Welcome to Bed and Butter, THE Hospitality podcast designed for aspiring industry leaders and students. Hosted by Sean Riley and produced in collaboration with Southern Maine Community College, this series dives deep into the world of hospitality with expert insights, hands-on advice, and inspiring stories.

In this episode, we hear from three dedicated hospitality students, each with unique experiences spanning culinary arts, hotel management, and event planning. Their journeys highlight the value of education, the importance of hands-on learning, and the dynamic opportunities available in this ever-evolving field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your career, their stories offer valuable lessons and motivation.

Tune in and let’s spread the knowledge, one episode at a time!

Welcome to Season 2 of Bed & Butter, THE Hospitality Podcast crafted for aspiring students and industry innovators. In this episode, we dive into hospitality with Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. With a remarkable 40-year career in travel, Dondra shares her journey from American Airlines to leading a renowned cruise line.

Join us as Dondra offers invaluable insights on building a successful career, emphasizing the importance of humility, perseverance, and continuous learning. Whether you're a student or a professional in the hospitality sector, this episode provides actionable advice and inspiration.

Discover the nuances of balancing professional and personal life, overcoming challenges, and leading with heart and vision. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a trailblazer who is redefining the future of travel.

In this episode of Bed and Butter, THE Hospitality Podcast, host Sean Riley sits down with Alex Chong, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef turned successful entrepreneur and owner of Grand Cru Hospitality in Portland, Oregon. From his humble beginnings in Maine to running multiple food and beverage businesses across the country, Alex shares his journey and valuable insights into the hospitality industry. Along the way, he opens up about his path, including a wedding cake mishap that nearly ended his career—until it became a valuable lesson in handling adversity and staying calm under pressure.

Learn about his path to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned through adversity, and how his experience in both culinary and business education shaped his career. Alex's story will surely inspire whether you're an aspiring chef or looking to dive into hospitality management.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's brightest entrepreneurs. Tune in now!

Welcome to Season 2 of Bed & Butter: The Hospitality Podcast, crafted for budding students and aspiring industry leaders in partnership with Southern Maine Community College. In today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Bogatay, a visionary in the hospitality industry with over 40 years of experience.

Join us as we explore Jonathan's remarkable career path, from his early days as a bellhop to becoming the Maine Course Hospitality Group President. Learn about the invaluable lessons he's gathered, the challenges he's overcome, and the wisdom he's gained along the way. Jonathan shares insights into the business of hotels, the significance of mentorship, and the importance of dreaming big in this global industry.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just entering the hospitality world, Jonathan's story is sure to inspire and educate. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that delves into the heart of hospitality, uncovering trends, strategies, and the essence of leadership in the industry.

Welcome back to "Bed and Butter," the hospitality podcast, as we kick off an exciting second season with your host, Sean Reilly. This season, we're diving into inspiring stories from industry leaders shaping the hospitality world.

Join us as we hear from Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruise Lines, a trailblazer breaking new ground in the cruise line business. Discover her insights on balancing a high-powered career with family life.

Explore the journey of Alex Chong, an entrepreneur who transformed his passion for food and beverage into a thriving business across multiple locations, including Portland, Oregon.

Delve into the art of hotel design with Carrie Nielsen, a leading expert at Group One, a JCJ Architectural studio, who shares her expertise in creating memorable hospitality experiences.

Finally, get personal with Brian Proctor, the voice behind the hit podcast "Tuesday's Thanks," as he shares his unique perspective on gratitude in the industry.

Don't miss out on these captivating stories. Subscribe to "Bed and Butter" for a season filled with insights and inspiration. Thank you for tuning in, and have a butterful day!

Welcome to the latest episode of Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast. Our host, Sean Riley, brings on Peter Twachtman, the charismatic CEO of Lark Hotels. Listen as Peter recounts his growth from being a busboy to heading one of America's rapidly expanding companies in the boutique hotel sector. Get a glimpse of Peter's people-centric leadership style and focus on core values.

Peter talks about how Lark Hotels sets itself apart from other hotel management firms by ingeniously blending design, marketing, and finance to redefine the hospitality industry. Explore Peter's innovative hotel brands, including Blind Tiger, Bluebird, and AWOL, all operating under the Lark Hotels umbrella. These brands are reshaping the customer experience in the hospitality sector. This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the thriving boutique hotels sector, leadership insights in hospitality, and the significance of adhering to core values on the path to success.

In the second part of our episode, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the value of maintaining a balanced professional and personal life. Gain insights into the unique advantage of being a small asset generalist and how this can fuel professional growth. Our guest stresses the importance of continuous learning and avoiding professional stagnation, regardless of the level of success one has achieved.

With a wealth of knowledge to offer, this episode isn't just for young professionals seeking to drive their careers but is also beneficial for anyone seeking balance and growth in their professional journey.

Welcome to the latest episode of Bed and Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast. This week, we talk with brand enthusiast Whitney Knight, Director of Brand Management for Homewood Suites by Hilton, about the core branding elements in the hospitality industry. Learn how she deftly navigates guest experience, service culture, and underlying business models in one of the world's top hotel chains. From high-level partnership decisions to managing the pandemic's impacts, this episode paints a compelling picture of corporate resilience and alignment with brand vision.

Tune in as we dive into specific strategies for maintaining brand relevance, including the revolutionary changes upcoming for Homewood Suites. Whitney offers valuable insights into striking a careful balance between owner interests and guest needs, ensuring constant brand consistency and excellence. Through the Homewood Suites experience lens, discover the depth of authenticity required to create outstanding hotel experiences that stand the test of time.

This episode is a goldmine of advice for career advancement. Moreover, it explores the unique opportunities offered in the industry, emphasizing the importance of persistence, networking, and a proactive approach. Plus, get a glimpse of fascinating travel experiences and the cultural diversity in the industry.

This conversation is not just a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their understanding of hospitality branding and career progression, but also a testament to the crucial role hospitality plays in our global landscape. Tune in to deepen your knowledge and find inspiration for your journey in the world of hospitality, and feel proud to be a part of an industry that impacts lives worldwide.

Welcome to the latest episode of Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast! Join your host, Sean Riley, as he delves into an insightful conversation with accomplished Maine Course Hospitality Group (MCHG) Hampton Inn General Manager Virginia Blair. In this episode, gain insight into Virginia's remarkable journey from part-time night auditor to general manager—an invaluable lesson for both students and professionals in the hospitality industry. The discussion offers lessons on professional growth, balancing work and personal life, and cultivating success as a process.

Explore Virginia's unique philosophy of success and her insights on fostering a close-knit work environment through personal connections. As a member of Hampton's National Advisory Committee, Virginia also offers a glimpse into the latest trends in the hospitality industry. Whether you're just starting or an industry veteran, let Virginia's approach to success and the sector inspire you.

In addition to these career insights, this episode takes a deep dive into the challenges of working in the fast-paced, high-pressure hospitality industry. Listen as the host and guests share their personal experiences, highlighting the psychological impact of such stressful environments and how the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges.

Our podcast guests openly discuss their struggles, offering helpful advice on managing and mitigating workplace stress. Learn about various coping mechanisms while understanding the significance of team wellness and methods to create a workplace environment conducive to work-life balance.

Tune in to this compelling episode, which serves as a timely reminder of the importance of self-care for leaders, students, and professionals.