In addition to his success in sales, Travis has held key operational leadership roles, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the hospitality business. He understands how to align sales goals with service delivery, team development, and brand standards — creating a seamless experience for both guests and stakeholders.

More about Travis (From his Linkedin profile)

In my varied leadership positions, I have honed a strategic approach to sales, revenue management, and digital marketing, leveraging my hotel commercial and real estate development acumen to drive substantial revenue growth for hotel and restaurant assets. My varied geographical experience has seen the successful deployment of go to market business acquisition strategies that resonate with a diverse clientele globally.

In parallel, as an Adjunct Professor, I impart industry knowledge, emphasizing the intersection of education and practical application. Travis Breen is a seasoned hospitality executive with a deep-rooted background in hotel sales and revenue strategy. Over the past 20+ years, he has led sales teams across a range of major hotel brands, consistently delivering top-line results and driving growth in highly competitive markets. Known for his ability to build strong client relationships, develop high-performing sales cultures, and turn around underperforming markets, Travis has become a go-to leader for hotels looking to boost occupancy, ADR, and long-term profitability.

On this episode of Checking Inn With Miranda and Leon we talk with Josh Graham with https://www.cloudbeds.com/

About Josh (From his Linkedin profile)

Having held multiple operational and management positions in branded and independent hotels, Josh Graham brings a strong sense of hospitality and a passion for customer service to the hotel technology sales space. 

Josh Graham has been a successful seller, taking his territory from $1.25 million to $2 million in the face of the Great Recession and joining President's Club 2 of 3 years. He was then able to take this experience to the product organization and help to launch new products and offerings, including web solutions, digital media, central reservations, video solutions and CRM. He did this by creating sales material, training sellers, and leading client engagements as the product expert, from individual hotels to C-Suite.

As a team leader, he grew his specialist organization from 1 to 5 people and made sales goals 3 of 4 years, including 1 year in President's Club while at Amadeus. 

Before finding what is hopefully his forever home amongst the #cloudbedsconvinced, Josh had stints at Revenue Analytics and FLYR, where he gained a deep appreciation for the art and science of revenue management and appreciation for the interplay between algorithms and human decision-making. In addition, he spent time at Salesforce, where he got a front-row seat into how one of the best tech companies does it better every day.

And on this episode The Leon Thomas Group https://theleonthomasgroup.com/ premieres The Bean Pie Anthem.

“Do you always have a bean pie in your pocket”

During this episode of Checking Inn, we engage in a thoughtful conversation with Jess, exploring key facets of hotel technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence. She also shares insightful guidance for college students and professionals aspiring to advance their careers.

About Jess (From her Linkedin profile)

Jess is a hospitality sales leader with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She works for technology companies that put the guest first. She is also the founder and consultant of Hayespitality, a firm that helps hotels and companies choose and implement their sales, marketing, and operations tools, and spark sales and delight guests. 

Jess is passionate about hospitality technology and marketing, and has a proven track record of solving problems, connecting with people, and generating leads and metrics. She has worked with Sojern, Plusgrade, iVvy, Buku, and Jimmy's Jazz Club, and served as President of HSMAI Boston. She holds a B.A. in French from Mount Holyoke College and used to speak the language fluently. She loves to travel, write, and take photos, and has visited places such as France, Ethiopia, Tahiti, and Nebraska. She lives in Portsmouth, NH but considers Philadelphia her home.

During this conversation Emily talks about her work as CEO and Founder at Pen Dailey Consultting. https://pendailey.com/

Here’s some more information about Emily (from her Linkedin Profile)

While my interests and experiences are very diverse, they are driven by a strong set of values and beliefs. I am a creative, inquisitive, and nurturing person. I follow three simple rules in my life and career:

- Treat others the way THEY want to be treated.

- Practice makes improvement. 

- Leave things better than you found them. 

See my full portfolio at https://empendailey.com

14 years ago I was studying Theatre Production and Design when I started working at a hotel. I fell in love with the hospitality industry. The union of guest service and hotel branding crafted meaningful theatre which could both entertain and also connect people. Over these many years, I have worked in operations, marketing, design, communications, and branding in hotels, restaurants, retail, and tourism. Over the years I have worked in the B2C and B2B space and look at the experience of clients, customers, and guests holistically with each interaction being a thread in the fabric of their experience with the brand. 

I have a deep passion for the environment and social justice issues and have interest in making the travel and tourism space more societally and environmentally sustainable. 

Along with hospitality I have many other passions; I love teaching and learning, yoga, travel, gardening, paddle sports, biking, hiking, camping, painting, cooking, caring for animals, and improving the environment. My favorite gifts of all-time have been my camera, microscope, paint set, and books. When I'm not at my laptop I can often be found in the garden or by the beach. If you have a fun fact or crazy idea you've been dying to share with someone, send me a message!

In addition to sharing his background, Don introduces us to Tagged Trip—the simplest and safest way to meet like-minded people while traveling. Once you sign up on the mobile app, any planned future trips become Tagged Trips™, automatically “attracting” other like-minded travelers. The app also connects you with groups and events that match your profile.

Don also discusses another app he helped create: Farever—a platform that enables nonprofits to communicate and collaborate to better help those in need.

To get in touch with Don, you can email him at Don@FreshRevenues.com or call him directly at 731-514-1589.

Here’s some information about Don (taken from his Linkedin profile)

As the Founder of Fresh Revenues, I’ve helped over 10,000 hotels, hotel management companies and other hospitality businesses to significantly increase their profits and permanently distance themselves from the competition. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, I have developed a unique approach with guaranteed results. 

