Indie Colorcast is where we explore independent hospitality, entrepreneurship, and society at large. Through conversations with leaders in our community of hoteliers, designers, and others; we encourage idea generation and new ways of conducting meaningful business.
Indie Congress sits down with Paul Tamburello to talk about professional values, philanthropy, Little Man Ice Cream, and his other ventures. Paul Tamburello's name has become synonymous with creative design and transformative, value-driven development throughout Denver's unique neighborhoods. A project with Paul's stamp on it is sure to be a thoughtfully integrated, pedestrian-friendly space that enhances the community by catering to the needs of those living and working in the area. Paul developed and consulted on several well-known projects around the city and in particular the Highland neighborhood including Highland Lofts; Root Down and Linger restaurants, and LoHi Market Place (Olinger) and is now working on five adaptive re-use projects in the Sunnyside neighborhood. Paul also owns Little Man Ice Cream, a popular Highland ice cream shop in the shape of a milk can. His efforts dubbed him the name “Godfather” of Highland. In Paul's Real Estate endeavors, he carries over 20 years of expertise in the Denver area. His knowledge, along with his passion for service facilitated his 1994 “Rookie of the Year” award that was given during Paul's first 12 months in Real Estate. In commercial sales, he earned the respect and trust for his knowledge and expertise from organizations like the Archdiocese of Denver, United Methodist Church, Urban Ventures, Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous others. Paul's mission is simple; develop buildings that will endure for residents, visitors, and the community at large. The goal is always to assemble a talented and visionary team and then provide them the tools, resources and support to execute that vision. Paul's formula for success is straightforward: communicate through every challenge, work to never overlook the details, and always make every effort to deliver on time.
In the season 5 premiere of Indie Colorcast we sit down with Ryan Diggins. Ryan is the co-founder and CEO of Midnight Auteur, a hotel development, branding and operations hospitality company specializing in design forward, cocktail anchored independent hotels. Here, he leads hotel concepting, development and operations. Created in 2022, Midnight Auteur leverages the experiences of two established groups – Gravitas, the developer and operator of the widely successful Ramble Hotel in Denver, and Gin & Luck, the globally recognized bar and restaurant group, most well-known for the Death & Co brand – to build and operate hotels that immerse guests fully and seamlessly between social spaces and retreat.
Marc Graser helps brands become storytellers. After spending nearly two decades covering all aspects of the entertainment and marketing industries in senior editing and writing roles at leading industry publications Variety and Advertising Age. Moving from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, Marc became the first Editorial Director for Marriott International, where he developed multi-channel content strategies for the company's 30 hotel brands and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty and partnership teams. In the role, he launched Marriott Traveler, making it the hotel industry's most popular online travel magazine, and a new revenue stream for the world's largest hotel company. More recently, he assembled and managed the creative team that produces the print and digital magazines, social and influencer strategy, as well as Aston Martin partnership content, for Hilton's luxury hotel brands Waldorf Astoria and Conrad. In addition to connecting brands with entertainment opportunities through his brand consultancy, Content Inspired, Marc launched Travel Inspired to curate great travel storytelling. The site became one of the fastest-growing new travel sites in 2019. His articles have also appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, Toronto Sun, Miami Herald, Arizona Republic, Albuquerque Journal and Fade In magazine. Passionate about film, TV, travel, design, hotels, cars and airlines, Marc doesn't have children but he probably should. He has visited all 12 Disney theme parks around the world. Twice. Marc's also attended 10 WrestleManias, 17 Comic-Cons in San Diego, and piloted the Fujifilm blimp. Marc is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He grew up in Germany as an Army Brat and now lives in D.C., with his husband, Dale, and dog, Whiskey.
Yasmine Mustafa is a social entrepreneur and the CEO of ROAR. Fueled by a passion to leverage technology for good, she leads the ROAR team in their mission to cultivate safer workplaces and empowered communities. Dedicated to fostering inclusive opportunities in business and education, Yasmine draws upon her own experiences as an immigrant and woman in tech to create a platform for conversation and igniting change. In addition to ROAR, Yasmine launched the Philadelphia chapter of Girl Develop It (a non-profit providing affordable opportunities for women to learn software development) and serves on the board of Coded by Kids (a non-profit providing free tech education to inner-city youth). Her role as a leader and advocate has been recognized by the BBC, CNBC's Upstart 100, Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia Business Journal, Technical.ly Philly, and the City of Philadelphia, among others. She is a 2x TedX speaker with a roster of speaking credits that also include SXSW and CES. Prior to launching ROAR, Yasmine founded and sold her first company to a prominent content marketing firm in Silicon Valley. She graduated summa cum laude from Temple University with a Business Management Degree.
