In this episode of the Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk interviews Bryan Tubaugh, the founder of Aligned Hospitality Management. Brian shares his unique journey starting from his early days growing up in a hospitality family to founding his own management company. He discusses the valuable lessons learned from his first job as a houseman at DoubleTree, and how pivotal moments and mentors shaped his path. Brian also talks about the challenges and rewards of starting Aligned Hospitality Management during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of vision and mentorship in the industry, and his plans for the future growth of his company.

00:00 Introduction to the Hospitality Mentor Podcast

00:35 Meet Bryan Tubaugh of Aligned Hospitality Management

01:15 Brian's Early Days in Hospitality

02:55 College and Early Career Moves

04:34 Breaking Away and Finding Independence

06:31 First Leadership Role and Learning Experiences

11:25 Transition to Luxury Hospitality

14:40 Pivotal Moments and Entrepreneurial Aspirations

18:11 Leading a Team at Hilton Elcon KiOR

21:45 The Importance of People Over Profit

22:19 A Fortunate Opportunity

23:35 The Start of a New Venture

24:45 Navigating Challenges and Growth

25:58 Launching the Business During COVID

27:09 Building the Business from Scratch

32:54 First Clients and Early Success

33:33 The Value of Hospitality Management

37:20 Future Plans and Mentorship

41:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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