Join host Steve Turk on the Hospitality Mentor Podcast as he interviews Executive Chef Rebecca Tillman of the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. Rebecca shares her journey from her humble beginnings scooping ice cream at Swenson's to her prestigious role in one of the world's top luxury hotels.

Learn about her experiences, the challenges she overcame, and the wisdom she gained from her mentors. This episode is packed with insights into what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of hospitality.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:35 Meet Executive Chef Rebecca Tillman

00:50 Rebecca's First Job in Hospitality

02:12 High School Years and Early Leadership

03:44 College and Culinary School Journey

08:53 First Job at Arizona Biltmore

15:25 Moving to North Carolina and the Biltmore Estate

23:50 Generations of Memories

24:02 Special Events and Honored Guests

24:28 Legacy and Challenges

25:35 Career Moves and New Opportunities

27:29 Leadership and Growth

32:20 Returning to Arizona

33:11 Joining Hilton and Corporate Travels

35:03 The Phoenician Experience

40:33 Transition to Ritz Carlton

47:51 Advice to Young Rebecca

49:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk talks with Michael Friedman, the CEO of Simple Life Hospitality. They discuss Michael's career journey, which began with odd jobs in college and evolved into high-level roles in various hospitality and consulting firms. Michael shares insights on scaling businesses, emphasizing the importance of guest experience, and leveraging educational resources for professional growth. They also touch on Michael’s recent implementation of the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) at Simple Life and his vision for future expansion.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:37 Meet Michael Friedman: CEO of Simple Life Hospitality

01:28 Michael's First Job in Hospitality

03:33 From Real Estate to Hospitality Consulting

05:20 The Evolution of Short-Term Rentals

09:03 Transition to Luxury Simplified

10:10 The Birth of Vacation Rental University

18:12 Experience with One Fine Stay

23:45 Refocusing Targeting for Success

24:06 Lessons from New York's Hospitality Scene

24:19 Creating Exceptional Guest Experiences

25:27 Selective Homeowner Partnerships

26:28 Transition to Simple Life Hospitality

28:38 Implementing EOS for Growth

32:42 Strategic Market Expansion

36:34 Advice for Aspiring Property Managers

43:27 The Importance of Hospitality Hooks

44:37 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Steve Galbreath, the Chief Development Officer of Garfield Public Private LLC.

Steve discusses his journey from being an architect to a hospitality developer. He provides insights into the work Garfield Public Private LLC does in helping cities, airports, and universities develop convention centers and hotels.

The conversation also covers his first hospitality project in the Bahamas, the importance of good design, and how he navigated the transition from architecture to development. Steve shares his thoughts on working with city governments, the economic impact of hotel projects, and offers advice to young professionals about taking risks and enjoying their career journey. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in hospitality development, city planning, and architecture.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:46 Overview of Garfield Public Private LLC

02:28 Steve's First Job in Hospitality

04:12 Early Career and Transition to Architecture

06:09 Challenges and Lessons in Architecture

07:27 Journey into Hotel Projects

09:40 Career Growth and Opportunities

17:13 Joining Garfield and New Beginnings

24:35 Current Trends and Future Prospects

27:21 The Importance of Convention Hotels

30:30 Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

34:12 Designing for Comfort and Convenience

38:24 Exploring New Hospitality Trends

49:39 Advice for Aspiring Developers

54:41 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Fernando Rojas, partner of Agency BE. Fernando shares his unique journey from his early passion for banking in Ecuador to his flourishing career in the hospitality and events industry. He discusses his adventurous move to the UAE, the challenges of launching an event company in Miami, and his current project, the World Travel Expo (WTE Miami) 2024, highlighting how curiosity and risk-taking have driven his success. Listeners can expect insights on entrepreneurial perseverance, the evolution of Agency BE, and the importance of the WTE Miami show.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:37 Meet Fernando Rojas: Partner of Agency BE

01:21 Current Projects: World Travel Expo 2024

02:53 Fernando's Journey: From Banking to Hospitality

07:29 Life in the UAE: Cultural Experiences and Challenges

13:47 Starting a New Life in Miami

15:24 The Birth of Agency BE

20:37 Challenges and Lessons in the Event Industry

23:44 The Turning Point: Winning the Fontainebleau Contract

24:38 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Curiosity

26:43 The Dynamic World of Event Management

30:17 The Evolution of Blooming Events

33:58 Launching the World Travel Expo

46:12 Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

50:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Cesar Wurm, Vice President of Commercial, Premium Brands for IHG® Hotels & Resorts and an accomplished author. Cesar shares his unique journey from an overnight room service assistant in Sao Paulo to a key figure in the hospitality industry. Listeners will gain insights into Cesar's career progression, his struggles with addiction, and how he overcame them. The discussion also touches on the industry's challenges, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself. Cesar’s story is both inspiring and educational, providing valuable lessons for both seasoned professionals and newcomers in hospitality.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:35 Meet Cesar Wurm: Vice President of Commercial for IHG

