Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
Chris Cano
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Top 10 Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts Episodes
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Compounding Recognition with Hector Pachon of Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
10/02/22 • 22 min
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Hector Pachon, General Manager at the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort.
Hector has sought to learn from his leaders throughout his career. So when he finally moved into a management position himself, he had already honed some of the necessary leadership skills. One of the most important principles he learned was the value of keeping up staff morale. To accomplish this, Hector employs a tactic of compounding recognition, which includes several core foundational ideas:
Make praise and recognition a daily practice.
Engage in regular morale-boosting activities, not just periodic events.
Prove yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy leader by doing grunt work alongside your staff regularly.
Express continual gratitude for the work your staff accomplishes.
By showing regular appreciation for his team, Hector is able to compound the motivation of his staff over time, producing an outstanding workforce dedicated to going above and beyond for the sake of their guests.
Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort - https://www.marcopolobeachresort.com/
Chris Cano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/
Upshift - https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
HospitalityLeaderspodcast.com.
#hospitality #foodservice
10/02/22 • 22 min
Principles of Hospitality Leadership with Gerry VanAcker at the Detroit Zoological Society
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
09/25/22 • 26 min
On this episode, I’m joined by Gerry VanAcker, Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Zoological Society, to hear some of the leadership wisdom Gerry has gleaned from decades in the hospitality industry.
Gerry is about as experienced as one can get in hospitality, having been the first manager of a Marriott hotel in Detroit and bouncing between a host of leadership positions over his rich career. Throughout his various roles, Gerry has picked up insights into what makes a successful hospitality leader. Some notable pieces of advice he has to offer include:
Seek out diverse opportunities to grow your own skill set.
Successful initiatives require buy-in from the ground-level staff.
Good leaders treat both their staff and their guests with respect.
Hands-on management can get the whole team invested in your leadership.
Always maintain a level of humility about your work.
With his attitude of humility and respect, Gerry has built a long and storied career helping a score of hospitality organizations serve their guests in outstanding ways.
Detroit Zoological Society - https://detroitzoo.org/about/your-detroit-zoo/
Detroit Zoological Society - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/detroitzoologicalsociety/
Detroit Zoological Society - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/detroitzoo/?hl=en
Detroit Zoological Society - Twitter - https://twitter.com/detroitzoo?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Chris Cano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/
Upshift - https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeaderspodcast.com.
#hospitality #Foodservice
09/25/22 • 26 min
Art's Influence in Hospitality with Dan Oppenheimer at Robinson Editions
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
09/18/22 • 31 min
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Dan Oppenheimer, President at Robinson Editions, to hear some of the ways that art has helped to shape the hospitality industry.
Dan has been an artist and a craftsman for nearly half a century, working in stained glass, photography and sculptures. He started by producing signage for the hospitality and food service industry. Now his business focuses on creating a welcoming, homey aesthetic for hospitality businesses.
To Dan, art and hospitality influence each other in several important ways:
Artists can be instrumental in making an organization feel hospitable.
Regional art can capture the local spirit and support the local community.
Evolving needs in hospitality can help elevate art techniques.
Both the art and hospitality industries prioritize training and development of future leaders and pioneers.
The passion Dan has for his art mirrors the passion that so many hospitality leaders have for their work. In partnership, these two combine to create a guest experience that feels like a home away from home.
Robinson Editions - https://www.robinsoneditions.com/
Chris Cano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/
Upshift - https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-Star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit HospitalityLeaderspodcast.com.
#hospitality #Foodservice
09/18/22 • 31 min
The Future of Hospitality with Andrea Foster of Marcus Hotels & Resorts and EVPassport
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
09/11/22 • 33 min
In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Andrea Foster, Senior Vice President of Development at Marcus Hotels and Resorts and Advisory Board Member at EVPassport.
Andrea is a hospitality veteran; she started her guest service journey working in her parents’ ice-cream shop when she was just 11 years old. Her experience in the industry has allowed her to notice changing trends that are setting the hospitality world on a different course. To be successful, leaders in the industry have to adapt to this new landscape.
Andrea proposes several ways to stay on course in these changing times:
- Embrace new technologies, like electric car charging stations.