Dr. Kimberly McGlonn is an advocate for justice & environmentalism, advocacy that informs her approach to leadership in the fashion industry. As Founder & CEO of the manufacturing start-up & BCorp, Grant Blvd, she oversees the creative direction & growth strategy of the brand. Ultimately, Grant Blvd's mission is to construct stylish, sustainably sourced fashion by reducing waste to landfills and by creating living wage jobs for women, particularly those who are formerly incarcerated. Outside of these roles, Kimberly disrupts by guiding other social entrepreneurs in discovering their purpose, via her digital community, “Build It Boldly” and her podcast, "School for Disrupters". Her 18 years of experience as a teacher of world literature (colonialism) & marginalization in the American story and her ongoing service as a Councilwoman in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, have all shaped her insights into social & environmental justice. Her work is rooted in leveraging her talents and insights in order to promote conscious consumption and to innovate sustainable strategies. Kimberly has spent her career working at the intersection of private sector, government, and non-profits, aligning them in order to achieve both sustainability and social impact aims. Of her diverse skills, Kimberly is a most experienced creative strategist, brand manager, and curator of radically inclusive teams. Her work has been funded by Beyonce & featured by Fast Company, Inc Magazine, WWD, and Shondaland
Sonya Haffey is the Principal of V Starr and has led the firm since 2009. When she joined the company, Sonya used her extensive experience from previous roles, as founder of her own design firm, to transition V Starr from being exclusively residential to including a strong commercial basis. Sonya works with the team, on keeping V Starr running as a well-oiled machine. The team brings together their strengths to create impactful designs such as those at V Starr's first hospitality project, the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami. Sonya has a signature whimsical outlook and passionate energy, an approach that shines through in the firm's projects , including the Spa at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the West Half Lounge overlooking Nationals Park in Washington, DC, a lounge at Chicago's Midtown Athletic Club flagship, and the V Suite at the adjoining Hotel at Midtown in Chicago in addition to a growing hospitality portfolio with full hotel projects and a host of multi-family properties. Recently, Sonya worked with her team to create V Starr's first product collaboration with Wolf-Gordon, The Muse Collection. Sonya attended Florida State University and, after graduating, studied interior design abroad in places such as London, Paris, Milan and Glasgow. She was licensed two years after entering the design world proving her passion for the field and desire to become a serious professional. Sonya's specialties are business development and relationships. She has a natural talent for space planning that has been proven during her years of experience.
A renowned graffiti and fine artist, Vincent has parlayed his knowledge of street culture and traditional illustration techniques into the field of graphic arts, marketing and brand development. He is the Founder and Creative Director of Revolver New York, a full-service branding agency, and has worked with hospitality, residential and lifestyle brands such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and more.
As FINE's founder and Executive Creative Director, Ken servse as creative visionary, strategist, consultant, and confidant to our clients, developing and growing award-winning brands. FINE is a brand agency for the digital age. They plan, create, and evolve the core brand expressions that define and differentiate companies today. From positioning and strategy, through identity and sophisticated digital destinations, FINE develops experiences with the brand gravity to pull customers in and make them feel like sticking around.
Ms. Nunley is an experienced world traveler and has spent more than 20 years in the technology industry. She's held leadership positions in Strategy, Product Management, Revenue Management and Online Distribution with many of the leading global hotel software providers like Micros Systems (Oracle Hospitality) and Sabre Hospitality. At Salesforce she lends her industry expertise to help deliver the next generation of hospitality solutions and strategies to the global community and remains excited to step into the next decade of Hospitality Customer Engagement.
Kevin Osterhaus is an operator's operator. After serving in operations leadership roles at Bunkhouse, Sixty Hotels, Standard, and Ennismore, he became President of Graduate Hotels in November 2021. Graduate Hotels has experienced rapid growth over the past three years, expanding from 13 hotels to 32 properties, and recently launched Graduate Homes, its foray into managed short-term rentals.
