Behind The Smoke Media is focused on growing the West Coast BBQ Movement through audio storytelling and teaching digital marketing tools to business owners.
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Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. W ...
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Behind the Smoke: Media in Hospitality - Shawn Walchef - Defining Hospitality - Episode #198
1:02:46
1:02:46
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1:02:46What role does media play in hospitality? This episode welcomes media expert and Owner of Cali BBQ, Shawn Walchef. Shawn discusses his journey from creating award-winning barbecue restaurants in San Diego to building a successful media platform. He shares insights on the importance of hospitality, storytelling, and the role of time in perfecting on…
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Investing in Hospitality - Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson - Defining Hospitality - Episode #199
1:15:00
1:15:00
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1:15:00Today’s episode pivots into restaurant investing. Joining Dan is two experts of hospitality financing and investments, Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson, the CEO and Chairman of Enzo Group Inc. The discussion goes into the motivations behind investing in hospitality, the critical role of strong management teams, and the unique challenges and opportuni…
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A Lifetime in Hospitality - Xavier Lividini - Defining Hospitality - Episode #197
48:57
48:57
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48:57Sometimes you find yourself born into a business. That’s exactly what landed Xavier Lividini, Managing Partner at Hospitality Advance International, in the hospitality industry as he comes from a family of hoteliers! Xavier shares insights from his extensive career in operations, marketing strategy, and hospitality management and development. The e…
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Beyond the Green: Hospitality & High-Performance - Scott Young - Defining Hospitality - Episode #196
54:51
54:51
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54:51“ Our hospitality starts with education, but it's also having a welcoming point of view.” Scott Young, Founder of SSWING, an innovative indoor golf training facility in New York City, and an expert golfer joins the podcast today to hash out the meaning of hospitality and dive into his business. They discuss the broader meaning of hospitality in var…
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Cultivating Joy and Awe - Nathan St. Cyr- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 195
59:54
59:54
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59:54What does it take to be the number one small hostile in North America? Today we welcome Nathan St. Cyr, Co-Founder of Malama Capital and Owner of Howzit Hostels, to tell us just that. Dan and Nathan dive into Nathan's journey within the hospitality industry, including his foundational experiences in sales, his profound motivation rooted in personal…
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Weaving the Future of Design - Mark Page - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 194
1:03:06
1:03:06
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1:03:06Mentorship is important in encouraging students to enter artistic and creative career paths. Mark Page, Vice President of Design at Mohawk Industries, touches on the importance of fostering connections with colleges and universities to inspire the youth of today to continue their creative paths. Mark also shares insights on the challenges and innov…
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Building Together - Ian Mills and Becca Roderick- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 193
59:53
59:53
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59:53Today we discuss the intersection of architecture and interior design, finding a common ground for both aspects to complement each other. Ian Mills and Becca Roderick, Executive Directors of Architecture and Interiors, respectively, at Morris Adjmi Architects. They delve into the concept of hospitality, the collaborative process within their firm, …
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Behind the Brand - David Carofano - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 192
53:52
53:52
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53:52We’re going all in on branding and strategy for hospitality companies this week! David Carofano, Strategy and Commercial Director at Crown Creative joins as Dan’s guest to discuss the importance of branding in the hospitality industry, from conceptualizing a new project to breathing life into an established brand. David shares his journey, starting…
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Putting Others First - Thomas Healy - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 191
1:09:44
1:09:44
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1:09:44What’s more important than making guests feel cared for? Today, Thomas Healy joins to discuss the core values of hospitality, the importance of a diverse and inclusive team, and his definition of leadership. He also reflects on how his upbringing in his family's New Jersey restaurant informed his hospitality ethos. The interview touches on signific…
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Elevating Spaces and Inspiring Minds - Kellie Sirna - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 190
53:02
53:02
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53:02Mentorship is so valuable, especially in hospitality. Today Dan interviews Kellie Sirna, Owner and Principal of Studio 11 Design. Kellie shares her journey through 20 years in the hospitality design industry, highlighting key milestones such as the purchase and renovation of a historic building, the expansion of her business with sister companies s…
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Event Magic and Community Building - Meg Gutowski - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 189
1:01:23
1:01:23
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1:01:23Is there power behind organized chaos? Today, Dan Ryan engages with Meg Gutowski, Vice President of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC). They discuss the essence of hospitality, the role of ILC in fostering connections among industry professionals, and the unique blend of events hosted by ILC that emphasize genuine human interactions over transa…
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Soulful Hospitality - Rob Blood - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 188
1:02:01
1:02:01