- Learn to meet guests’ needs in a way that doesn’t overburden team members.
- Advocate for the internal development of associates.
- Create mentorship opportunities for your staff.
- Prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts.
- Provide diverse visibility in leadership.
- Maintain a willingness to learn new skills throughout your career.
In an industry that can be brutally unpredictable, Andrea’s words of wisdom offer an opportunity for leaders at all levels to stay on the front foot.
- Andrea Foster - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreakmfoster/
- EVPassport - https://www.evpassport.com/
- EVPassport - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evpassport/
- Marcus Hotels and Resorts - https://www.marcushotels.com/
- Marcus Hotels and Resorts - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/marcus-hotels-&-resorts/
- Chris Cano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/
- Upshift - https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-Star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
09/11/22 • 33 min
Building a Service Culture with Chuck Salem at Unique Venues
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
09/04/22 • 34 min
Today I’m joined by Chuck Salem, CEO and Co-Owner at Unique Venues, to discuss the way culture impacts the identity of an organization, and how that identity manifests in hospitality.
Even though he had always been drawn to hospitality, Chuck didn’t initially pursue a career in the industry. He was on the path to being a university teacher when he was swept up in the event planning and guest services that his university engaged in during the offseason. Destiny had pulled him back into the hospitality industry and it wasn’t long before he found his feet at Unique Venues as CEO and eventual Co-Owner.
From the beginning of his time at Unique Venues, culture has been a foundational focus of Chuck’s. He passionately believes in going above and beyond in the name of service, and he’s always tried to weave that philosophy into the culture of his business. He underwent training in business culture to fully understand the natural inclinations of his organization and then worked with his leaders to create policies that fully embrace the kind of company they want to be.
For Chuck and his team, hospitality isn’t just their industry; it’s their identity.
- Chuck Salem - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-salem-1182416/
- Chuck Salem - Email - [email protected]
- Unique Venues - https://www.uniquevenues.com/
- Unique Venues - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-venues/
- Chris Cano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/
- Upshift - https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
09/04/22 • 34 min
Building a Legacy of Hospitality with Captain William Lozier of Memphis Riverboats
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
08/28/22 • 17 min
Today’s conversation features Captain William Lozier, President of Memphis Riverboats.
William is a third-generation riverboat captain. The boats that he pilots were designed and built by his grandfather. His organization is the embodiment of a local, family-owned business, and William intends to keep it that way, with plans to eventually pass the business on to his daughters. These family-centric values have made Memphis Riverboats a community landmark. This has allowed William to build great relationships, not only with his customers, but also the city officials he depends on in order to operate his business smoothly.
These strong relationships have helped William’s business through difficult times. Memphis Riverboats has operated unceasingly since the 1950s, including through the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s an outstanding example of the strengths of family-owned businesses, and how building strong community relationships can be one of the most powerful assets a company has.
More than the bottom line, it’s his family’s legacy that motivates William to succeed. While he keeps his mind focused on the daily tasks at hand, he always has one eye on the future and the leadership he will eventually pass on to his daughters.
- Memphis Riverboats
- Memphis Riverboats - LinkedIn
- Chris Cano
- Upshift
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-Star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
08/28/22 • 17 min
The Future of Hospitality Talent with Stowe Shoemaker of UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
08/21/22 • 26 min
I’m joined today by Stowe Shoemaker, Dean at the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, to hear about some of the ways that UNLV is pushing the hospitality industry forward through education.
The most striking factor about the hospitality education program that Stowe runs, is that it’s not simply tacked on to the business school curriculum like so many similar programs around the country. While business knowledge is an important part of leading any hotel or restaurant, what sets Stowe’s program apart is its emphasis on service, the lifeblood of the hospitality industry. Stowe is far more interested in teaching his students how to excel at customer service. The numbers game that comes with running a business comes secondary to that education.
This is driving a change in the hospitality culture. Students of the program are attracted to the course because of their passion for service and hospitality, not because they’re looking for an entry-level job. Being a dishwasher isn’t just a job, but part of a rotational internship meant to provide a holistic education in hospitality.
These future leaders are learning to embody the spirit of the industry they love.