A career hospitality veteran, Josh Rubinstein takes pride in representing inspired companies and talented hospitality executives across the United States. Josh began his career in boutique hotel and stand-alone restaurant operations and managed various Michelin-starred and James Beard award-winning restaurants, giving him a unique perspective on executive search. He later joined Korn Ferry as a recruiter and was quickly promoted to Managing Consultant, Executive Search for Travel, Hospitality & Leisure. Wanting a more personalized and boutique experience, he joined the Elliot Group as Vice President of Executive Search. In 2021 Josh joined the Passionality Group leading Executive Search and Human Capital Management and in 2022, was appointed Partner, Head of Strategic Growth Partnerships. Simultaneously, Josh founded JPR Human Capital, an innately different search firm focusing on the relationship first.
Richard Valtr is the founder of Mews Systems. Mews is headquartered in Amsterdam with offices in 10 countries worldwide is a cloud-based property management software (PMS) provider supplying hospitality providers with software to manage their businesses. Mews enables great service by simplifying and automating the management of a hospitality business, letting hoteliers focus on delivering great customer experiences instead of their administrative tasks. Mews provides solutions for hotels and hostels across the world including, Accor Hotels, Tsogo Sun, Generator Hostels, Jo & Joe, and more.
Dan Ryan has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. He's furnished thousands of hotel guestrooms, from the Kimpton Hotels to the Canopy Hotels and the Ritz Calrtons or Four Seasons Hotels worldwide. Dan's true passion is to help people on their journeys. His way of helping is by being the pride founder and host of the podcast called “Defining Hospitality,” where they talk about hospitality trends with industry leaders.
Ryan Ashley is here to bring poetry to the masses as an artist, published poet, event entertainer, entrepreneur, and passionate hospitality professional. Traditionally, he is a professional personalized poet who has written tens of thousands of personalized poems live on the spot at high-caliber events (using a vintage typewriter) for people about any and every theme you can imagine. Ryan has worked with brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, St.Regis, Groot Hospitality, Google, The House of Yes, AREA 15, Kimpton and Coachella.
On this episode, Christopher Plant sits down with Shannon Knapp, president and CEO of The Leading Hotels of the World. They discuss everything from the pandemic's affect on the hospitality industry to how hotels adapt their marketing techniquest through customer reviews and market feedback. Learn more about Shannon Knapp
On this episode, Christopher Plant is joined by Josh Goldbum. Josh is the CEO of Bluecadet and co-founder of Art World. Christopher and Josh discuss the crypto and NFT economy, as well as the future of technology and augmented reality. Learn more about Josh Goldblum
On this episode, Christopher Plant is joined by Christina Grace, the CEO of Foodprint: an organization dedicated to designing and launch waste reduction and recycling programs for businesses. Christina and Christopher discuss how Foodprint institutes best practices for businesses to mindfully track their waste and the future of waste management. Learn more about Christina Grace
In this episode, Christopher and Andrew sit down with Theo Edwards Butler who is the founder of Modern Green Book. They discuss how people can support black businesses while traveling as well as all things Hampton House in Miami. To learn more about Theo Edwards Butler- Click here! To learn more about the Independent Lodging Conference- Click here!
In this episode, Christopher and Andrew sit down with Sarah Eustis who is the CEO of Main Street Hospitality and ILC Advisory Board member. They discuss hospitality in New England and her story in becoming a leader in the hospitality industry. To learn more about Sarah Eustis- Click here! To learn more about the Independent Lodging Conference- Click here!
In this episode, Christopher and Andrew sit down with Meriem Solomon, who is the president and General Council of Ace Hotels. They discuss how hotel branding changed during the pandemic and why ILC is a valuable asset to the hotel industry. To learn more about the Independent Lodging Conference- Click here!
In this episode, Christopher and Andrew sit down with Jason Bass, who is the Director of Culture and Impact at Hotel Revival. They discussed their role in the community during the pandemic as well as bias and representation in the hotel industry. To learn more about Jason Bass- Click here! To learn more about the Independent Lodging Conference- Click here!
In this episode, Christopher and Andrew sit down with Bashar Wali, who is the founder of both THIS ASSEMBLY and Practice Hospitality. Christopher and Bashar discuss hospitality post pandemic as well as fostering an impactful hospitality community, To learn more about Bashar Wali- Click here! To learn more about the Independent Lodging Conference- Click here!