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1:02:01What is soul-making hospitality? Today, Rob Blood, Founder and Chairman of Lark Hotels and Principal at Elder and Ash, joins Dan to talk about the importance of creating genuine hospitality experiences. Rob shares his journey from an innkeeper to managing nearly one hundred hotels and over thirty restaurants. They discuss the core principles of hos…
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Art, Vision, and Impact in Hospitality - Richard Kessler - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 187
1:01:11
1:01:11
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1:01:11Implementing art and music, seeing potential, and giving back are the key pillars that Mr. Richard Kessler brings to his business. As the Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, and over 50 years of experience in the field of hospitality, Mr. Kessler shares in his unique story. Mr. Kessler discusses his transition from helping found Days Inn to…
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Rebuilding Hospitality - Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 186
52:40
52:40
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52:40Hospitality is key, especially under hardships and destruction, something Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele, Co-Owners of the Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins in Asheville, North Carolina are passionate about. They discuss their unique urban campground hotel and the challenges they've faced. The conversation explores the definition of hospitality, the…
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Redefining Service Culture - Robyn Pratt - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 185
54:30
54:30
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54:30In this episode, Dan Ryan interviews Robyn Pratt, the General Manager of the Phoenicia Hotel in Malta and Principal of Impact Consulting Limited. Robyn shares her journey from her upbringing in Australia to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry. She elaborates on the importance of genuine employee engagement and shares her approach to creat…
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Value-Driven Hospitality - Casey Lavin - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 184
1:00:03
1:00:03
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1:00:03🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ In this episode, Dan Ryan explores the deeper significance of hospitality with guest Casey Lavin, President of Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC). They discuss the importance of culture, values, and i…
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Building Homes and Futures - Oscar Mejia - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 183
55:51
55:51
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55:51🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ In this episode of Defining Hospitality, host Dan Ryan talks with Oscar Mejia, Co-Founder of Asociacion de Casas a Hogares (Houses to Homes) based in Antigua, Guatemala. The discussion delves into Osca…
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Leadership and Legacy in Hospitality - Marc Bromley - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 182
44:58
44:58
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44:58🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ In this episode of Defining Hospitality, host Dan Ryan chats with Marc Bromley, Regional VP and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C. The discussion delves into the essence of hospita…
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Creativity Outside the Comfort Zone - Dwayne MacEwen - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 181
1:01:20
1:01:20
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1:01:20🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Today, Dan Ryan hosts Dwayne MacEwen, a renowned architecture and design professional, and Founder and Principal of DMAC Architecture and Interiors. The conversation delves into Dwayne's journey from w…
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Building More Than Hotels - Ashley Ewing Parrott - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 180
55:43
55:43
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55:43🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ In today’s episode, Dan Ryan sits down with Ashley Ewing Parrott, Founder and Principal Creative Director at AEP Hospitality Consulting and Co-Founder of The Saturday Crowd. The discussion delves into …
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Meet, Greet, Treat - Eliza Pesuit - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 179
58:41
58:41
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58:41🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ In today’s episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan welcomes Eliza Pesuit, the Founder and CEO of Global Glimpse. Eliza discusses her journey in reimagining travel and how it can serve as a powerful e…
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The Science of Design - Matthew Goodrich - Defining Hospitality - Episode #178
1:12:24
1:12:24
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1:12:24🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Today, Dan explores hospitality design with Matthew Goodrich, an acclaimed interior designer and strategist. They dive into Goodrich's journey from his art background to founding his own firm, Goodrich…
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Doorways to Branding Success - Bonnie Campagnuolo - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 177
55:32
55:32
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55:32🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Today, host Dan Ryan sits down with Bonnie Campagnuolo, Brand Leader of Embassy Suites by Hilton. The discussion follows the intricacies of hospitality, brand strategy, and evolving customer needs. Bon…
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Purchasing with Purpose - Áine O’Connor - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 176
54:47
54:47
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54:47🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Today Dan Ryan welcomes Áine O'Connor, President of the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP) and Founder of AOC Purchasing LLC. Áine shares her extensive experience in the hospitality…
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Pioneering a Stand Alone Vision - Mary Alice Palmer - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 175
51:16
51:16
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51:16In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan meets with Mary Alice Palmer, the Global Creative Director and Founding Principal at ROAM Interior Design. The conversation focuses on the innovative decision by HKS to spin out ROAM as a standalone design firm. Mary Alice shares insights into her career, mentorship influences, and the strategic con…
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