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Josiah Mackenzie

1089 posts

Beyond Rooms: Unlocking F&B’s Power in Hotel Profitability

🍴 Anthony Torres, a top food and beverage leader in the hospitality industry, was featured in an episode on Nov. 13, 2024. He discussed the crucial role of F&B in hotel profitability and guest satisfaction, touching on complexities, economic aspects, cost and labor balance, destination creation, and monitoring KPIs. The episode highlighted F&B's impact and included resources for businesses and hospitality brands.
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Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas – Anthony Torres

🏛 Anthony Torres, a top hospitality industry food and beverage leader, featured on Hospitality Daily Podcast. Episode insights: growth opportunities in hospitality; creative roles in hotel food and beverage; event planning; benefits of a built-in guest audience; collaborations for unique initiatives; thematic and seasonal events. Episode supported by Hireology. Resources and masterclass by CEO Adam Robinson shared. Date: Nov. 12, 2024. 🎧
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  • 26 min

Red Carpet Recruiting: How Hotels Can Win the War for Talent – Adam Robinson, Hireology [Sponsor Bonus]

🍴 Adam Robinson, CEO of Hireology, shared insights on hospitality hiring trends in 2024, revealing that about 50% of job inventory disappeared since January, with hotels hiring at replacement rates, not expanding capacity. Research indicates that job seekers prioritize flexibility and well-being over maximum earnings. Effective referral programs can contribute to 40% of hires, reducing costs and improving retention. Streamlined application processes are critical, with a 70% drop off when login creation is required. Communication is key, with 69% of candidates expecting updates every few days. Offer acceptance declined from 67% to 49% in 2023, with candidates looking beyond pay to culture and career paths. Lastly, 81% of hospitality workers would consider returning to previous employers, highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships and leveraging technology for recruitment automation. 🍴
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Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B Leadership – Anthony Torres

🍴 Anthony Torres, a renowned leader in the hospitality industry's food and beverage sector, disclosed key insights on the strategic value of F&B in hospitality, drawing on his experiences with Starwood, W Hotels, Kimpton, and IHG. The episode, aired on Nov. 12, 2024, delved into the impact of F&B in creating ambiance, driving business, the role of company culture, brand innovation at W Hotels, maintaining brand identity, and balancing flexibility with brand standards. It also mentioned resources like Tuesday's Thanks with Brian Proctor and a masterclass with Hireology's CEO, Adam Robinson.
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Hospitality in the Age of AI: How to Stand Out and Succeed – Adam Wallace

🏨 Adam Wallace discusses the influence of AI in hospitality, focusing on guest interactions and digital marketing. On Nov. 11, 2024, he highlights the importance of adapting to AI advancements, the risks of low-quality automated content, or "AI slop," and the need for authentic storytelling. He also touches on generative AI’s effect on SEO and the benefits of AI-driven paid media for hotel conversions and engagement.
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  • 37 min

Ascension – Ashli Johnson, Hospitality Hued

📌 Hospitality Hued, led by founder Ashli Johnson, aims to elevate Black and Brown leaders into positions of leadership and ownership in the hospitality industry. The initiative provides hospitality professionals with tools, networks, and insights for success. Ashli emphasizes the transferability of hospitality skills to other industries, noting the sector's attractiveness for its mix of business and heart. She credits the late Ray Bennett of Marriott International as a formative influence, highlighting his dedication to accessible leadership and creating opportunities for others. Hospitality Hued is actively changing recruitment strategies to address the lack of diversity in hotel executive leadership. Ashli Johnson's work exemplifies a commitment to a more inclusive and equitable hospitality industry.
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  • 48 min

Soul Community Planet: Creating a Healthier, Happier Future for Hospitality – Pam & Ken Cruse, SCP Hotels

🏡 Ken and Pam Cruse, co-founders of Soul Community Planet - SCP Hotels, aim to redefine hospitality with a focus on sustainability, wellness, and community. SCP's regenerative hospitality model emphasizes a values-based approach and has developed into a social enterprise that prioritizes stakeholders, specifically customers, local communities, and the planet, over immediate profitability. They maintain a high direct booking rate of 65%, despite having only 10 hotels, attributed to customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals.SCP aspires to a net promoter score (NPS) of 75, indicating a high level of guest satisfaction and advocacy. SCP's integrated structure owns the real estate, management, and brand, allowing for consistent values while adapting to the uniqueness of each market. SCP's first property was a vintage motel in Southern Colorado Springs, but they found more success with nature-based resorts and small town downtown boutique hotels. SCP was established in 2018, and the Cruses met in graduate school in Washington D.C., and both worked for Marriott International post-graduation. Ken's career in hospitality was influenced by his involvement in a basketball group at Marriott, which led to key opportunities, including the acquisition of the Renaissance brand. Pam's career shifted from Marriott to USA Today, enhancing her focus on marketing and consumer psychology. SCP's holistic hospitality concept ties in with the Global Wellness Institute's definition of wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental dimensions
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  • 27 min

From Ferraris to Fine Art: Crafting Joy Through Design – Lily Ackerman

🎨 Lily Ackerman, founder and director of Ackerman Design Studios, discussed the importance of art in hospitality for emotional connections and storytelling. The conversation highlights recent projects, collaborations with iconic and emerging artists, and practical insights on using art to enhance hospitality experiences. Lily's father, with his background in hospitality, influenced her approach, emphasizing the emotional impact of spaces. A pivotal moment in her career was the founding of Ackerman Studios, spurred by her father's illness and passing. Ackerman Studios curates art for hospitality, balancing budget, environment, and artistic integrity, aiming to make art accessible and engaging for guests and staff. Hospitality providers benefit from showcasing both renowned and emerging artists, creating a win-win situation by supporting artists' careers and enriching the guest experience. 🖼️
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