On this episode, hosts Andrew and Christopher sit down with Aliya Khan, who is the Vice President and Global Design Director at Marriott International. Christopher and Aliya discuss her time at Marriott, the importance of independent hotels and the future of the hotel industry. To learn more about Aliya Khan- Click here! To learn more about the Independent Lodging Conference- Click here!
On Episode 30, Samantha Goldworm, Co-Founder of olfactory branding agency 12.29 and Scent for Good talks with Andrew about the future of scent-based branding in the independent hospitality industry, how fragrance effects the guest experience, and the importance of a "give-back" mindset in business.
Yasmine is the CEO and Founder of ROAR for Good. She joined Andrew to discuss how her business creates a safe place for women in the workplace.
In episode 028 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down with Gulla Jonsdottir, an award-winning designer and Owner & Principal of her own architecture & design firm based in Los Angeles. Gulla shares how she started her career in architecture & design with offers from Frank Gehry and Richard Meier, her proudest moments with her own design firm, and her desire to continue honing her design skills in different mediums.
In episode 027 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew chats with Robert LeBlanc, the CEO of LeBlanc + Smith, a boutique collection of restaurants and bars focused on creating culturally relevant experiences through superlative food and beverage programs, timeless design, and a prevailing sense of southern hospitality. Robert shares his methodology in generating excellent hospitality experiences by investing from within and developing great hospitality leaders, as well as his first hotel concept, The Chloe.
In episode 026 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew talks with Tony Ewing, Principal at Shift Capital, a social impact real estate firm that deploys development strategies in underserved neighborhoods by aligning capital and longterm community success. Tony shares how he started in real estate with Liberty Property Trust, a firm focused on office buildings and industrial properties, along with his transition to Shift Capital, where we works to provide safe & affordable housing and build areas up through community-driven initiatives.
In episode 025 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down with Bruno Haid, the Founder & CEO of Roam, the first global co-living provider where peole sign a single lease, and then roam among magical properties across 3 continents. Bruno shares his self-taught methodology as well as observations of successful businesses across several industries that paved the way for his 'digital nomad' lifestyle and brand.
In episode 024 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down with Brooks Atwood, the Master of Design Experiences at Berries Design, a design company specializing in experiences, from boutique hotels and hospitality to interior design and experiences. Brooks shares how he stays motivated and curious by finding joy in daily life, as well as his approach to design and what he's working on now.
In episode 023 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew chats with Michelle Woodley, the President of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, about her journey working her way up in the hotel industry. Michelle shares her extensive hotel experience, comments on the state of independent hotels, and tells us where she sees the industry going.
In episode 022 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down the Anwar Mekhayech, Founding Partner at Design Agency, to talk about his career as an entrepreneur. Anwar shares his experience in starting his own design firm, lessons learned through the years, and what keeps him inspired after 22 years in the business.
In episode 021 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew chats with Lindsey Scannapieco, the Managing Partner of Scout, an urban development and design practice, about her experience in revitalizing vacant/underutilized spaces. Lindsey shares details on the conception of her practice in London, her transition back to the states, as well as Scout's largest project to date, the Bok Building in our home, Philadelphia.
In episode 020 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down with Matt Goodrich, an award-winning interior designer, strategist, and the Founder & Principal of Goodrich, a hospitality design and branding practice. Matt shares his passion for shaping experiences through narrative-based design and what his firm is doing to continue to create spaces with intention and empathy.
In Episode 019 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew talks with Ivy Mix, Owner of the James Beard Award-nominated restaurant, Leyenda, and Author of 'Spirits of Latin America' about how she got into bartending and her career in the F&B industry leading up to her book release in May 2020. Ivy shares how she has advocated for women getting into the bar scene through her bartending competition, Speed Rack, and sprinkles in some of her wealth of knowledge on Latin American spirits.
In episode 018 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down with Zack Hurley, Co-Founder & CEO of Indie Source and Forbes 30 under 30, to talk about his success in identifying key issues in the fashion supply chain and developing his business model around solving those problems. Zach shares his process as it relates to the fashion industry, but these strategies are applicable anywhere!
