells, and become “agent-ready” in the AI era.
What You’ll Learn:
This episode is sponsored by Maison: https://www.maison.cx/
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D1KdWNEIC78
Links:
Fredrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrik-sjoberg-6851174/
Maison: https://www.maison.cx/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/223
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
Ever wondered how a world-class coffee program can transform a boutique hotel’s guest experience and boost revenue?
In this episode, hosts David M. and Steve Carran sit down with Gage Johnston, Marketing Manager at Dalla Corte, to explore the art and science of coffee in hospitality.
Gage shares his incredible journey in the coffee industry—from barista roles in California to launching his own startup, leading coffee programs for 300+ baristas, and now shaping B2B coffee solutions with Dalla Corte.
Discover insights on:
If you’re in hospitality, hotel management, or F&B, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to create memorable guest experiences and boost on-premises revenue.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nxS-CPw7a7Y
Links:
Gage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gage-johnston-b59086229/
Dalla Corte: https://dallacorte.com/usa/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/222
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
On today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, at the company’s Training and Testing Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bodhi is transforming hospitality technology with a manufacturer-agnostic platform that unifies every system in a hotel—from door locks and lighting to PMS, POS, and housekeeping—into one seamless interface.
Will shares how Bodhi is solving one of the biggest challenges in the industry: fragmented hotel technology. Discover how their platform ensures 100% guest satisfaction through real-time system monitoring, predictive maintenance, and their suite of AI tools — including GuestGPT, Super Agent, and BodhiGPT — that proactively enhance both guest experience and hotel operations.
From building a state-of-the-art testing lab to expanding into multifamily, office, and healthcare sectors, Will gives us an inside look at Bodhi’s mission to redefine the way spaces connect and communicate.
Tune in to learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/85Tti4IPHA8
Links:
Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-gilbert-0348586/
Bodhi: https://www.gobodhi.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/221
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Zack Gharib, the President of Red Roof, to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of hospitality.
Zack shares his incredible journey — from growing up in Lebanon and discovering his passion for hotels, to leading one of America’s most recognized hospitality brands. Learn how Red Roof is embracing AI-driven technology, enhancing the guest experience, and building a culture of genuine relationships and real results.
Discover what it takes to thrive in hotel management, lead through change, and balance guest satisfaction with franchisee success. Zack also opens up about his leadership lessons from Mr. Marriott, his transition from Marriott and La Quinta to Red Roof, and why relationships and culture remain at the heart of hospitality.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V8hnpGv2IIA
Links:
Zack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-gharib/
Red Roof: https://www.redroof.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/220
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Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by the legendary Anthony Melchiorri to break down what’s been happening in the hospitality world throughout September.
From ongoing labor shortages and AI’s role in hotel operations, to the impact of the government shutdown on travel, visa challenges for international tourism, and skyrocketing holiday travel costs, the trio dives deep into the realities—and opportunities—facing hoteliers today.
Anthony shares his trademark candid takes on industry trends, training, and technology, plus some entertaining insights on everything from Delta’s YouTube partnership to the origin of resort fees (hint: he had something to do with it!).
Topics Covered:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4_xZWfZz36A
Links:
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/219
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Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Robert Grosz, President & COO of WorldVue, a nearly 50-year leader in hospitality technology solutions. Bob shares his journey from the Midwest to the forefront of real estate and tech, and how culture, quick decision-making, and loyalty have shaped his leadership style.
We dive into:
Robert's insights highlight not only where hospitality tech is today, but also where it’s headed. This is a fun, thoughtful conversation packed with leadership lessons, industry trends, and a few Neil Diamond references.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/14OVBJ8FHro
This episode is sponsored by WorldVue — https://www.worldvue.com/
Links:
Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-g-9806552/
WorldVue: https://www.worldvue.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/218
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
How can independent hotels win in today’s digital landscape with creators, podcasts, and emerging platforms?
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Podcast, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with hospitality leaders Hillary Folkvord (Hotelier & Entrepreneur, Sacajawea Hotel), Melissa Benhaim (Founder of Benhaim Public Relations), Jennifer Glatt (M.A., Boutique & Independent Hotel Journalist & Storyteller), and Karla Cobreiro (Chief Credibility Officer, Cobreiro Comms) to uncover the strategies driving authentic storytelling, social media success, and hotel brand growth.
From building trust through authentic, personality-driven storytelling to leveraging influencers and content creators, this panel explores how independent hotels can stand out in a competitive market.
You’ll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2bbOc5hZu-Q
Links:
Panelists
Melissa Benhaim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-benhaim-90263734/
Karla Cobreiro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-cobreiro/
Hillary Folkvord on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-folkvord-b777b313/
Jennifer Glatt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-glatt/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/217
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
We’re live from the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, Florida, joined by Munir Maluf, CEO & Founder of MP Parking.
In this episode, we dive into the future of hotel valet parking and how the Smart Valet Podium is transforming the guest arrival experience.
Munir shares his insights on:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YzScq585I50
Links:
Munir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munir-maluf-0a6a1913/
Miami Parking Inc: https://www.parkmp.com/
Le VALET: https://www.levalets.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/216
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, we sit down with Jaimey Bembry, CEO & Founder of Bhlen, to explore how hotels can transform the guest experience by replacing outdated paper lists and brochures with digital guest guides.
Discover how Bhlen helps hotels and hospitality brands:
From digitizing local restaurant guides to creating experience-as-a-service platforms, Bhlen is changing how travelers discover cities, attractions, and hidden gems—directly from their phones.
If you’re a hotelier, destination manager, or travel industry professional, this episode will give you actionable insights on the future of guest engagement and why the next generation of hospitality is digital-first.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2pI52saL24w
Links:
Jaimey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimey-bembry-9950245/
Website: www.bhlen.com
Email: info@bhlen.com
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/215
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
In this episode, recorded live at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, hosts Steve and David sit down with Gage Johnston from Dalla Corte, a Milan-based manufacturer of premium espresso machines and grinders.
Gage shares how Dalla Corte is helping boutique and independent hotels elevate their coffee programs with innovative automation, Italian design, and practical solutions for low-staff environments. From the Icon Espresso Machine that simplifies latte art and recipe consistency, to strategies for reducing "coffee leakage" when guests leave for Starbucks across the street, this conversation dives deep into the future of coffee in hospitality.
You’ll hear about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P8GUWgGpTII
Links:
Gage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gage-johnston-b59086229/
Dalla Corte: https://dallacorte.com/usa/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/214
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.