At Fresh Revenues, we offer DNA-customized programs and processes designed to boost your market share, revenues, and ROI. Our expert team works closely with you to cultivate a revenue-driven culture that permeates every level of your organization, from clients and employees to brand, vendor partners, lenders, and the community.

What sets us apart?

- Proven Profit Acceleration Strategies: Our cutting-edge techniques are tailored to the specific needs of the hospitality industry, ensuring maximum impact on your bottom line.

- Guaranteed Results: We are so confident in our ability to deliver that if you're not satisfied with the results, you don't pay. It's that simple.

- Comprehensive Approach: We address your challenges holistically, focusing on sales, service, leadership, and culture to create lasting, transformative change.

I've been fortunate to share my expertise as a speaker at major industry conferences and events, and I am committed to staying at the forefront of hospitality trends and best practices.

Specialties: Sales and Service Culture Transformation | Hotel Profitability Strategies | Leadership and Culture Development | Customized Training Solutions | Revenue Optimization

https://www.templestreeteatery.com/

Before they were Temple Street Eatery, Chef Diego Ng & Chef Alex Kuk were doing POP-UPS all over Miami under the name HOUMEI. The concept which currently resides inside The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, focuses on Chino-Latino inspired dishes from their upbringing (Alex being Chinese-American & Diego being Chino-Venezolano) and from their travels.

Watch this episode to learn about Diego’s path to restaurant ownership.

About Annie, from her Linkedin profile

Co-Founder & CEO of The Host Co. We connect hotel-level amenities to short term rentals in 17 countries and counting.

Former Creative Director Facebook and Twitter. Embedded lead Google, Nike, R/GA. 

Tech and travel nerd, three years in Asia and two across Europe + Africa + South America. 

Past life: TV Director and Producer, Lucasfilm Development, USC Film School.

To learn more visit https://www.thehost.co/

Among the many topics discussed was his new book “Ai is F***ing Hospitality”

Purchase the book at this link

https://sites.google.com/view/aiisfinghospitalityliterally/

Hospitality, long rooted in personal interaction and care, is experiencing a radical transformation. Artificial Intelligence (Al) has evolved from science fiction into a powerful, disruptive force, reshaping everything from guest experiences to operational workflows. This book delves into how Al is revolutionizing the hospitality industry — transforming simple interactions, such as room service, into sophisticated processes and raising new questions about privacy, personalization, and service innovation. This book navigates the thrilling and complex relationship between Al and hospitality through real-world examples, expert insights, and compelling case studies.

About Dr. Crawford, (from his Linkedin profile)

With over a decade in adult learning, certification development, and project management, I specialize in creating impactful, data-driven training solutions that drive measurable results. I’ve led SaaS-based certification programs with a 92% pass rate for over 40,000 learners and managed SME workshops to ensure alignment with accreditation standards.

As a PMP-certified project manager, I bring a structured approach to program development and continuous improvement. My expertise spans LMS integration, including platforms like Moodle, Blackboard, and D2L, and leveraging data tools like Amazon and Microsoft Azure to meet diverse learner needs.

Highlights:

- Managed SME workshops for curriculum design and compliance, ensuring alignment with accreditation 

 standards

- Increased team effectiveness by 75% through strategic training initiatives and project management 

 practices

- Developed essential courses in Event Planning, Food & Beverage, and Hotel Operations to address 

 workforce demands

Key Skills: Adult Learning | Program & Project Management | Certification & Compliance | Data-Driven Training Solutions | Learning Management Systems | Curriculum Development | SME Collaboration

I am dedicated to transforming training initiatives into measurable successes and am always open to connecting with like-minded professionals in adult education and project management.

Horace is widely recognized as a leadership expert and speaker, with a focus on team development, communication, and quality assurance in hospitality. His journey reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and the empowerment of others in the hospitality field.

Don’t miss this engaging episode as Phil shares his expertise, stories, and practical tips from the hotel world.

In today's segment, we'll hear advice from Anna Blue Carolyn D. Richmond Karen Ramon, Horace T. Brooks Lani Kane-Hanan and Katherine Martin, CHIA

Contact Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch, PhD or me if you would like to be a guest on Checking Inn.

Marcus’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring, and his story will undoubtedly motivate and uplift you.

If you own or manage a hotel, consider reaching out to Marcus about featuring his pretzels at your property.

Transcript

In each installment of Checking Inn with Your 20-Year-Old Self, we'll share the valuable advice offered by our guests on the show.

Check out the first three installments of What Advice Would You Give to Your 20-Year-Old Self!

During our conversation Andrew shared some valuable insights on how the hospitality industry can be more inclusive and eliminate unconscious biases.

For years, the hospitality industry worldwide has consistently struggled to hire enough people to fill the available positions in its workplace. As hospitality educators, Tim Flohr, MBA, and Lisa Cain, PhD, have witnessed this shortage firsthand and its impact on the industry. To help address this situation, the created HospitalityInternships.com to connect today's talent with available internships and leadership positions worldwide.

Transcript

AHED, focusses on transforming the hospitality industry by uplifting and amplifying a culture representative of untapped talent. We envision a hospitality workforce where diversity, equity, and inclusivity are not just ideals but inherent qualities of our leadership.

The link for nominating is https://ahla.secure-platform.com/a

Seva Global offers a wide array of cultural competency training services to foster cultural competence across your organization

You may contact Seema directly via email at

seema-jain@seva-global.comseema.jain@seva-global.com

On this episode Miranda and Leon chat with Christina and Cindy from Adaptive Equipment Corner. The focus off the conversation is on how to make hotels more senior friendly

On the show Miranda and Leon discuss DEI in the hospitality industry

Part of Stef's bio reads "My research agenda lies within the nexus of social equity and critical tourism scholarship exploring marginalized populations’ lived experiences and counter narratives."