In episode 017 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew chats with Sheldon Scott, the Director of Culture at Eaton Workshop, about his past experiences working as a psychotherapist and how that has shaped the trajectory of his artistic endeavors and career. Sheldon shares how prevalent the concept of healing has been in his life, art, and work; along with some updates on what's next for Eaton Workshop! Thank you to our partner, RADIOKISMET *** Follow us! Instagram: @indiecongress Twitter: @indiecongress LinkedIn: The Independent Lodging Congress Explore more with ILC: ilcongress.com
In episode 16 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew talks to Eric Jafari, the co-founder and creative director of Locke Hotels, about curating an extended stay experience with a non traditional approach to design and an emphasis on building relationships. Locke Hotels aim to "create something that's unique that reflects the area without being staged." Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
On episode 15 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down with David Bowd, owner of Salt Hotels, to discuss boutique lifestyle hotels and the importance of educating and hiring within local communities. David focuses on "what makes a great community" and how "school is the foundation of a community." "Now we'll never launch at another hotel without doing a school. It allows us to have locals, but it allows us to, you know, not only serve the community, it allows us to help the community by employing locally and making sure that as many local people, as we can, I've given jobs within the hotels." Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
Harsha L'Acqua is the founder and CEO of Saira Hospitality, "a non-profit transforming the way hotels connect with local communities through education.” In this episode she talks with Andrew about her background, the inspiration for starting Saira, and their upcoming projects. She also talks about meeting Mother Theresa and the impact that her work had on Harsha and her sisters by seeing how much one person can help a community. Having worked in Mexico, British Virgin Islands, Namibia and beyond, she discusses working within different cultural mindsets. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In episode 013 of INDIE Colorcast, Andrew sits down with YOWIE founder Shannon Maldonado to talk about concept stores, design, and curating experiences both at YOWIE and boutique hotels. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In this episode of INDIE Colorcast we speak with Arash Azarbarzin, President of SH Hotels about starting his career in hospitality as a culinary student, managing the St. Regis Hotel in Century City, his transition from W Hotels to SH and the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In a time of global shutdown, host Andrew Benioff sits down with Markus Schreyer, Senior Vice President at Design Hotels, to find some surprising opportunities on the future of the industry. Markus talks about the future of design, local integration, diverse destinations, multi-faceted locations, the new travel flexibility of COVID-19 and virtual experiences. Design Hotels is a community of over 300 world-wide boutique and design-driven luxury hotels across the globe that focus on curated and authentic cultural experiences.
In episode 010 of INDIE Colorcast we speak with Bashar Wali, President and CEO of Provenance Hotels, about how he caught the hospitality bug. He shares his ideas of travel as a brain opener to the way the world lives, and we crown him as the Philosopher King of the Hotel Industry! Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In episode 009 of INDIE Colorcast we speak with Thom Collins, President & Executive Director of The Barnes Foundation, about how he came to understand art as a way to educate, communicate and influence. He lends his perspective on how the hospitality space can replace mediocre wall art with more meaningful alternatives. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In episode 008 of INDIE Colorcast we sit down with Nicole Marquis, Founder & CEO of HipCityVeg, to talk about her journey to pioneering the vegan food movement in Philadelphia. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In episode 007 of INDIE Colorcast, we sit down with Paul McGowan, Owner of Hospitality 3 & Study Hotels, about his start in the industry & launching the Study Hotels brand in University markets. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In episode 006 of INDIE Colorcast, we sit down with restaurateur Ellen Yin, Founder & Co-Owner of High Street Hospitality Group. We cover opening a restaurant in Philadelphia in her 20s, the importance of collaboration, and sustainability through thoughtful sourcing. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
In episode 005 of INDIE Colorcast, we sit down with Marquise Stillwell, Founder & Principal of Openbox, at the 2020 INDIE Confab: New Orleans. We cover human centered design, hotels creating welcoming environments for both guests and the local community. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/ Recording Location: New Orleans
In episode 004 of INDIE Colorcast, we sit down with Dave Neupert, Owner of R Bar & Gold-Diggers, at the 2020 INDIE Confab: New Orleans. We cover his life as a developer in New Orleans and L.A., blending commercial real estate with entertainment & hospitality and focusing on quality over scale. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/ Recording Location: New Orleans
In episode 003 of INDIE Colorcast, we sit down with Nathalie Jordi, Co-owner of Hotel Peter & Paul, at the 2020 INDIE Confab: New Orleans. We cover what brought Nathalie to New Orleans, historic preservation, partnering with ASH NYC, and the importance of engaging the local neighborhood as a developer. Thank you to our partner RADIOKISMET. * * * ILC instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecongress/ ILC twitter: https://twitter.com/IndieCongress Explore more with ILC: https://ilcongress.com/ Recording Location: New Orleans
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