01:14 Cesar's First Job in Hospitality

05:20 The Journey from Room Service to Sales

05:31 Transitioning to International Experience

09:52 Returning to Sheraton as Director of Sales

12:31 Joining Starwood Hotels

16:08 The Move to Trust Hospitality

19:11 Joining Intercontinental Hotels

26:51 Teaching and Giving Back to the Community

29:43 Aligning Personal and Professional Causes

30:18 Returning to IHG: A Career Move

33:10 Navigating New Roles and Responsibilities

35:03 Driving Business in the Hospitality Industry

38:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Hospitality

42:04 The Power of Addiction: A Personal Journey

54:37 Advice for the Next Generation

01:01:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Vittorio Assaf, founder of the Serafina Group. Vittorio shares his journey from Italian stockbroker to celebrated restaurateur, recounting his early beginnings in 1986 with an investment from Andy Warhol, to the founding of the Serafina restaurants, a venture he conceived while lost at sea with his partner.

The conversation dives into the challenges of maintaining quality amidst expansion, the impact of the pandemic on the industry, and Vittorio’s advice on handling stress and ensuring efficiency. Vittorio also shares exciting new ventures, including international expansions and innovations in retail food products.

The episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about the hospitality industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:37 Meet Vittorio Assaf: Founder of Serafina Group

00:59 Vittorio's First Steps in Hospitality

03:04 From Stockbroker to Restaurateur

07:37 The Birth of Serafina

12:17 Navigating Early Challenges and Successes

22:16 Handling Restaurant Stress and Team Management

27:14 Expansion and the Second Location

35:45 The Hype of a Crazy Place

36:26 Expanding the Restaurant Empire

36:58 Maintaining Quality and Standards

38:02 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

39:51 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

40:58 International Ventures and New Projects

44:02 Impact of the Pandemic on Business

46:11 Rising Costs and Economic Pressures

54:04 Technological Innovations in Restaurants

01:04:04 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Scott Colebourne, the founder of PICKLESTARS. Scott shares his unconventional journey from growing up in rural New Zealand, where he developed a passion for tennis, to becoming the CEO of Cliff Drysdale Management and now venturing into pickleball consulting. He discusses his experiences and challenges in the hospitality and sports industries, the growth of pickleball, and the innovative services PICKLESTARS offers to hotels and resorts. Scott offers valuable insights into leadership, career development, and the importance of taking risks to explore new opportunities.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:35 Meet Scott Colebourne : Founder of PICKLESTARS

01:33 Understanding Pickleball and Other Racket Sports

03:01 Scott's Early Journey in Racket Sports

04:44 From New Zealand to the USA: Scott's College and Backpacking Adventures

08:37 Building a Career in Tennis Coaching

10:53 Leadership and Growth at Cliff Drysdale Management

12:50 Expanding Horizons: From Vermont to Florida

16:12 Managing Multiple Resorts: Strategies and Challenges

16:35 The Importance of High Standards and Feedback

18:02 Career Progression and Family Support

18:46 Transition to Texas and New Responsibilities

19:54 Reaching the CEO Level: Reflections and Responsibilities

21:46 Entrepreneurial Journey and New Ventures

23:19 Launching PICKLESTARS: From Concept to Reality

25:29 Consulting for Pickleball in Hospitality

31:05 Advice for Aspiring Professionals

32:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk welcomes back James Ferguson, the Corporate Director of Culture for the Wurzak Hotel Group, for his second appearance on the show.

They discuss James' inspiring journey in hospitality, from starting at the front desk to writing his book, 'The Confetti Culture Playbook,' and overcoming cancer. James shares insights into his unique role in shaping company culture, strategies for engaging employees, and the importance of celebrating positive actions.

They also talk about the challenges of opening a new hotel and effective recruitment practices. James offers valuable advice on creating a lasting impact in the hospitality industry through innovative cultural initiatives.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:31 Welcoming Back James Ferguson

01:19 James Ferguson's Journey and Achievements

02:46 Role and Responsibilities of a Director of Culture

03:52 Building and Sustaining Company Culture

05:24 Innovative Recruitment and Retention Strategies

12:39 Opening a New Hotel Amidst Challenges

16:51 Daily Life and Responsibilities in the Role

28:17 Insights on Writing and Publishing a Book

33:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts