Miscellaneous

📈 April 2023, EPiC Specialists announced expansion plans to open two new offices in New York City and San Francisco by the end of 2024. The company aims to increase its workforce by 25%, adding about 200 new employees. This strategic move, driven by rising demand for tech solutions, follows a 15% revenue growth in 2022. The expansion is expected to enhance client service and boost innovation in product offerings.

🏠 Marriott International announced a joint venture with the Leali family to integrate Lefay Resorts & Residences into its luxury portfolio. Lefay, an Italian brand, features two eco-resorts in Lago di Garda and the Dolomites, with expansion plans in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps. This partnership merges Lefay’s wellness-focused philosophy with Marriott's global reach, preserving Lefay's Italian heritage while promoting growth. The collaboration highlights a new luxury focused on health, longevity, and meaningful experiences.

🏡 Bilt Hospitality launched in Philadelphia during a work event. A new restaurant-focused loyalty platform, its video featured 21 top chefs, 20 men and 1 woman, Elizabeth Blau, despite a $10 billion valuation. Bilt's tech connects restaurants and guests, facilitating dining experiences. Launched in 2019, Bilt's payment platform covers 25% of the U.S. rental market. 6 million rental residences use Bilt, soon adding 5 million mortgages. Members benefit from tailored dining recommendations without needing Bilt's Mastercard.

📖 Jane Pendlebury, CEO of the association, marked her 10-year anniversary of leadership by getting a permanent HOSPA logo tattoo. This bold gesture celebrates a decade of dedication and commitment at the helm.

🚗 Car Part Time debuts in New York as a 2,000-square-foot automotive cultural hub, combining a licensed collector car dealership with cultural programming. Designed by Office of Tangible Space, it features six vehicle positions, a central bar, lounge, and listening station. The site incorporates historical design elements from SUNY Albany and a musical partnership with Freakout Spot. Custom craftsmanship includes Avocatus quartzite, sage, walnut, and aluminum, reflecting automotive themes without clichés.

🏠 Sold Loco Gringo, an online reservation service for Riviera Maya, in 2019. Transitioned to living in a travel trailer and pursued a master's in travel and tourism. Built and shut down an AI app, and attempted consulting. Now refocusing Substack on personal stories as an expat and explorer, moving away from mechanical frameworks. Offers real experiences from life and business, aiming for genuine storytelling rather than consulting or social media strategies.

🛒 Walmart and Target are enhancing AI use for shopping. Walmart, now listed on Nasdaq, is building proprietary AI tools and has super agents like Sparky for customer assistance and Marty for operations. Target, under CEO Michael Fiddelke, plans a $2 billion investment in 2026 for AI and brand marketing, partnering with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini for consumer engagement. Both are leveraging AI to optimize retail strategies and compete with Amazon.

🏖 From 2013 to 2023, Kiana Beimes rose from intern to general manager at OUTRIGGER, working at four Waikiki properties and contributing to the acquisition of OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort. In 2023, she was selected by AHLA to speak at their 2024 conference in Chicago. Named 2026 Woman of the Year by Hawai’i Women in Lodging & Tourism, her team ranked #3 of 100 hotels in Honolulu, up from #58 in 2021, showcasing significant progress in five years.