- Stowe Shoemaker
- UNLV
- UNLV - LinkedIn
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality - LinkedIn
- Chris Cano
- Upshift
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-Star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
08/21/22 • 26 min
Bringing Hospitality to the EV Experience with Hooman Shahidi of EVPassport
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
08/14/22 • 23 min
Today’s interview with Hooman Shahidi, President and Co-Founder at EVPassport, provides an outstanding opportunity for hospitality businesses to add value to their organization and build for the future.
Hooman and his organization are seeking to make electric vehicle charging more affordable and accessible both for consumers and businesses. By lowering the barrier of entry to acquiring charging equipment, Hooman and his team are making it feasible for companies to provide this extra service for their guests. Hooman sees a future where this infrastructure is almost ubiquitous, and where electric charging stations become an essential amenity for guests seeking travel accommodation.
With the global transition to cleaner sources of energy, this future may be greatly accelerated, and Hooman doesn’t think it will be long before electric charging stations stand alongside Wi-Fi as a non-negotiable element of an organization’s infrastructure.
The accessibility of Hooman’s infrastructure is a great lesson in the need for businesses to always be thinking about future added value. The hospitality industry is dynamic and needs to evolve as the needs and desires of guests change, often with the advent of new technology.
- Hooman Shahidi
- EVPassport
- EVPassport - LinkedIn
- EVPassport - Twitter
- EVPassport - Email
- Chris Cano
- Upshift
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-Star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
08/14/22 • 23 min
Leveraging Feedback with Jim Capek of Westborough Country Club
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
08/08/22 • 23 min
I’m excited to be joined in conversation today by Jim Capek, General Manager of Westborough Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri.
Jim was destined for his current role, starting work at country clubs at the age of just 15 and continuing to follow that industry path unhindered ever since. His years of experience have given him a unique look into the various cultures within different club communities, and how these dictate management practices.
Westborough Country Club has undergone a seismic cultural shift since Jim took over management and he and his team worked to bring in younger members. The changes he implemented were ultimately successful, but only because Jim intentionally sought guests’ feedback. Focus groups and members meetings gave Jim a concrete understanding of areas of flexibility within his memberships—areas where he could focus his reforming efforts.
This guest input came in conjunction with feedback from Jim’s staff. For any given change to his facilities, he needed buy-in from his team. Renovations for his guests’ comfort had to go hand-in-hand with making his team’s job easier. When it came to feedback, the members and the staff both had something valuable to offer.
- Jim Capek
- Westborough Country Club
- Westborough Country Club - LinkedIn
- Westborough Country Club - Instagram
- Chris Cano
- Upshift
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-Star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
08/08/22 • 23 min
Work-Life Purpose with Jeffrey Wise at Whitewater
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts
10/10/22 • 32 min
Today’s episode features a conversation between myself and Jeffrey Wise, CEO at Whitewater.
Jeffrey grew up on the thrill of the outdoors, getting involved in biking, paddling and backpacking at a young age. Whitewater provided not only an opportunity to share his love of the outdoors with his guests but also to encourage the appreciation and protection of nature.
Doing a job that he loves has taught Jeffrey some important lessons in regard to his work-life balance:
Work and life should not compete but harmonize with each other.
Work is a part of life and the two act together to create purpose.
An organization thrives because of its cohesion as a team, not because of any one individual.
Purpose can be found in daily work and in producing something meaningful.
These principles can help fellow hospitality leaders integrate their work into a balanced, healthy approach to their professional and personal lives.
Jeffrey Wise - https://whitewater.org/leadership/
Whitewater - https://whitewater.org/
Chris Cano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcano/
Upshift - https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsh%C4%B1ft/
If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit
HospitalityLeaderspodcast.com.
#hospitality #foodservice
10/10/22 • 32 min
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FAQ
How many episodes does Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts have?
Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts currently has 76 episodes available.
What topics does Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts?
The episode title 'Compounding Recognition with Hector Pachon of Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts?
The average episode length on Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts is 26 minutes.
How often are episodes of Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts released?
Episodes of Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts?
The first episode of Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts was released on Sep 8, 2021.
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