In Episode 3 of The Owner’s Lounge, host Sandip Patel sits down with Utica Mayor Mike Galime for a wide-ranging conversation that proves hotels and hospitality are about much more than heads in beds. From tourism’s impact on local economies to the growing challenges of Airbnbs, minimum wage hikes, and insurance costs, this episode shines a spotlight on how city leadership and hotel owners can work together to build stronger communities.

Mayor Galime talks openly about Utica’s vision for tourism development, the role of events like tournaments at the Nexus Center, and why a new citywide bed tax is on the table. The discussion dives into workforce development too—imagine a training hub right in Utica designed to prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals. And yes, they tackle the elephant in the room: leveling the playing field between hotels and short-term rentals like Airbnb.

This episode is a must-listen for hotel owners, local business leaders, and anyone curious about how tourism dollars flow back into city life. It’s part policy talk, part inside scoop, and all about finding balance between growth and fairness in the hospitality space.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• How tourism generates billions for New York State and why Utica is leaning into it
• Mayor Galime’s take on minimum wage increases and their impact on local businesses
• The push to regulate and tax Airbnbs fairly alongside hotels
• Why workforce development and hospitality training could be a game-changer
• How bed taxes, lobbying, and local partnerships shape the future of tourism in Utica

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Host Sandip Patel sits down with New York State Senator Joseph Griffo for an in-depth, candid conversation about how legislation intersects with hotel ownership, small business, and the hospitality industry at large. From insurance headaches to frivolous lawsuits to the very real impact of credit card fees, this episode peels back the curtain on how laws made in Albany (and beyond) ripple into your day-to-day operations as an owner.

Senator Griffo shares his perspective on finding balance—between consumer protections and business realities, between regulation and freedom, between federal and state action. Along the way, you’ll hear where New York is already taking steps (like junk fee prevention), where the gaps remain, and how owners themselves can step up to advocate for change.

And don’t worry—it’s not all heavy policy talk. From reality-show-worthy hotel tours to the idea of organizing lobbying “lobby days,” there are plenty of moments that make politics and hospitality feel a lot more relatable (and even a little entertaining).

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Why credit card surcharges and hidden fees are back in the spotlight for owners and consumers
• The push for tort reform to protect small businesses from frivolous lawsuits
• How rising insurance costs are crippling hotels—and where owners can push for relief
• The power of collective lobbying and showing up in numbers to make real change
• Why advocacy, fairness, and member engagement are becoming the pillars of the future for hotel owners

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In the very first episode of The Owner’s Lounge, Sandip Patel and Gennaro Di Luigi dive straight into the big questions hotel owners are asking: what’s really happening with the major hotel brands, and how do franchisees make sure they’re getting a fair shake? From stock price rollercoasters to the everyday realities of building, financing, and maintaining hotels, the conversation balances industry-level strategy with on-the-ground owner perspective.

What happens when franchisors keep raising standards while franchisees shoulder the costs? What’s the impact of new hotel brands entering already saturated markets? And how do organizations like AAHOA and AHLA step in to level the playing field for owners? Think of this episode as both a crash course and a call to action for anyone invested in hospitality.

Whether you’re a first-time hotel owner, a seasoned investor, or just fascinated by the inner workings of this industry, you’ll walk away with new insights, real numbers, and some candid laughs.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Why investing in hotels isn’t always as straightforward as buying Hilton or Marriott stock
• How franchise agreements can feel more like marriages—and sometimes divorces
• The 12 Points of Fair Franchising and why they matter to every owner
• Vendor exclusivity headaches
• Why stronger franchisee protections could benefit not just owners, but travelers too

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